Often regarded as the same process, wheel alignment and wheel balancing are two entirely different automotive maintenance items. They affect ride and handling.
If a wheel is out of balance, it will cause a vibration. This vibration can be felt in the steering wheel and/or seat, while a wheel out of alignment can cause excessive wheel wear and steering problems.
A wheel alignment consists of adjusting the wheel angles perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. A regular wheel alignment will maximize wheel life and enable a vehicle to track straightly. A car out of alignment will pull or drift away from a straight line.
In comparison, wheel balancing provides a smoother ride by minimizing wheel bounce, which will, in turn, help improve traction and steering control and extend wheel life. Wheels out of balance will develop a cupped wear pattern since one section of the wheel is heavier than the other sections when that wheel is not balanced.
What is Wheel Balancing?
Wheel balancing ensures that the heavy spot in your wheel and wheel assembly is counteracted to eliminate vibrations and provide a smooth ride. Wheel balancing is done by attaching small weights to the wheel. When your assembly is balanced, balanced can result in a smoother ride and less wear on your wheels, chassis, and drivetrain.
The most common symptom of an out-of-balance wheel is a vibration felt in the steering wheel, floorboard, or seat. Left uncorrected can also lead to uneven tread wear, which means your wheels could wear out faster. If you don’t balance the front wheel properly, you’ll likely feel that vibration in the steering wheel. If the problem is in the rear, you’ll feel it in the seat or floor. This vibration can change depending on the speed you’re traveling.
What is an Alignment?
An alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of your vehicle’s wheels. They all work together on straightaways and corners. Everyday driving can cause your wheels to get slightly out of sync, especially if you hit a few curbs or potholes.
When one or more of your wheels isn’t pointing in the same direction, your wheels are scuffing on the road as you drive. It can lead to faster wheel wear. Pulling to one side, an off-center steering wheel, and loss of fuel economy.
If you notice one or more of your wheels wearing faster than the others, your vehicle could be out of alignment.
If you can, it’s a good idea to check your alignment twice yearly. Suggest early spring and early fall. If you can only do it once yearly, stick with early spring.
How Do Balancing and Alignment Benefit your Car?
Balancing services’ most significant benefit is preventing premature wheel tread wear. Technicians agree that getting your wheels balanced every 5,000 to 6,000 miles (or as recommended by your manufacturer) can help extend the wheel lifespan and improve performance.
On the other hand, wheel alignment benefits include improved vehicle handling, fuel efficiency, and wheel life. You should check the vehicle’s alignment every 6,000 miles or yearly. F left untreated; alignment issues can shorten a wheel’s life. Through thousands of miles and damage to critical steering and suspension components.