Wheel Care
Wheel alignment vs wheel balancing: what's the difference?
Quick answer
They are often done together but fix different problems. Learn the symptoms of each and how often you need them.
Table of contents (3 sections)
Alignment and balancing are the two most common wheel services, and they solve different problems.
Wheel alignment
Alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels (camber, caster and toe) so they point straight and sit flat on the road. Signs you need it: the car pulls to one side, the steering wheel is off-centre, or the tyre edges wear unevenly.
Wheel balancing
Balancing corrects weight distribution around the wheel so it spins smoothly. Signs you need it: vibration in the steering or seat at highway speeds.
How often?
- Alignment: every 5,000 km or six months, and after new tyres or a hard pothole hit.
- Balancing: with every new tyre, after puncture repairs and whenever you feel vibration.
