If you’re a car owner, you already know how important it is to keep your vehicle in good condition. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your car runs smoothly and safely. Two vital aspects of maintaining your vehicle are wheel balance and wheel alignment. Although they may sound similar, they are two completely different things. We explain the difference between wheel balance vs alignment and why you need to keep them in check.
What are some signs of poor wheel balance?
Signs of poor wheel balance may include vibrations, wobbling, or shaking in the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard. You may also notice uneven wear on your tyres, particularly on the edges or specific spots. If you feel like your car is pulling to one side or you have difficulty controlling it, this could also be a sign of unbalanced wheels. Additionally, if you hear unusual noises while driving, it could be due to poor wheel balance. If you notice any of these symptoms, you must have your wheels inspected by a professional to avoid further damage and ensure your safety on the road.
Wheel balance vs wheel alignment
While wheel balance and alignment are critical for your vehicle’s health, they are different things and address different issues. Wheel balance ensures that your car’s weight is evenly distributed across all four tyres. In contrast, wheel alignment ensures that all four wheels are properly aligned and perpendicular to the ground. Although both are essential for your vehicle’s performance, they address different problems and require different types of maintenance.
Proper alignment is essential for your vehicle to handle well and for your tyres to wear evenly. Misaligned wheels can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, affect steering, and cause uneven tyre wear. Wheel alignment is typically adjusted by making small changes to the angles of the wheels and the suspension system. Bring your vehicle in for a service if you’re worried about your wheel alignment.
Wheel balance maintenance
If you notice that your steering wheel shakes or vibrates, it’s a sign that your wheels may not be balanced correctly. Wheel balance is typically achieved by adding small weights to the rim of the wheel to counterbalance any heavy spots. Contact us today if this is a concern of yours. A professional mechanic can diagnose any issues and make the necessary adjustments to balance your wheels correctly.
The importance of proper wheel balance and alignment
Proper wheel balance and alignment are crucial to your vehicle’s performance and safety for several reasons. First, properly balanced wheels can prevent vibration, wobbling, and uneven wear on your tyres, leading to costly repairs. Second, properly aligned wheels ensure that your vehicle handles well and that your tyres wear evenly, improving fuel mileage and saving you fuel. Third, misaligned wheels can cause your car to pull to one side or affect your steering, which can be dangerous on the road.
The benefits of regular wheel maintenance
Regular wheel maintenance can provide several benefits for your vehicle. First, it can help you avoid costly repairs by preventing premature tyre wear and damage to your suspension system. Second, it can improve your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency, saving you money in the long run. Third, it can enhance your safety on the road by ensuring that your car handles well and that your tyres are making even contact with the road surface.
Wheel balance and wheel alignment are essential to maintaining your vehicle’s overall performance and safety. Regularly checking and maintaining your wheel balance and alignment can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your car running smoothly. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of unbalanced or misaligned wheels, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional. Remember, proper maintenance is key to getting the most out of your vehicle.
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