To understand that front end misalignment can result in tire wear and lower fuel economy. The student will learn to properly identify abnormal tire wear and learn how different front end misalignment settings can result in premature wear problems and lower fuel economy. First is tire wear. Tires are expensive on any vehicle, but for large, diesel powered rigs, prematurely worn out tires can add significantly to the operating cost. The second most important reason for aligning the front tires is to reduce steering drift, turning effort, and to improve the trackability of the truck.
Fuel economy is affected by improperly aligned tires.
The driving forces come from the rear of the truck. As the truck is pushed, the front tires have a certain amount of rolling friction between the tire surface and the roadway. As the vehicle rolls forward, the drag causes the tires to want to move outwardly. This condition is known as a toe-in setting. The lateral, side forces cause tire wear.