Wheel balancing vs alignment: Are they exactly the same?

Feeling that annoying vibration or noticing your car pulling to one side? You’re not alone. Many drivers face this dilemma: Is it a wheel balancing or alignment issue? While they’re often mentioned together, these services tackle different problems. Understanding the difference is key to a smooth, safe, and comfortable ride.

What is wheel balancing?

Wheel balancing ensures the weight around your wheels and tyres is distributed equally to allow them to rotate smoothly. When balancing your wheels, a mechanic adds weights to even out the distribution and counter any disparity. Unbalanced wheels could lead to vibrations in your steering wheel, uneven wear on your tyres, damage to your suspension components, and other under-chassis problems.

What is wheel alignment?

While wheel balancing focuses on the tyre and wheel assembly itself, wheel alignment deals with the bigger picture: your car’s suspension system. It’s not the wheels themselves that are adjusted but the components that hold them in place. 

Proper alignment corrects angles that might be off, ensuring your tyres sit perfectly straight up and down (perpendicular to the ground) and parallel to each other. In simpler terms, alignment ensures your tyres have full contact with the road and prevents your car from pulling to one side. 

Bonus: What is wheel tracking?

Aside from wheel balancing and alignment, you may have heard the term wheel tracking. What is it, and do you need it on top of wheel alignment and wheel balancing? Though this can understandably confuse consumers, wheel tracking is the same as wheel alignment. It’s just another term other mechanics use for wheel alignment services.

Wheel alignment vs balancing: How are they different?

You might not be a mechanic, and it can be tricky to determine whether you need wheel balancing or alignment. This section aims to provide more clarity by discussing their differences in detail.

In terms of addressed symptoms 

Unusual vibrations in the steering wheel and seats at higher speeds, uneven tyre wear, or any issues with your vehicle’s suspension system point towards imbalanced wheels. These require a wheel and tyre balancing service.

On the other hand, misaligned wheels are the likely culprit if your car consistently pulls to one side, you find it difficult to maintain a straight steering wheel, or you experience other handling problems. In this case, getting a wheel alignment check is recommended to restore a smoother ride.

In terms of required tools

While both wheel balancing and alignment require specialised tools, the specific equipment differs. For balancing, a dedicated machine spins the wheels and detects weight imbalances. Based on this information, the mechanic adds counterweights to specific locations on the wheel to achieve perfect balance.

Wheel alignment, meanwhile, utilises an alignment rack and laser-based devices alongside standard wrenches. These lasers track the position of your wheels, ensuring they meet the manufacturer’s specifications for optimal performance, comfort, and safety. For the best results, a four-wheel alignment is recommended.

In terms of vehicle performance impact

Both wheel balancing and alignment significantly impact your car’s performance, but they do so in distinct ways.

For instance, proper wheel balancing prevents vibrations that can lead to a jittery ride and a feeling of reduced control, especially at higher speeds. This translates to a smoother, more comfortable driving experience. Moreover, balanced wheels minimise unnecessary stress on the suspension system, potentially extending its lifespan.

As for wheel alignment, it optimises your car’s handling and fuel efficiency. Misaligned wheels can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, requiring constant steering adjustments to maintain a straight line. This not only reduces driver comfort but also increases fuel consumption as the engine works harder to counteract the pulling force. 

So, with proper alignment, your car tracks straighter, reducing steering effort and enabling the engine to operate more efficiently.

In terms of frequency

The frequency of wheel balancing and alignment depends on various factors, including road conditions and manufacturer recommendations for specific vehicles.

Generally, it’s ideal to have your wheels balanced every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or whenever you rotate your tyres. This helps counteract weight imbalances that develop over time due to wear and tear or minor bumps.

Alignment checks are recommended less frequently than balancing. A good rule of thumb is to have your alignment checked every 12,000 miles or once a year. However, this can change based on your driving habits. If you frequently hit curbs, experience significant potholes, or notice uneven tyre wear, more frequent checks might be necessary.

In terms of service cost

Wheel balancing is more affordable, averaging $50 to $70 per wheel. Wheel alignment costs depend on whether you choose a two-wheel (front only) or four-wheel alignment. Front-wheel alignments start around $50, while a complete four-wheel alignment can reach $120 or more. Since labour costs can also differ by location and mechanic, get a quote before booking your service.

Have your car’s wheels balanced or aligned with Airtasker

Don’t let misaligned wheels or unbalanced tyres compromise your safety. Airtasker has local mechanics ready to help. Whether you need wheel refurbishment or other tyre services, the platform’s got you covered. Log in now, post a task, and let Airtasker take care of the rest.