Keeping your semi-trailer properly aligned is one of the best ways to improve gas mileage, extend tire life, and prevent other costly repairs. Misalignment can be the result of pot holes and poor road conditions. Putting off or ignoring routine maintenance and repair for your semi-trailer alignment is Number 1 on the list of trailer repair mistakes.
Why Semi-Trailer Alignment Matters
Fuel Efficiency
When your semi-trailer is out of alignment your gas mileage, pardon the pun, tanks. Misalignment causes tire scrubbing and, if both axels are out of alignment, you may not notice it but those axels are then working against each other. This means they are working harder, in essence stealing horsepower and, in turn, robbing you at the pump as much as 10%. Improved gas mileage – about 0.3 mpg – is achieved when a misaligned semi-trailer has its rear axle aligned.
Safety
Driver fatigue can occur when your truck is out of alignment. The constant fighting at the wheel to keep the truck in the lane can wear a driver out. Fatigue can lead to drowsiness and even take a toll on the driver’s overall health.
Driving with improper alignment can also cause suspension component strain. Putting undue stress on the suspension can lead to more costly repairs and compromise the safety of your semi-trailer. If left unchecked for too long, it could even lead to the need for a full suspension replacement.
Maintenance Costs
Tires are expensive and the best way to get your money’s worth is to make your tires last the full length of time they are intended to last. But when they wear unevenly due to improper alignment, you’ll likely have to replace them prematurely.
Generally, by the time you’re able to visibly detect the scrubbing, the wear has become significant. Unfortunately this means you’ll be buying new tires before getting the full life out of your current tires.
The Most Important Axle: The Drive Tandem
If the front end on a truck is improperly aligned, problems similar to those in cars can arise. However, the front end only does a small part of the job. The drive tandem axle is most important to have properly aligned. It can also cause the most problems if misaligned.
Thrust angle problems occur if both axles are parallel but not perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle. Scrub angle problems occur when the axles are not parallel. Both scenarios cause the driver to turn the steering wheel in order to keep the vehicle traveling in a straight line.
Signs You May Need an Alignment
Having your truck involved in an accident means getting an alignment is necessary. Even a small collision can cause misalignment. Ensuring proper alignment is an important step to getting back on the road. Let’s look at a few other signs that an alignment is in order.
Uneven Wear
Wide-base tires used to be more susceptible than dual-tires for uneven wear, but it’s not necessarily the case anymore. They have improved over the years and while some brands perform better than others, overall wide-base tires are better for fuel economy, stability and weight savings. But even though improvements have been made, the lingering perception is that if a tire goes down there might be rim damage or there may not be a replacement readily available.
Sudden Flat Tires (Blowouts)
While improperly inflated tires and overloading tires are two reasons blowouts can happen; worn tires are more susceptible to blowouts. Unevenly worn tires – the result of misalignment – are even more highly susceptible to blowouts. Keeping your semi-trailer tires aligned can go a long way to prevent costly and dangerous blowouts.
Vehicle Pulling to the Side
When your truck feels like it’s pulling to the side, it’s a sure sign that it’s time to get that alignment checked. If not addressed, you will get uneven tire wear and unnecessary driver strain from constantly fighting to keep your truck in the lane.
Overall, keeping your semi-trailer tires properly aligned is a small investment with big returns in safety, fuel economy, and tire life.
Contact Semi Service for Trailer Parts & Accessories
Semi Service specializes in all types of trailer repairs, maintenance and sales. If you have questions or need a new or used semi-trailer, we can help!
Contact us online or give us a call at (801) 895-4419 to get started today!