Wheel Alignment vs Wheel Balancing

As a car owner, it’s important to understand the difference between wheel alignment and wheel balancing to ensure proper maintenance of your vehicle. Both are critical for a smooth, safe and efficient driving experience. In this blog, we’ll discuss what wheel alignment and wheel balancing are, how to tell if you need them and the benefits of these professional services.

A wheel alignment refers to adjusting your wheels’ angles so that they’re perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. Proper wheel alignment ensures that the vehicle travels in a straight line and the tyres wear evenly. When your wheels are not aligned correctly, it can result in uneven tyre wear, pulling to one side or the other and decreased fuel efficiency. Common causes of misaligned wheels include hitting curbs or potholes, worn suspension components and accidents.

There are several signs that indicate that your vehicle needs a wheel alignment. These include:

• Uneven tyre wear: Check the tread of your tyres for uneven wear. If one side is worn more than the other, it can indicate a misaligned wheel.
• Vehicle pulling to one side: If your vehicle pulls to one side or the other when you drive, it may be a sign of a misaligned wheel.
• Steering wheel off-centre: You may have a misaligned wheel if your steering wheel is not centred when driving straight.

Wheel balancing is the process of evenly distributing the weight of a tyre and wheel assembly. When a wheel is not balanced, it can cause vibration at high speeds, premature tyre wear and can even cause damage to your vehicle’s suspension. The balancing process involves the use of specialised equipment to determine the weight distribution and the placement of counterweights on the wheel to correct any imbalances.

There are several signs that indicate that your vehicle needs a wheel balancing. These include:

• Vibration at high speeds: If you feel a vibration in your steering wheel or seat while driving at high speeds, it may mean your wheels aren’t balanced correctly.
• Uneven tyre wear: Uneven tyre wear can be another sign of unbalanced wheels.
• Steering wheel shaking: A steering wheel that shakes while driving is a sign of an unbalanced wheel.

To ensure the safety and efficiency of your vehicle, it’s essential to have your wheels aligned and balanced by a professional. At our Advanced Tyres, we use the latest technology and equipment to accurately diagnose any wheel-related issues and perform the necessary services. Our experienced technicians are well-equipped to handle any alignment or balancing needs and will ensure that your vehicle performs at its best. Call our experts today on 07 5483 9311.