Is Poor Alignment Killing Your Truck’s Fuel Efficiency?

You’ve done everything right.  You’ve planned the route, kept up with maintenance, and even watched your RPMs. But that fuel gauge? Still dropping faster than it should. Here’s a silent killer many owner-operators overlook: poor alignment.

Whether it’s your steer axle, drive axle, or trailer tandem, if your wheels aren’t pointed true, your truck’s burning more fuel than necessary. It doesn’t take much, just a degree or two off, and suddenly, your rig is fighting itself down every mile of highway. That resistance adds up fast, and not just at the pump.

Let’s break down how misalignment robs you of mileage and what you can do to fix it.

The Cost of Poor Alignment on Fuel Economy

Most folks think of alignment as a “tire problem.” But it’s really a fuel efficiency problem in disguise. Misaligned axles create rolling resistance, which forces your truck to work harder. More throttle. More fuel. More wear.

In fact, studies show that poor alignment can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 2-3%. That may sound small, but consider this: if you’re burning 20,000 gallons a year, even a 2% loss costs you 400 extra gallons, that’s over $1,500 gone at today’s diesel prices.

And that’s assuming the issue’s mild. Severe misalignments can cause:

• Constant steering correction
• Dragging tires
• Engine strain
• Increased emissions

Over time, this doesn't just wreck fuel economy, it shortens tire life and stresses suspension parts too.

Why Effective Trailer Alignment Matters

Most drivers pay attention to their front-end alignment but completely overlook their trailer. Big mistake. Trailer axle misalignment, even if off by a quarter inch, can drastically increase rolling resistance.

Here’s the kicker: your trailer tandem doesn’t steer. So if it’s misaligned, it constantly “crabs” sideways down the road, forcing your drive axle to compensate. That creates tire scrub, which not only wears rubber fast but also drags your fuel economy into the gutter.

Trailer alignment issues include:

• Axle offset: One side farther forward than the other
• Tracking issues: The trailer doesn't follow directly behind the tractor
• Tire feathering: Irregular wear on trailer tires 

Ignoring trailer alignment is like trying to run a marathon with one shoe pointed sideways—you’ll make it, but it’ll cost you.

Signs Your Truck or Trailer Needs an Alignment

Misalignment doesn’t always scream at you. Often, it whispers—until it’s too late. Keep an eye out for these signs:

• Uneven or rapid tire wear
• Truck pulling to one side
• Crooked steering wheel when driving straight
• Poor handling on the highway
• Trailer tires are wearing faster on one side
• Increased fuel consumption without any other cause

Alignment issues can creep in slowly—after hitting a pothole, bouncing over a loading dock, or even from hauling unbalanced loads. What starts as a minor misalignment can become a major expense if left unchecked.

How Proper Alignment Saves Fuel and Boosts Safety

When your truck and trailer are aligned correctly, everything rolls smoothly. Less friction. Less drag. Less stress on the engine. That translates into:

• Improved fuel mileage
• Longer tire life
• Straighter tracking for better lane stability
• Less driver fatigue
• Lower maintenance costs

Alignment should be part of your preventive maintenance schedule, not just something you fix when tires go bald. Many fleet managers align every 50,000-60,000 miles or with every new tire set. For owner-operators, alignment after major repairs, suspension work, or rough hauls is smart money management.

Save Fuel, Extend Tire Life, Align Today

You can’t control diesel prices, but you can control how efficiently your truck burns it. Poor alignment is a silent fuel thief, but with regular inspections and adjustments, you can take back control of your operating costs. 

These steps will keep your vehicle aligned, whether you’re pulling dry vans, reefers, or flatbeds. Proper alignment makes a noticeable difference in how your truck drives and how much it drinks.

Alignment Services Available in Darlington, SC

At R & N Towing Truck & Trailer Repair in Darlington, SC, we offer comprehensive alignment services for heavy-duty trucks and trailers. Our technicians use precision laser alignment equipment to inspect and correct:

• Steer axle alignment
• Drive axle alignment
• Trailer tandem alignment
• Thrust angle and tracking issues

We get your rig rolling straight, smooth, and fuel-efficient. Let R & N Towing Truck & Trailer Repair in Darlington, SC, realign your rig from bumper to bumper, including your trailer. Get back those lost MPG and make every mile count. For more information, read our article on reefer mistakes that can spoil your cargo.