Bergey’s Truck Centers Acquires Cumberland Truck
Bergey’s Truck Centers Acquires Cumberland Truck
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To keep your drivers safe, improve vehicle performance, and maintain regulatory compliance, be sure you include alignments in your truck maintenance program.
Whether you are running long haul across the country, driving regionally, or within your own city limits – alignments are critically important for commercial trucks. An alignment ensures your vehicle frame and tires are in sync. We’ve created a quick list of why it’s important to keep your fleet aligned.
Misalignment causes uneven tire wear, leading to premature tire replacement. When tires are properly aligned, the vehicle maintains even contact with the road surface. When misaligned, tire life can be reduced by up to 25% or more. Since tires are one of the highest recurring costs for truck fleets, maintaining proper alignment will help extend tire life and reduce costs.
Engines have to work harder when misaligned wheels create drag and resistance. This results in higher fuel consumption. Even the slightest variance can reduce fuel economy by 1–2% or more. Doesn’t sound like much, but over time, and with large fleets, this adds up significantly.
Poor alignment affects steering response and stability, as well as braking performance, especially at highway speeds. Trucks may pull to one side, increasing the risk of lane drift or loss of control, especially with a full load.
Misalignment puts uneven stress on suspension and steering components and can lead to premature repairs and replacements. Not only are the repairs and parts an expense, but the downtime associated with the repairs affect your business.
Drivers are a valuable resource for your business. They keep your business moving. When their rig is misaligned, they must constantly correct steering, leading to fatigue and discomfort. This increase in mental and physical strain reduces safety not just for the driver, but with those who share the road.
All local, state and federal regulatory entities have very clear requirements to ensure commercial vehicles are roadworthy. Misalignment can lead to failed inspections or citations, especially if tire wear is visible or steering is compromised.
To keep alignment top of mind, be sure you include alignment checks as part of your ongoing preventive maintenance schedule. We suggest including an alignment with your preventive maintenance – every 35,000-60,000 miles. Don’t hesitate to have your alignment checked if you experience any of the following:
Schedule your alignments now. This preventive measure can pay for itself in the long run. By reducing tire wear, improving fuel efficiency, and extending component life, proper alignment will improve performance and reduce your overall total cost of ownership. Bergey’s Truck Centers offer alignment services at 10 of our full-service truck centers:
CARLISLE PA | KENNETT SQUARE PA | EPHRATA PA | LEBANON PA | READING PA | SOUDERTON PA | WEST MILTON PA | WRIGHTSVILLE PA | PENNSAUKEN NJ | NEW CASTLE DE
BUZZNERD TRUCKS 
