Proper wheel alignment is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and safety of commercial fleets. For fleet operators, ensuring precise alignment extends the lifespan of tyres and enhances vehicle handling
and safety.
Read on to discover why regular wheel alignment services are essential for maintaining optimal fleet performance and minimising repair costs.
Safety
Wheel alignment is an essential part of vehicle safety. Misaligned wheels can make a lorry unbalanced, leading to a lack of stability and an inability to steer the vehicle effectively. Ineffective steering prevents a driver from having complete control over their vehicle, posing a threat to the driver as well as other road users.
Tyre Wear
Improperly aligned tyres lead to uneven wear, causing them to deteriorate faster and require replacement sooner than usual. For commercial vehicles, which are heavy and large, unbalanced weight can accelerate tyre wear even more. Without proper alignment, this frequent wear results in higher replacement costs and more frequent maintenance.
Fuel Efficiency
Misaligned wheels don’t turn over as efficiently as balanced wheels, leading to extra resistance. The vehicle requires extra fuel to turn the wheels against the resistance, causing fuel to be used more quickly. By aligning wheels correctly, a vehicle can return to normal fuel consumption, reducing unnecessary fuel costs.
Component Lifespan
Misaligned wheels can also put stress on other vehicle components, including the suspension and steering system. This makes the part wear out more quickly, leading to a replacement being required.
Identifying Wheel Alignment Issues
Drivers can conduct visual checks for visible signs of wheel misalignment. Try walking around the vehicle, inspecting the tread of each tyre for inconsistent wear. If one side is more worn than another, or any wheels or suspension components appear damaged, this could suggest a wheel alignment issue.
While the vehicle is moving, drivers may be able to observe signs of wheel misalignment. If the vehicle pulls to one sign and struggles to maintain a straight line or vibrates noticeably, this can indicate a wheel misalignment.
If any of these signs appear, the vehicle should be taken to a commercial vehicle maintenance company promptly for a professional inspection and repair.
Wheel Alignment Maintenance
To ensure a vehicle maintains critical wheel alignment, regular checks, maintenance and servicing should be conducted to avoid damage to the vehicle or safety hazards. This involves regularly scheduled inspections by the driver and fully qualified alignment technicians.
By choosing commercial vehicle maintenance to handle your fleet, you can rest assured that your vehicles will maintain optimum wheel alignment. Experienced technicians can adjust wheel alignment according to its load, ensuring it performs efficiently and minimises the risk of damage.
Transcare – Commercial Fleet Maintenance
At Transcare, we provide top-notch commercial fleet maintenance and fleet servicing in Derbyshire, ensuring your fleet operates at peak efficiency. Our expert fleet servicing minimises downtime and reduces long-term costs associated with repair and replacements. Trust our team of specialist technicians for reliable, efficient solutions that keep your fleet running smoothly. Get in touch today!
