Wheel balancing vs alignment: what's the difference?

If your car’s steering wheel suddenly has the shakes, or it seems to be pulling off to one side, it could mean your wheels are a little off-kilter. But does that mean you need a wheel balance, or a wheel alignment?

It’s easy to think these services are one in the same—they sound alike, and both include making sure the tyres are properly positioned. And while they both focus on promoting the best tyre wear and driving experience, they each focus on a particular area, which means they are not the same.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about wheel alignment vs balancing, so you know exactly who to call and when for your tyre needs (hint: your friendly mycar tyre technicians are always here to help!).

What is a wheel alignment in a car?

A wheel alignment ensures the car’s suspension angles are aligned correctly, so they line up according to the manufacturer’s specifications. When you bring it into a workshop, your mechanic will look at how the wheels are sitting in relation to the vertical and horizontal axis, as well as the suspension’s upper mounting point. After the inspection, they’ll make adjustments to suit. It’s not an easy task, as it involves extremely precise measurements and specialist equipment to get it right.

If your wheels aren’t properly aligned, it’ll cause uneven tyre wear, poor fuel economy, and reduced safety on the road as your car will be more difficult to control.

Steering alignment vs wheel alignment

You wouldn’t think a shuddery or wonky steering wheel would have anything to do with your tyres—but in fact a wonky steering wheel is usually a symptom of poor wheel alignment. So if you’ve had your them aligned and your steering wheel isn’t centred, it’s possible the alignment hasn’t been performed correctly, or there may be more serious issues with the steering at play.

Wheel alignment vs tyre rotation

Compared to a wheel alignment, which covers the angles your tyres should sit, a tyre rotation is simply that; switching the tyres around from one wheel to another, to help prolong their lifespan. Even when your car’s wheels are properly aligned, they still should be rotated every 10,000 km to give your tyres even wear.

Rotating the tyres helps as many factors can impact tyre wear, such as different styles of driving, whether your commute is full of twists and turns, and if the car’s front end is heavier than the back.

So when you’re looking at wheel alignment vs rotation, they’re both really important parts of tyre maintenance that go hand-in-hand to keep you driving comfortably.

Suspension alignment vs wheel alignment

A suspension alignment is just another name for a wheel alignment, and while there are different kinds of alignment, they all involve both the wheels and the suspension system.

The main difference between alignment types is really whether you’re aligning two wheels, or all four. Generally, you’ll want a four-wheel alignment if you have an AWD with independent suspension, but if you ask your mycar qualified mechanic they'll tell you what you need for your specific vehicle.

The difference between wheel alignment and balancing

So what is the difference between a wheel balance and alignment? When looking at wheel balancing vs wheel alignment, think of alignment as involving the whole suspension system and how the wheels work together, and balancing as involving the individual tyres.

Where wheel balancing refers to the distribution of weight across the diameter of your tyres, an alignment refers to the angle of your suspension and how this dictates the angle your wheels and tyres make contact with the road surface. Both help your car drive smoothly, but make that happen in different ways.

Getting a car wheel alignment: how often is it needed?

Generally it’s recommended to get a wheel alignment twice a year, or about every 10,000 km. This may change depending on your driving style, the type of roads you use, and other contributing factors. Regular alignments ensure your suspension system is always in good nick, and you’ll get more from your tyres.

Pop in for a wheel alignment at mycar

Now you know the difference between these very similar-sounding services, if you need to book your car in for a balance or alignment, head down to your local mycar. With over 270 stores to choose from, it's easy to find a mycar just down the road! And with our workmanship guarantee you’ll always drive away with confidence.

Call us today to book your wheel balance or alignment today!