The cost of filling your shopping trolley at the supermarket has been on the rise for a while before the latest Middle East conflict kicked off, which has raised global fuel prices. You can’t do much about fuel prices, but you can make the most of your hard-earned dollars by giving your car or truck the maintenance it needs. Your shopping trolley will explain why.
The Dodgy Shopping Trolley
It is fair to say that many of us have been to the shops and wrestled with a shopping trolley with dodgy wheels. It is hard to steer; it might be pulling one way, and it’s taking more effort from you to push all because one or more wheels are out of alignment.
Your car or truck may have wheel alignment issues that are increasing the vehicle’s rolling resistance, which increases the load on the engine and the fuel it consumes, some claim 10% or more. Incorrectly aligned wheels also increase tyre wear, so they need to be replaced sooner.
Wheels can be out of alignment for various reasons, such as impact damage or suspension components that have worn out of specification. These types of problems will require the vehicle to be inspected, repaired and aligned at a professional workshop with wheel alignment equipment.
Owner Inspections
As an owner or driver, you should check your tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the highest level allowed by the specifications (many vehicles list these pressures in the owner’s manual or on a sticker in the door jam). When checking the pressures, have a look at the tread on the tyres. If they look uneven or the rubber blocks have feathery edges, it is recommended that you have your wheel alignment checked.
Keeping your vehicle properly maintained is a great way to reduce overall running costs and ensure it is safe for you and your family. There are many ways to reduce your fuel usage, and wheel alignment is one of the often-forgotten factors that can increase it. If you reduce your fuel consumption, you will have more money to fill your shopping trolley, just don’t pick the one with a dodgy wheel.
