Have you considered looking into your
semi truck’s
wheel alignment lately?
Proper wheel alignment makes it easier to maintain the right driving direction thanks to a tread whose contact surface adheres perfectly to the ground. As tires are the only contact a heavy truck has with the ground, driving safety is highly dependent on this component of a heavy truck.
Here are a few more benefits of proper wheel alignment:
- Benefit from better road holding
- Save fuel
- Prevent premature tire wear on a heavy truck by incorporating tire alignment into your maintenance log.
Do not hesitate to communicate or make an appointment with our
truck center if you think your wheel alignment needs looking into.
What Causes Wheel Misalignment?
There are various reasons poor wheel alignment can occur on your vehicle.
- Sharp and large impact: A sharp and large impact is one of the main reasons we see at our truck center for improper wheel alignment. This can result from driving over a significant pothole, hitting a sidewalk or curb, colliding with another vehicle, or impact with any solid object. Depending on the severity, the force can put the wheels out of alignment.
- Suspension issue: Wheel misalignment can also be caused by a recent replacement of a suspension part.
- Wear & tear: Months of driving through different terrains and seasons naturally cause wear that can lead to wheel misalignment.
- Loose suspension springs: Suspension springs loosen as they age, affecting wheel alignment and creating dangerous driving conditions.
It is always better to prevent than to compromise safety!
Here are five signs that will help you spot
poor alignment of the wheels:
- Tire has excessive wear & tear
- Steering wheel pulls to one side
- Handling is affected
- Wheel isn’t centered or straight
- Difficulty repositioning steering wheel after bends/turns
What are the Benefits of Carrying Out Tire Maintenance?
Tasks related to maintaining wheel alignment have several advantages!
- Increases safety on wet roads: Optimal braking without premature tread wear and better stopping distance control.
- Investment protection: Every inch of misalignment accelerates tire wear and increases driving risk.
- Fuel optimization: Proper alignment can improve fuel efficiency by up to 7%.
When is it Time to Consider Wheel Alignment for Your Heavy Truck?
For heavy trucks, alignment is recommended every 20,000 kilometers, usually at the same time as tire rotation.
However, it is important to perform the alignment as soon as you notice the vehicle pulling left or right.
This can be caused by a “pinch” (positive value) or an “opening” (negative value). Misalignment indicates that one or more wheels are out of place.
Neutral alignment occurs when the wheels’ axle maintains a constant straight-line distance.
The best time to perform wheel alignment is in spring, after black ice has disappeared but potholes are widespread. Countless impacts from potholes or curbs can throw off wheel geometry. Misalignment generates lateral tension in the steering wheel during braking/acceleration and causes tread deformation. Over time, it may also damage suspension pivot points.
High Precision Truck Maintenance at RIL CT CAM
Call Ressorts Industriels Laval for an alignment appointment dedicated to your fleet of heavy trucks.
Only experienced and specialized mechanics should perform these tasks, as improper handling of such heavy equipment can be dangerous.
Our technicians use computerized technologies, including
laser alignment,
to verify wheel position. Tires, wheels, brakes, and suspension are all evaluated using software.
Devices equipped with cameras are installed on each rim, transmitting data to a computer to generate a written report.
Ressorts Industriels Laval specialize in heavy truck alignment, requiring extremely precise work depending on the number of axles.
Do not hesitate to contact us for questions or appointments. You can also view our
wheel alignment price list.