Tire Balancing VS Tire Alignment: What’s the Difference?
Do you feel your steering wheel shaking on the highway? Is your car pulling to one side for no apparent reason? These are signs that could indicate a tire balancing or alignment problem. Although these two procedures are often confused, they have very different purposes!
Read our article to better understand what service is necessary for your vehicle and prevent premature tire wear.
What is tire balancing?
Tire balancing involves adjusting the weight of a wheel to eliminate any vibration while driving. A wheel can be heavier in certain areas, causing imbalance and jarring at certain speeds.
If left unchecked, these vibrations can not only make driving uncomfortable, but also accelerate tire wear and damage your vehicle’s suspension.
Tire mounting and balancing: how does it work?
Tire mounting and balancing is not just about putting a tire on a rim. Proper balancing actually involves several steps:
- Mount the tire on the rim and inflate to the correct pressure.
- Run the wheel balancer to detect areas of imbalance.
- Add weight to restore balance and ensure uniform rotation.
- Final check before installation on the vehicle.
Proper balancing makes all the difference! It helps prevent those annoying little vibrations that can ruin your driving comfort and prematurely wear out your tires. That’s why it must be done carefully when installing or replacing your tires.
Tire balancing: what are the signs to watch for?
Nobody likes an uncomfortable ride, and luckily, your car gives you clues when something’s wrong.
Your car is talking to you, just listen! If you experience any of the following symptoms, a balance is necessary:
- Steering wheel vibrations: The imbalance is probably located at the front.
- Shaking in the driver’s seat: The problem is more likely to be with the rear wheels.
- Uneven tire wear, especially in certain areas.
If you notice these signs, it’s best to see a specialist before it gets worse. Proper balancing can prevent costly repairs in the long run.
What is tire alignment?
Alignment is an essential adjustment that ensures your tires are perfectly aligned for easy and safe driving.
Tire alignment concerns the orientation of the wheels in relation to the road and the steering wheel. If the alignment is off, your car may pull to one side and wear its tires unevenly.
Three elements are particularly important for alignment:
- Wheel alignment: Are the wheels properly aligned?
- Camber: The angle of the wheels relative to the road.
- Steering wheel centering: Is it straight when the car is traveling straight?
Proper tire alignment improves handling and optimizes fuel consumption.
Why is good tire alignment essential?
Perfect alignment ensures stable steering and tires that wear evenly. Who doesn’t love a smooth ride without any unpleasant surprises?
Poor alignment can quickly cause problems:
- The vehicle pulls to one side, forcing you to correct your trajectory.
- The tires wear unevenly, reducing their lifespan.
- Fuel consumption increases because the vehicle encounters more rolling resistance.
Regular checks, especially after an impact, can help avoid a lot of problems.
The key differences between tire balancing and alignment
In short, even though they both affect your tires, balancing and alignment have completely different functions. If your steering wheel vibrates, it’s probably a balancing issue. If your car pulls to one side, it’s high time to check the alignment. Two complementary procedures for a pleasant and safe drive!
- Tire balancing reduces vibrations by compensating for weight differences on the wheel.
- Tire alignment corrects wheel alignment for a stable and precise ride.
How much does tire alignment and balancing cost?
You might think these services are secondary, but in reality, they play a vital role in the longevity of your tires and your driving comfort.
The price of tire balancing installation varies depending on several factors:
- The type of vehicle (sedan, SUV, truck).
- The tire size and rim type (steel or aluminum).
- The auto center chosen.
On average, you should budget between $50 and $100 for four wheels. A small price for a smoother ride and longer-lasting tires!
The tire alignment price depends on the type of vehicle and the service required:
- Standard alignment: $80 to $120.
- Alignment with electronic recalibration: $150 and up.
A properly adjusted alignment helps maximize tire life and reduce fuel consumption, making it a good investment.
How often should you balance or align your tires?
What does proper tire maintenance involve? First and foremost, tire maintenance involves proper tire balancing and alignment. The general rule of thumb is:
- Tire balancing should be performed every time you change tires (summer/winter) or whenever vibrations occur;
- Tire alignment is recommended every 20,000 km or after a major impact (e.g., a pothole).
These adjustments should not be overlooked: they ensure a comfortable ride, reduce wear on your tires and optimize your fuel consumption.
Have your tires fitted and balanced by professionals
Are you experiencing vibrations while driving? Have you noticed abnormal wear on your tires? Don’t let these minor issues get worse! Contact our team today for a quality diagnosis and maintenance. We will be happy to offer you professional and personalized service so you can drive with complete peace of mind!
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