Proper wheel alignment is important and not just for overall vehicle maintenance; it’s crucial for overall safety. A misalignment risks causing excessive wear and tear, lower fuel economy, and increases the risk of an accident. That’s why knowing the signs of a semi-truck wheel alignment is so important to know.
Uneven Tire Wear and Tread
An easy visual check that you can do during pre or post-trip inspections is to check tire wear. When the wheel alignments are damaged or off, the tires will start to wear down unevenly. Uneven tread can lead to a range of other problems and risks. The most significant dangers are a burst tire, air leaks, or affecting safe turning and breaking. If you notice any issues while driving or during an inspection, take your vehicle to a professional for fleet maintenance.
Vehicle Tugging to the Side
Another clear sign of wheel misalignment is if you feel the vehicle tug to one side of the road while driving. It might not be a severe tug, but even a slight pull to one side is a sign. Other times, it can be a large tug which is a serious risk and danger. If that ever happens, never wait to take the vehicle in to get repaired.
Bad Roads or an Accident
Driving on poorly maintained roads, especially with bumps and potholes, can cause the wheels to become misaligned. The same thing can happen if you are in an accident; even a minor one can damage the alignment. Therefore, a vehicle should be checked after an accident to make sure there is no damage. Driving slowly and carefully is the best option with bad roads, but keep an eye out for any semi-truck wheel alignment changes later.
Squealing or Vibrations
Rather than a visual check, sometimes you may hear squeaking, squealing, or even feel vibrations. These can be signs of another problem, like with the brake pads, but it could also be a misalignment that needs fleet maintenance. In cases like these, the repair may be a two-part process. First, you should inspect the vehicle and have the cause of the problem repaired. Then, the wheel alignment should be checked and straightened as needed.
Go to a Professional
In any situation or case where your vehicle needs repairs or inspections, always take it to a professional. Team Motorplex has the training and knowledge to catch both obvious and less obvious issues. Even regular maintenance and inspections can help catch problems before they worsen. Motorplex also offers 2-way alignments, 4-way alignments, and frame straightening.
Motorplex has shops in Auburn and Spokane, so call anytime or anywhere you need semi-truck wheel alignment!
Motorplex Offers Fleet Maintenance in Auburn and Spokane
Motorplex offers fleet maintenance, in-shop repairs, and onsite mobile service in Auburn and Spokane. We can work on all makes and models from light automotive, medium-truck, and heavy-duty vehicles. As diesel engine repair experts, you can trust that fleet is in good hands.
Need professional fleet maintenance? Then Motorplex is here to help. Contact us now to book an appointment in Auburn, WA or Spokane, WA!
