VIDEO: Understanding Wheel Misalignment

Fleet drivers need to recognize the early signs of wheel misalignment so necessary repairs can be scheduled and completed as soon as possible. Misalignment not only creates steering and handling problems; it can shorten a tire’s life by thousands of miles, damage key steering and suspension parts, and make the vehicle much less fuel-efficient.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to suddenly throw off wheel alignment. Simply driving over a poorly maintained road, a pothole or a curb might lead to misalignment problems.

According to Firestone, here are a few signs that indicate wheel misalignment:

• Vehicle pulling to the left or right

• Uneven or rapid tire wear

• Steering wheel is crooked when driving straight

• Squealing tires.

 Firestone offers these tips to help prevent wheel misalignment:

• Remove junk from the trunk. Too much weight loading down the vehicle’s back end can lower the vehicle height and throw off alignment.

• Maintain correct air pressure in the tires.

• Drive conservatively to place less strain on steering and suspension components.

To view a video explaining the causes and impact of wheel misalignment, click on the photo or link above. You may want to pass along this tip to fleet drivers as a friendly reminder.