Vehicle alignment settings serve a variety of functions in vehicle operation and affect, among other things, handling, steering, stability, performance and safety. Research has shown that total vehicle alignment maintenance and inspection programs can pay dividends in extended tire wear for increased tire mileage, enhanced fuel economy, decreased component wear, greater uptime, improved driver comfort and safer vehicles. Nevertheless, industry experts estimate that 70 to 80 percent of Class 8 trucks on the road today have alignment problems.
The chassis serves as the foundation of the vehicle and it needs to be square and solid to support the dynamics of the complete structure. The chassis includes each wheel, axle, suspension component and frame member, and all should be aligned in relation to one another as a whole.