5 Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Alignment ASAP

Proper alignment is critical for ensuring that your vehicle drives straight, handles well, and maximizes tire life. But over time, wear and tear, bumps, and potholes can knock things out of whack. 

Not sure if it’s time for an alignment? Look out for these five signs that you need one ASAP!

1. Steering Wheel is Off-Center

Your steering wheel should be perfectly aligned in the center when driving straight. If you find yourself holding it slightly tilted to keep the truck straight, it’s a telltale sign your alignment is out. Steering precision is critical in heavy-duty trucks, especially when hauling large loads. 

An off-center steering wheel can quickly lead to uneven tire wear, which will decrease fuel efficiency (and with diesel prices sky-high, this shouldn't be ignored). You will also have less control over your vehicle, posing a range of safety hazards on the road.

2. Truck Pulls to One Side

If your truck seems to drift or pull to one side without you turning the wheel, this could be a sign of alignment issues. While road conditions can sometimes cause slight drifting, a consistent pull is almost always due to misaligned wheels. 

This is dangerous for drivers covering long distances, as it forces constant steering correction, leading to driver fatigue. This is a serious concern and is the cause of 91,000 crashes each year in the US alone. It also increases wear on suspension components, which could cause costly repairs down the line.

3. Uneven Tire Wear

Tire wear is a direct indicator of how well your alignment holds up. In a properly aligned truck, the tires wear down evenly across the tread. If you notice that one side of your tires is more worn than the other or if certain tires wear out much faster, it’s a clear sign of misalignment. 

This uneven wear shortens your tires' lifespan and affects handling and fuel economy, costing you more in the long run.

4. Vibrations in the Steering Wheel

A vibrating steering wheel at high speeds is more than just an annoyance—it's a red flag that something's wrong with your alignment or suspension. Misaligned wheels can cause your truck to vibrate or shake as the tires fight against each other to stay straight. Left unchecked, this can damage the steering and suspension systems, creating safety risks and making handling your truck harder, especially at highway speeds.

5. Squealing Tires

Hearing a squeal when you turn corners or navigate tight spaces? That high-pitched sound is often a result of misalignment. Tires are meant to have maximum contact with the road surface, and when misaligned, they scrub against the pavement rather than rolling smoothly. This leads to tire squealing, faster wear, and reduced traction, which is particularly dangerous in wet or icy conditions.

Final Words

Proper alignment is crucial for heavy-duty trucks' safety, efficiency, and long-term savings. If your truck shows any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a professional alignment service. This will help you avoid costly repairs and improve handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life, keeping your truck running smoothly on the road.