Wheel alignment isn’t just about smooth handling; it’s a critical factor in fleet safety, maintenance costs, and operational efficiency. Misaligned wheels can increase tire wear, reduce fuel efficiency, and even affect advanced systems like radar sensors. Using advanced technology like Transteck’s TruckCam Camera Wheel Alignment System, fleets can perform fast, precise, and reliable alignments, protecting their bottom line.
Here are five signs your truck may need alignment:
1. Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear
Uneven or accelerated tire wear in certain spots indicates misalignment. Misaligned wheels don’t evenly distribute weight, leading to premature tire wear.
Why it matters: High tire replacement costs can add up quickly for fleets. TruckCam ensures accurate measurement of all wheel angles, parallelism between axles, and toe/camber adjustments to extend tire life.
2. Truck Pulls to One Side or Off-Center Steering
If your truck drifts while driving straight, or the steering wheel isn’t centered, your alignment may be off.
Why it matters: Constant corrections increase driver fatigue and fuel consumption. TruckCam’s rolling measurement method evaluates wheels under full load, correcting errors and keeping steering precise.
3. Vibrations, Rough Handling, or Squealing Tires
Vibrations or unusual handling, especially at higher speeds, are a classic misalignment symptom.
Why it matters: Poor handling leads to wear on suspension and steering components. TruckCam uses integrated gyroscopes and inclinometers to provide precise readings, allowing immediate adjustment to avoid costly repairs.
4. Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Misaligned wheels increase rolling resistance, forcing engines to work harder.
Why it matters: Higher fuel consumption impacts operational costs. Accurate alignment, as done by TruckCam, reduces resistance and improves fuel economy across the fleet.
5. Post-Load or Trailer Changes Affect Handling
Heavy loads, rough roads, or trailer attachments can disturb wheel alignment.
Why it matters: Unexpected handling changes increase risk and maintenance. TruckCam’s system is fully portable, measures one or multiple axles simultaneously, and works in any light condition — ideal for on-site fleet diagnostics.
Additional Advantages of TruckCam Technology
- Dynamic Measurements: The TruckCam rolling method measures wheels under full load, automatically compensating for wheel adapter errors.
- Advanced Sensors: Measures caster, KPI, and turn angles accurately with integrated gyroscope and inclinometers.
- Radar Sensor Alignment: Adjusts ACC/AICC radar units for modern driver-assistance systems.
- Frame Check: Optional software measures chassis deformation (side sway, vertical bend, twist) in 15 minutes without lifting the vehicle.
- All-in-One Software: Combines wheel alignment, frame checks, multi-axle rolling diagnostics, and radar alignment in a single platform.
- By using these advanced capabilities, fleets reduce downtime, increase vehicle safety, and save on tire, fuel, and maintenance costs.
Conclusion
Wheel alignment is more than a maintenance task, it’s an investment in your fleet’s efficiency and profitability. If you notice uneven tire wear, drifting, vibrations, reduced fuel efficiency, or handling issues after heavy loads, schedule an alignment check immediately. Advanced systems like TruckCam make the process fast, precise, and cost-effective, keeping your fleet on the road safely and profitably.