WinAlign® HD Wheel Alignment Education Guide for Heavy-Duty Trucks

A properly aligned vehicle is one in which all wheels are aimed in the same direction. Some very low tolerance or acceptable error is designed into each vehicle by the manufacturer (see the vehicle manufacturer specifications).

The number one and number two operating expenses in over-the-road transportation are fuel and tires respectively. Both are typically perceived as hard to control. Routine wheel alignment is the most effective way to control tire costs and can impact fuel costs as well.

Problems created by misalignment:

• Excessive tire wear
• Increased fuel consumption caused by increased rolling resistance
• Unsafe vehicle handling characteristics
• Driver fatigue and driver retention
• Premature suspension component wear

Hunter recommends a minimum of two to three alignments per year or every 50,000 to 60,000 miles as part of the average vehicle’s preventive maintenance program.

Alignment service is a natural fit for service facilities currently repairing suspensions. Technicians performing repairs on heavy duty suspensions are in effect alignment technicians. The only required equipment is the precision measuring system.