Wheel Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment

Given their central role in the movement and handling of your vehicle, your wheels should be a priority when it comes to routine auto care. Wheel alignment and balancing are two of the most important services needed to ensure wheel and tire performance. But what do these two services involve, how do they differ, and how often do they need to be performed? Our service team answers these questions below in a comparison of wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment.

Wheel Balancing

When you have your wheels balanced, the technician adjusts the angles of the wheels so that the wheels and tires can work together and deliver the most efficient performance on Champlin and Blaine roads. With the passage of time and more and more miles traveled, it’s normal for tires to lose some balance, which is why we encourage you to include wheel balancing in your regular auto maintenance routine. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific service intervals, but, with most passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs, wheels should be balanced every 5,000 to 6,000 miles or every six months, whichever occurs first. This is also how often you should have your tires rotated, and you can have both services performed at the same visit.

Wheel Alignment

A wheel alignment, also called a front-end alignment, adjusts your wheels so they are perpendicular to the road and parallel to each other. As a result, the tires wear more evenly and deliver a smoother ride and better handling and control. In comparing wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment, one of the biggest differences between these two services is frequency. Wheel balancing is an integral part of routine auto maintenance, while wheel alignment is only performed as needed.

Wheel Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment: Which Service Do You Need?

Now that you know the differences between wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment, you may be wondering how you can tell if your vehicle is due for one of these services. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to tell. If you experience any of these issues, wheel balancing is likely needed:

• Shaking or vibrating steering wheel
• Excessive bounce
• Loss of traction or control

And here are the signs that a wheel alignment is in order:

• Vehicle pulling
• Extreme wear and tear on your tires
• Uneven tire tread depth

Let Mauer Main Chevrolet Handle Your Wheel Alignment and Balancing Services

After reading up on wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment, are you due for one of these services? The Mauer Main Chevrolet service team offers comprehensive auto repairs and maintenance to customers throughout the Anoka area. Make a service appointment online or contact us directly. Looking to save on your visit? Be sure to browse our latest offers.