5 Trailer Alignment Mistakes That Cause Premature Tire Wear
June 16, 2025
When your tires are wearing out faster than they should, chances are it’s not the rubber that’s to blame—it’s the alignment. At Gregory’s Trailer and Truck Service in Greer, SC, we often see trailer alignment mistakes as the hidden culprit behind costly premature tire wear, handling issues, and even failed DOT inspections.
Proper trailer alignment ensures your axles are square, tires track straight, and load stress is evenly distributed. But when it’s off? The result is uneven tread wear, reduced fuel economy, and thousands in preventable tire expenses.
Let’s break down the most common alignment mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring Alignment After Suspension Work
It might seem obvious, but many fleets and drivers skip alignment checks after replacing springs, bushings, or hangers. But these components directly affect axle position.
Why It Matters
Any time you disturb the suspension geometry, your axle angles can shift—even if just slightly. Left unchecked, this leads to misalignment and rapid tread degradation.
What to Do
Always schedule a trailer alignment after performing suspension or axle service. It’s far cheaper than a new set of tires.
2. Assuming “Eyeball” Checks Are Good Enough
We get it—many experienced techs can spot obvious misalignment. But today’s trailers are engineered with tight tolerances, and visual inspections alone won’t catch subtle misalignments that cause long-term damage.
Why It Matters
Just 1/8" of misalignment can scrub tires and increase rolling resistance, especially over thousands of miles.
What to Do
Use laser alignment equipment or professional digital tools for precise, reliable results. At Gregory’s, we rely on technology to ensure accuracy—not guesswork.
3. Not Checking Total Trailer Alignment
Many shops only check the toe on the rear axle—or worse, assume the axles are parallel. But true trailer alignment means checking:
● Axle-to-frame square
● Axle-to-axle relationship
● Tracking relative to the kingpin or fifth wheel
Why It Matters
If one axle is slightly skewed, it drags the rest of the trailer off-track. The result? Diagonal wear, poor fuel economy, and sidewall stress on tires.
What to Do
Ask for a complete alignment, including all axles and frame measurements—not just a toe adjustment.
4. Ignoring Tire Wear Patterns
Your tires are talking—and misalignment is written all over them. Feathering, cupping, and shoulder wear all suggest different alignment issues.
Why It Matters
If you’re rotating or replacing tires without addressing the root cause, you’re only masking the problem—not fixing it.
What to Do
Bring worn tires to your alignment appointment. Our techs at Gregory’s Trailer and Truck Service can diagnose alignment issues based on tread patterns alone.
5. Delaying Service When Symptoms Show Up
Too often, trailer alignment gets put off because “it’s still drivable.” But misalignment is progressive—it compounds over time, accelerating tire wear and overloading suspension components.
Common Symptoms Include:
● Uneven tread wear
● Trailer sway or pull
● Driver reports of increased fuel use
● Scrubbed or scalloped tires
What to Do
Schedule service at the first sign of abnormal wear or tracking issues. In Greer’s humid, hot climate, roads wear on tires fast—so there’s no time to waste.
Trailer Alignment and Tire Longevity Go Hand in Hand
Tires aren’t cheap—and neither is downtime. The fastest way to shorten tire life is by letting misalignment go uncorrected. Investing in regular trailer alignment:
● Extends tire life by up to 30%
● Improves fuel efficiency
● Reduces stress on axles and suspension
● Minimizes breakdown risk from blowouts or irregular wear
Learn More
When it comes to trailer alignment mistakes, what you don’t know can hurt your tires—and your bottom line. The good news? These issues are completely preventable with the right tools, inspections, and timing.
At Gregory’s Trailer and Truck Service in Greer, SC, we use industry-leading alignment technology to keep your trailer rolling straight and your tires lasting longer. Book a full alignment service today and protect your investment down to the tread.