What is the Difference Between Alignment and Balancing?

The main difference between alignment and balancing lies in their purposes and the specific issues they address. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

Tire Balancing:

• Tire balancing corrects the weight imbalance on your tire and wheel assemblies.
• It prevents vibration, excessive tire wear, damage to the suspension, and other problems.
• During the service, your tires and wheels are mounted onto a tire balancing machine, which spins the assembly to measure the imbalance.
• Balancing is typically performed every 5,000 to 6,000 miles or as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Wheel Alignment:

• Wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of your vehicle's suspension, which connects the vehicle to its wheels.
• It corrects the angles of the tires so they always come in contact with the road in the right way.
• Wheel alignment improves vehicle handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life.
• It is often necessary after hitting a curb, pothole, or being in an accident.

While both services contribute to a smoother ride, they are not the same and serve different purposes. Tire balancing focuses on correcting weight imbalances in the wheels, while wheel alignment adjusts the suspension to ensure proper tire contact with the road.

Comparative Table: Alignment vs Balancing

The purpose of tire balancing and wheel alignment is to ensure a smoother ride and extend the life of your tires. However, they are different services and should not be confused with each other. Here is a table comparing the two:

Tire balancing and wheel alignment can be performed individually, but most repair shops will perform both services at the same time to ensure customer satisfaction.