Wheel Balance and Alignment - Same or Different?
Are wheel balancing and wheel alignment the same service?
The brief answer is no. Although a wheel balance and wheel alignment are typically performed during the same service, they are in fact two different services.
While both contribute to a smoother and safer ride, a wheel balance corrects the weight imbalance of a tyre, while a wheel alignment corrects the angles of your tyres to ensure accurate road contact.
Understanding the differences between these two services is important as both impact on the safety and handling of your vehicle, and tyre wear.
Read on to learn more about these two services, including when you will need a wheel balance or wheel alignment, and what to expect from these services in greater detail.
Or if you are looking to book a wheel alignment and wheel balancing service, head on over to our services page.
What is a wheel balancing service?
A wheel balancing service is sometimes referred to as tyre balancing. It corrects any uneven distribution of weight on each tyre and wheel assembly.
During a wheel balance service, your tyres and wheels are mounted onto a tyre balancing machine. The machine spins the tyre and wheel assembly and measures any imbalances that may be present. A technician then installs tyre weights to these spots to achieve precise wheel balance.
What happens if my wheels are imbalanced?
If your wheels are imbalanced this can lead to vibrations experienced through the steering wheel and driver’s seat (particularly when travelling at higher speeds), excessive tyre wear, and potentially more serious issues, including damage to the suspension.
A tyre can become unbalanced due to a variety of reasons. These include:
- Uneven tyre wear
- Loss of a wheel weight due to hitting a curb or pothole
- If your car has been stationary for a lengthy period of time and has developed flat spots
What is a wheel alignment service?
A wheel alignment service involves small adjustment of your vehicle’s suspension system to ensure that all four wheels are correctly aligned in relation to one another. This means that all four wheels are sitting parallel to one another and perpendicular to the ground.
It enhances vehicle handling, preventing your car from veering to either side. It can also promote good tyre life and reduce rolling resistance, meaning that it can improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
What happens if my wheels are misaligned?
Driving with improper wheel alignment can cause premature tyre wear. The longer you delay having a wheel alignment service, the greater the risk of causing undue stress on the vehicle’s suspension system, possibly causing damage to suspension components.
Misalignment also affects the safety of your vehicle by impacting on your ability to effectively brake, and compromises vehicle handling.
Improper wheel alignment can be caused by a variety of reasons. These include:
- General suspension wear and tear over a gradual period of time
- Hitting a curb or driving over a pothole
- Work completed on your vehicle’s suspension and steering
- Failing wheel bearings
When should I have a wheel balance and alignment service?
It is strongly recommended that you have a wheel balance and alignment service whenever you have new tyres fitted. Not only will this ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, it will also promote even tyre wear.
It is also strongly recommended that you have a wheel balance when having a tyre rotation service, and when re-installing a tyre that has had a puncture repair.
Symptoms that can indicate you may require these services include:
- The vehicle is pulling to one side of the road
- Tyres wear unevenly
- Tyres wear prematurely
- Steering wheel vibrates when driving
Wheel balance and alignment services in West Ryde
If you have noticed uneven tyre wear, a shuddering in your steering wheel, or experienced your vehicle pulling to one side of the road, your vehicle may be in need of a wheel balance and alignment.
Located in West Ryde, Marks & Wallings service those in West Ryde and the surrounding areas, including Ryde, Eastwood and Gladesville, in our fully equipped workshop at 940-946 Victoria Rd, West Ryde. Phone us on (02) 9807 1000 to book your next service.