impact of wheel alignment on fuel economy and tyre wear

Three main factors affect fuel consumption:

1. Aerodynamic resistance
2. Mechanical friction
3. Tyre rolling resistance

At a constant 50mph, about 30% of the fuel is used to overcome the tyres rolling resistance, and this rolling resistance will increase dramatically if the tyres are misaligned in any way.

Various trials conducted at M.I.R.A. and with Steertrak customers, have allowed us build predictive models of the impact of wheel alignment on Fuel economy and Tyre wear. See diagrams opposite.

In practice more than one wheel or axle is often misaligned, and this can be combined with a misaligned trailer or incorrect steering box timing.

By adopting preventative wheel alignment, fuel economy improvements of between 3 and 18%, and improvements in average tyre life of up to 20% have been reported by Steertrak customers.

EXAMPLE

By adopting a preventative wheel alignment program, a fleet of 100 6X2 tractor units with trailers, traveling 250K kilometres per annum could typically save: