Wheel Alignment and Wheel Balancing – All You Need to Know

By
Annaya Mishra
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0
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Keeping your car’s wheels in top condition is crucial for safety, performance, and the lifespan of your tyres. Two key aspects of wheel care are wheel alignment and wheel balancing.

While they may sound similar, they serve different purposes and are both essential for a smooth, safe driving experience.

In this article, we’ll explain what wheel alignment and wheel balancing are, why they’re important, and how to know when your car needs these services. At Mobile Tyre Surgeons (MTS), we offer both wheel alignment and wheel balancing services to ensure your car stays in optimal condition without needing a garage visit.

What is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment refers to adjusting the angles of your car’s wheels so they are set to the manufacturer’s specifications. Proper alignment ensures that your tyres make full contact with the road and wear evenly. Misalignment can lead to uneven tyre wear, poor handling, and even safety issues.

There are three main angles adjusted during a wheel alignment:

  • Camber: The angle of the tyres when viewed from the front of the car. If the top of the tyre tilts inward or outward, it’s out of alignment.
  • Toe: The direction in which the tyres point, relative to the center of the vehicle. Tyres can point inward (toe-in) or outward (toe-out).
  • Caster: The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. This affects the vehicle’s steering stability.

Signs You Need Wheel Alignment:

  • Uneven tyre wear: If one side of your tyre wears out faster than the other, it’s a sign of misalignment.
  • Car pulling to one side: When driving straight, if your car drifts to one side without steering input, you likely need an alignment.
  • Vibration in the steering wheel: Misaligned wheels can cause your steering wheel to vibrate at certain speeds.
  • Crooked steering wheel: If your steering wheel isn’t centered when driving straight, it’s time to get the alignment checked.

Why Wheel Alignment is Important:

  • Safety: Misaligned wheels can cause your car to handle poorly, especially in emergency situations.
  • Extended Tyre Life: Proper alignment reduces uneven tyre wear, extending the lifespan of your tyres.
  • Better Fuel Efficiency: When wheels are aligned, there is less resistance, meaning your engine doesn’t have to work as hard, improving fuel efficiency.

What is Wheel Balancing?

Wheel balancing involves equalizing the weight distribution across the entire tyre and wheel assembly. When tyres are unbalanced, it causes uneven rotation, which can lead to vibrations, faster tyre wear, and stress on your suspension system.

To balance a tyre, weights are attached to the rim to offset any imbalance in the tyre’s weight distribution. The goal is to ensure the tyre rotates evenly and smoothly.

Signs You Need Wheel Balancing:

  • Vibration in the car: If you feel vibrations through the steering wheel or the floor, especially at higher speeds, your wheels may be out of balance.
  • Uneven tyre wear: Unbalanced tyres can wear unevenly, especially in patches.
  • Noise while driving: If you hear a humming or thumping noise, it could be due to unbalanced tyres.

Why Wheel Balancing is Important:

  • Smooth Ride: Balanced wheels ensure a smooth driving experience, free from vibrations or excessive noise.
  • Extended Tyre and Suspension Life: Balanced wheels prevent uneven tyre wear and reduce the stress on your suspension system, extending the lifespan of both.
  • Improved Safety: Unbalanced wheels can affect your ability to steer and control the vehicle, especially at high speeds.

The Difference Between Wheel Alignment and Wheel Balancing

Though they both relate to your car’s wheels, wheel alignment and balancing are different services addressing distinct issues:

  • Wheel alignment deals with the angles of the wheels to ensure they are perpendicular to the road and parallel to each other.
  • Wheel balancing ensures that the weight of the wheel and tyre is evenly distributed for smooth rotation.

Both are important for maintaining your car’s handling, tyre wear, and overall performance.

How Often Should You Get Wheel Alignment and Balancing?

  • Wheel alignment should be checked every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or if you notice any signs of misalignment, like uneven tyre wear or steering issues. It’s also a good idea to check alignment after hitting a large pothole or curb.
  • Wheel balancing should be done whenever you get new tyres, notice vibrations at higher speeds, or if your tyres wear unevenly.

At Mobile Tyre Surgeons (MTS), we offer both wheel alignment and balancing services as part of our mobile service packages. Our expert technicians come directly to your location, making it easy and convenient to maintain your vehicle’s wheel health.

Conclusion

Wheel alignment and balancing are essential for keeping your car running smoothly, safely, and efficiently. While both services are often overlooked, they play a crucial role in extending tyre life, improving fuel efficiency, and ensuring a comfortable ride.

If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above or simply want to keep your vehicle in top condition, contact Mobile Tyre Surgeons (MTS). Our mobile service means we’ll come to you and take care of your wheel alignment and balancing needs at your convenience. Don’t wait for uneven tyres or vibrations to cause bigger problems—schedule your appointment with MTS today!