Is wheel balancing the same as wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment and balancing may seem like the same things, but these terms have two different meanings. Both services are designed to ensure that your tyres are performing at their best. Merityre’s informative guide highlights the difference between wheel balancing and wheel alignment.

What is wheel balancing?

Wheel balancing refers to the weight distribution across the vehicle’s tyres, ensuring each wheel rotates evenly on the road. Typically, it involves putting small amounts of balancing weights on the tyre’s rim, counteracting any wheel imbalances. If the wheel does not rotate evenly, weights are added to the outside or inside rim to ensure even weight distribution.

What are the signs that your vehicle’s wheels may be unbalanced?

• Wear and tear on the shocks, springs and bearings.
• Your car uses more fuel than usual.
• Your vehicle pulls to one side.
• The steering wheel vibrates while stationary.

When is wheel balancing needed?

Wheel balancing is essential for having a stable, safe and smooth drive, allowing the tyres to spin without vibrating. Having perfectly balanced tyres ensures the rubber lasts longer while improving your driving experience.

What is wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment refers to checking the angles of the wheels and adjusting the suspension to ensure the wheels are correctly positioned on the road. Having correctly aligned tyres reduces the likelihood of your car veering to the left or right while improving your car’s handling. If the tyres are misaligned, alignment changes can be made via tweaks to the tie rods or control arms to fix wheel alignment.

Is tracking the same as wheel alignment?

Tracking is a term that is sometimes used instead of wheel alignment. For older vehicles, the back axle was fixed which meant only the front tyres could be adjusted to ensure they were correctly aligned, unlike modern vehicles, where all four wheels are adjustable. Wheel alignment refers to aligning all four wheels.

What causes wheels to be misaligned?

Many things can cause your wheels to be misaligned, thus affecting your safety and driving experience. Wheel misalignment can be caused by:

• Driving over potholes.
• Worn or faulty steering and suspension components.
• Modifying the vehicle height without adjusting the suspension.
• Being involved in an accident or collision.

When is wheel alignment needed?

You will notice your tyres are misaligned when:

• The tyres make a squealing noise.
• Your tyres show uneven wear.
• Your steering wheel vibrates while travelling at high speed.

Incorrect wheel alignment and balancing can damage your vehicle and affect your car’s safety and handling. Book your free wheel alignment or wheel balancing check at your nearest Merityre branch today.