Tire balancing vs. alignment: Are they exactly the same?

Is your car’s erratic behavior driving you crazy? Feeling those annoying vibrations or a persistent pull to one side? It could be a tire balance or alignment issue. While they often go hand in hand, these services tackle distinct problems. Read on to unravel the mystery and get your ride back to smooth sailing.

What is tire balancing?

What does tire balancing do? Basically, it ensures the weight around your wheels and tires is distributed equally to allow them to rotate smoothly. But how are tires balanced? When balancing your tires, 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 tires, damage to your suspension components, and other under-chassis problems.

What is tire alignment?

While tire balancing focuses on the tire and wheel assembly itself, tire 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. 

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

Bonus: What is wheel tracking?

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

Tire alignment vs. balancing: How are they different?

You might not be a mechanic, and it can be tricky to determine whether you need tire 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 tire wear, or any issues with your vehicle’s suspension system point toward imbalanced wheels. These require a wheel and tire 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 tire alignment check is recommended to restore a smoother ride.

In terms of required tools

While both tire balancing and alignment require specialized 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.

Tire alignment, meanwhile, utilizes 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-tire alignment is recommended.

In terms of vehicle performance impact

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

For instance, proper tire 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 minimize unnecessary stress on the suspension system, potentially extending its lifespan.

As for tire alignment, it optimizes 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 tire balancing and alignment depends on various factors, including road conditions and manufacturer recommendations for specific vehicles.

How often should you balance your tires? Generally, it’s ideal to have them balanced every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or whenever you rotate your tires. 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 tire wear, more frequent checks might be necessary.

In terms of service cost

Tire balancing is more affordable, averaging $65 to $100 per wheel. Tire 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 $300 or more. Since labor costs can also differ by location and mechanic, get a quote before booking your service.

Have your car’s tires balanced or aligned with Airtasker

Want a car that handles like a dream? A simple tire alignment or balance could be the answer. Airtasker makes it easy to find local experts for all your car servicing needs. From refurbishing your rims to getting new tires, the platform’s got you covered. Log in now, post a task, and let Airtasker take care of the rest.