Choosing the Right Truck Alignment Shop - Top 3 Things to Consider

When it comes to routine truck maintenance, you may not think about heavy-duty truck alignment right away. However, a heavy-duty truck that is only one inch out of alignment can cause the tire to move laterally at the speed of 100 feet per mile. Your fuel economy may start to suffer as a result, which may cause further problems. The path from tire misalignment to additional issues is one that may be quite slippery indeed! Your tires may wear down unevenly if they are misaligned, and you may find it difficult to stop safely in slippery road conditions. Here are some tips that you can follow to help you choose the best truck alignment shop for your needs. 

1. The shop can diagnose your truck correctly

Alignment problems can result from running into potholes, curbs, or other obstacles on the road. There are a few signs that your heavy-duty truck may have alignment problems. When going straight, the steering wheel pulls to the left or right and is not centered. If you take your hands from the wheel it will pull to the left or right, requiring constant adjustment. Regardless of the state of the road, you experience pulsating or shaking via the steering wheel or your seat. The shop should have the expertise to inspect your truck and confirm whether you need an alignment. 

2. Look at what kind of alignment services are offered

The goal of an alignment service is to position the wheels and axles of a heavy-duty truck, so they travel evenly in the same direction.

For the most accurate measurements and alignment adjustments, professional technicians utilize alignment equipment that clamps to your heavy-duty truck's wheels and is connected to a computer. There are three primary forms of alignment, and your technician will advise one of these three depending on the suspension system in your heavy-duty truck:

• Front-end alignment
• Two-axle Alignment
• Three-axle Alignment

Front-end alignments only adjust the angles of the front wheels. Two-axle and three-axle alignments take the entirety of your heavy-duty truck’s wheel setup into consideration. 

3. Look for a shop that is willing to build a long-term relationship 

Experts advise getting an adjustment once or twice a year, or every 6,000 to 12,000 miles if you have been driving in normal conditions. However, the advice is to come in more regularly if you frequently travel on uneven, pothole-filled roads, have clipped a curb recently, or accidentally strike a pothole hard. Because you may need alignment services more frequently, you should look for a wheel alignment shop that is willing to build a long-term relationship with you. 

Final thoughts

Ensuring proper truck alignment is crucial for achieving optimal performance. It prevents your vehicle from pulling in different directions, making your journey safer and more comfortable while maintaining fuel efficiency and decreasing uneven wear on the truck's tires. Correctly aligned wheels are flat against the road and pointed in the right direction. This is particularly essential for heavy-duty trucks that face higher work demands, carry heavy loads, or travel long distances at high speeds. It’s important to have a reliable and reputable heavy-duty alignment shop lined up so you can call on them for all your truck’s alignment needs. 

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