Let’s check the wheel alignment vs. wheel balancing Cars are complex systems with various interdependent parts. Therefore, when one part or component of the vehicle gets damaged, it doesn’t take long to affect other related car components, leading to a serious malfunction. One such car issue is a misaligned car wheel and wheel balance issue. These two conditions are fairly common and can cause serious impacts on car tire health and suspension, leading to performance and safety hazards.
However, most people get confused between a misaligned wheel and a wheel balance issue. Even though they are all related to car performance, wheel alignment and balancing are still essentially different. And this blog will discuss what the difference is between wheel alignment and wheel balancing and everything else you need to know about it.
What is Wheel Alignment?
The first step of learning wheel alignment vs. wheel balancing includes understanding what wheel alignment is. The wheel alignment procedure is an important aspect of any four-wheeler. Wheel alignment refers to the process of adjusting the angles of a vehicle’s steering and suspension components back to their original specifications. In simpler terms, wheel alignment suggests the front and back wheels are aligned with the vehicle’s centreline. The primary purpose of wheel alignment is to optimise a vehicle’s drivability and fuel efficiency. Some key angles of wheel alignment include camber, caster, and toe.
What is Wheel Balancing?
On the other hand, wheel balancing refers to the process of undertaking the balance of the weight of the tyre and wheel assembly so that it can spin smoothly even at a high speed. The combination of tyre and wheel can have slightly more weight in one area than another, which can lead to vibration and shaking while driving. There are two types of wheel balancing: static and dynamic. However, static is preferable to wheel balancing than the other.
Symptoms of Misaligned Wheels
It is important to recognize the symptoms of a misaligned wheel to repair it at the earliest and reduce the cost of repair. Symptoms of misaligned wheels or signs of misaligned wheels that indicate misaligned wheels include:
- Vehicle pulling to one side.
- Uneven or faster tire wear
- Off-centered steering
- Vehicle vibrating
- Visible odd angles of wheels
Symptoms of Unbalanced Wheels
Symptoms that indicate when to balance wheels can be determined as
- Unpredictable car control
- Steering wheel vibration
- Uneven tire vibration at certain speeds
- Vibration in floorboard or seat at high speed
How Wheel Alignment is Done
Knowing about wheel alignment vs wheel balancing also includes the knowledge of how wheel alignment is done.
Clamps, four jack stands, a camber gauge, and several other tools are used for wheel alignment. However, when you choose a professional for wheel alignment, the whole process becomes easier. A mechanic will place your car in front of an alignment machine and adjust the toe, camber, caster, and thrust.
A professional mechanic specializing in offering quality wheel alignment services. That is why it is better to contact a professional than do it alone.
How Wheel Balancing is Done
Wheel balancing is done using static or dynamic road force balancing machines. And then adding small weights to the wheel rim to restore equilibrium. A professional mechanic uses every necessary tool and step to effectively balance your car wheel.
When Do You Need Wheel Alignment?
Knowing when you should align wheels or how often should you align wheels is essential to ensure your vehicle wheels are well-aligned. Wheels should be
- Every time your car goes for a repair
- If your car hit a curb or pothole
- Uneven tire wear
- The steering wheel appears off-centered
When Do You Need Wheel Balancing?
Every time you change your car tire, you balance the car wheels. Car vibration at a higher speed can also be a reason for wheel balancing. Here are some reasons for wheel balancing:
- Uneven weight distribution in the wheels
- At every 5000-6000 kilometres,
- Every time you rotate the tire
- Uneven tire wear
Cost Difference Between Alignment and Balancing
Wheel balancing vs wheel alignment cost can significantly vary depending on the below-mentioned factors:
The general pricing overview suggests that wheel balancing charges usually range between 150 INR and 300 INR per wheel, and wheel balancing costs 500 INR to 1500 INR per wheel.
However, several factors can influence the cost of wheel alignment vs. Wheel balancing. This includes the type of wheel alignment/balancing, place of service, whether you are incorporating other services or not, etc.
Why You Need Both for Smooth Driving
Lastly, as you learnt about the essential aspects of wheel alignment vs wheel balancing, you should have understood that both wheel alignment and balancing are equally important for a vehicle to drive smoothly.
Some of the long-term benefits of performing wheel alignment and wheel balancing include
- Better fuel efficiency
- Enhanced tire life
- Improved safety
- Reduced road noise
- Improved overall handling
- Minimized driver fatigue
FAQs Wheel Alignment vs. Wheel Balancing
What is the main difference between wheel alignment and wheel balancing?
Many people ponder over Wheel Alignment vs. Wheel Balancing. Wheel balancing is the correction of weight imbalance on the tire. On the other hand, wheel alignment is the correction of the angles of the tire.
Can misaligned wheels cause vibration like unbalanced wheels?
Yes, one of the common symptoms of misaligned wheels is vibration in the steering wheel, which can become worse with time if not repaired in a timely manner.
How often should I get my wheels aligned and balanced?
One should balance and align their car wheels every 5000 to 6000 miles and also when tires are changed. Do not wait for wheel alignment signs, maintain your wheels and tires routinely for better car performance.
What are the signs that my wheels need alignment?
Some common wheel alignment signs include uneven tire wear, vibrating steering wheels, squeaking tires, car pulling on one side, etc.
What are the symptoms of unbalanced tires?
Unbalanced tires can cause faster tread wear, vibrating steering wheels, poor fuel economy, and faster floorboard wear.
Does wheel alignment affect fuel efficiency?
Yes, poor wheel alignment can affect fuel efficiency. Proper wheel alignment allows a car to move faster and more efficiently, consuming less fuel.
Is wheel balancing necessary after every tire change?
Yes, every time you change your car tire/tires, you must balance your car wheels for better functionality.
Can I drive with misaligned or unbalanced wheels?
One can drive if the wheels are slightly misaligned. However, the minor issue can get severe with time, causing uneven or faster tire wear and potential safety problems. That is why driving with unbalanced or misaligned wheels is not recommended.
How long does it take to perform alignment and balancing?
Balancing can take 30-40 minutes per wheel and can increase based on the number of your car tires. The alignment process can take 60 minutes or less.
Do alignment and balancing improve tire life and safety?
Benefits of wheel alignment and balancing include improved fuel efficiency, better tyre life, reduced repair costs, and so on.