Wheel Alignment and Wheel Balancing: What’s the Difference? 

Wheel alignment and wheel balancing are two key aspects that play a significant role in providing safety and performance in car maintenance. Although the terms wheel alignment and wheel balancing may sound similar, this article will examine the clear difference between them. 

Key Highlights

• Wheel alignment keeps your car straight, stable, and easy to control.

• Wheel balancing stops steering vibrations and makes your ride smoother.

• Misalignment and imbalance can wear out tires and hurt fuel efficiency.

• Get wheel alignment every 10,000–12,000 km and balancing every 5,000–6,000 km.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment validates that all four car wheels are aligned with each other and the road. This is done by adjusting the vehicle’s suspension system. Here, the angles of the wheels are adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. 

By this method, they validate that the wheels are perpendicular to the ground and, at the same time, are parallel to each other. Wheel alignment mainly focuses on positioning three angles: camber, castor and toe. 

When you look at the vehicle from the front, the inward or outward tilt of the wheel is called a camber. The caster angle influences the angle at which the steering axis is tilted. Toe alignment refers to the angle or direction in which the wheels are aligned concerning the vehicle's central axis.

What is Wheel Balancing?

Wheel balancing refers to equalizing the weight load or correction of weight distribution. This process guarantees that the tire and wheel weight is distributed evenly around the axle. Small weights are added to compensate for any imbalance in the wheel. 

Wheel balancing thus ensures that the wheel rotates smoothly, providing a smooth driving experience without any strain on the suspension. There are two types of wheel balancing: static balancing and dynamic balancing. Static balancing is used to balance the weight distribution in one plane, and dynamic balancing looks into the weight distribution in vertical and horizontal planes.

Wheel Alignment vs. Wheel Balancing

Better fuel efficiency, prolonged tire life, optimized vehicle performance, preventing expensive repairs, improved vehicle safety, and a smoother and more comfortable driving experience are some of the core benefits of wheel alignment and balancing. 

When to Service the Car?

Periodic service will improve handling and ensure a smooth driving experience. The recommended service interval for wheel alignment is every 10,000 to 12,000 km or once a year. 

Meanwhile, wheel balancing is required every 5,000 to 6,000 km or during vibrations. Regular service intervals will ensure a long life for the tyres, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency. 

Wheel alignment and wheel balancing play a unique role in providing a smooth and safe driving experience. Misalignment can lead to accidents, high repair costs, and potentially high premiums. Hence, regular service on wheel alignment and wheel balance can contribute to keeping your car in good condition, which in turn helps to avoid unnecessary insurance expenses.