Ask Your Mechanic: “Is there a Difference between Wheel Alignment and Wheel Balancing?”
Because it is difficult for the average driver to understand the difference between wheel alignment and wheel balancing, it is important to have your car checked on a regular basis by a professional at your auto shop. Whether it’s misalignment or a lost tire balance, it will eventually damage your tires, your suspension system, and/or your steering system. Your vehicle will become a safety hazard on the road if you ignore maintaining the correct car alignment and wheel balance!
So what does “out of balance” mean and how is it corrected? Imperfections in the rubber or damage to a tire or rim can throw a wheel "out of balance." That means that one section of the tire or rim is heavier. One wheel at a time is removed from the car and placed on a computerized machine that spins around to determine which side of the wheel is the heaviest. A small lead weight is then attached to the tire to counter-balance any heavy spots until the weight is the same on all sides of the wheel.
So what is the difference between wheel alignment and wheel balancing? When your car rolled off the assembly line, it came preset with special angles that position your tires correctly so that your vehicle drives in the direction it is pointed. Improper car alignment can cause your tires to wear unevenly and prematurely. It can also negatively affect the overall performance of your vehicle.
Many drivers are not sure if their vehicle has lost its alignment or if a wheel has lost its balance as many of the signs are similar. Here are some of the signs to watch out for:
- A Vehicle pulling to the left or right
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- The steering wheel is crooked, it feels “loose,” or vibrates
- Squealing tires, wobbly tires
Having the alignment and balancing checked every 5,000 to 6,000 miles can help maximize the lifespan of your tires and keep your vehicle driving safely. Also, any time you have tires repaired or rotated, be sure to have the alignment and balancing checked.
If you want to know more about the divergence between wheel alignment and wheel balancing, contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil's Service today for more information about our car alignment services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and Other Surrounding Area.
If you neglect to maintain proper car alignment or tire balancing, you will start to notice any vehicle issues. Ask your mechanic about the difference between wheel alignment & balancing.
Because it is difficult for the average driver to understand the difference between wheel alignment and wheel balancing, it is important to have your car checked on a regular basis by a professional at your auto shop. Whether it’s misalignment or a lost tire balance, it will eventually damage your tires, your suspension system, and/or your steering system. Your vehicle will become a safety hazard on the road if you ignore maintaining the correct car alignment and wheel balance!
So what does “out of balance” mean and how is it corrected? Imperfections in the rubber or damage to a tire or rim can throw a wheel "out of balance." That means that one section of the tire or rim is heavier. One wheel at a time is removed from the car and placed on a computerized machine that spins around to determine which side of the wheel is the heaviest. A small lead weight is then attached to the tire to counter-balance any heavy spots until the weight is the same on all sides of the wheel.
So what is the difference between wheel alignment and wheel balancing? When your car rolled off the assembly line, it came preset with special angles that position your tires correctly so that your vehicle drives in the direction it is pointed. Improper car alignment can cause your tires to wear unevenly and prematurely. It can also negatively affect the overall performance of your vehicle.
Many drivers are not sure if their vehicle has lost its alignment or if a wheel has lost its balance as many of the signs are similar. Here are some of the signs to watch out for:
- A Vehicle pulling to the left or right
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- The steering wheel is crooked, it feels “loose,” or vibrates
- Squealing tires, wobbly tires
Having the alignment and balancing checked every 5,000 to 6,000 miles can help maximize the lifespan of your tires and keep your vehicle driving safely. Also, any time you have tires repaired or rotated, be sure to have the alignment and balancing checked.
If you want to know more about the divergence between wheel alignment and wheel balancing, contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil's Service today for more information about our car alignment services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and Other Surrounding Area.
