Wheel Balancing and Alignment: What You Need to Know!

Ever noticed your car shaking slightly when you’re driving or the steering wheel pulling to one side? Perhaps, it is a sign your vehicle is in need of wheel balancing and alignment. While many of us tend to ignore these issues, they play a vital role in ensuring a smooth ride, better mileage, and, most importantly, your safety on the road.

In India, where road conditions can shift from smooth expressways to uneven city roads in an instant, keeping your car in top shape isn’t just an option—it’s essential. However, when it comes to vehicle maintenance, terms like “wheel balancing” and “wheel alignment” often create confusion. What exactly do they mean? Why are they important for your driving experience? And, of course, how much do these services typically cost? Let’s break it down.

Wheel Alignment: What is It? 

The alignment process is often misunderstood as a wheel adjustment. However, these two are different. Wheel alignment is the process of modifying the vehicle’s suspension to get an appropriate angle at which the tires touch the pavement. 

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Causes of impaired wheel alignment:-

• Having an unexpected collision on the road 
• Crashing at high speed into a pothole 
• Small-scale collisions or colliding 
• Wear and tear of the suspension system
• Vehicle modifications such as altering the height of a vehicle
• Unpredictable road conditions

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How Do You Know If Your Car Alignment Is Incorrect?

Your car will usually show you the signs when it needs some car balancing and alignment. Here are the main signs to watch for:

For Balancing Issues:

• Your steering wheel vibrates, especially at highway speeds
• You feel a shaking or trembling in your car’s floor or seats
• Your tires show uneven wear patterns
• You hear a rhythmic noise that gets louder as you drive faster

For Alignment Problems:

• Your car pulls to one side when driving straight
• Your steering wheel isn’t centered when driving straight
• Your tires make squealing noises
• You notice your tires wearing down unevenly, especially on the edges

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Why Are Wheels Balancing and Alignment So Important?

Imagine trying to ride a bike with wobbly wheels or handlebars that keep turning to one side – not fun, right? The same goes for your car! Here’s why wheel balancing and alignment matter:

• Your tires will last longer (saving you money!)
• Your car will drive smoother and safer
• You’ll use less gas because your car won’t have to work as hard
• Your steering will feel better and more controlled
• You’ll avoid expensive repairs down the road

How is Misalignment Fixed?

When the angle of your car tires deviates from their normal linear position, it is called misalignment. To fix it, the technicians mostly focus on three factors:

• The angular difference between the vertical axis of the wheels being steered and the steering’s axis is known as the caster angle. 
• This has to do with keeping the car balanced and stable when steering. To fix misalignment, the technician usually finds the ideal balance between positive and negative caster angles.
• Repairing the angular proportions between the wheels’ vertical axis and the car’s vertical axis from the front is the goal of the camber angle.
• When viewed from above, the toe angle is the angle that the tires produce as they move inward or outward with the vehicle’s longitudinal axis.The proper wheel alignment is attained once all three angles are back in line.

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Wheel Balancing: What is it?

By adding tiny weights to the wheel, wheel balancing aims to distribute the tire and wheel assembly weight evenly. It corrects the minor imbalances that can cause a bumpy ride. 

Wheel Balancing Procedure 

In order to avoid vibrations and guarantee a smooth ride, wheel balancing is an essential procedure that makes sure your tires and wheels are weighted equally. This is how the process usually goes:

First Examination:

The tire and wheel assembly will be visually inspected by the technician to look for any evident problems or damage, also, you can find the best and trustworthy mechanics near you with just a click on OLX.

Wheel Mounting on the Balancer:

After being taken out of the car, the wheel and tire are put on a specialized balancing device. The wheel is rotated by this mechanism to detect imbalances.

Turning the Wheel:

To resemble the road conditions, the wheel is spun quickly. The machine’s sensors pick up on any unequal weight distribution, which results in vibrations.

Finding the Disproportion:

By monitoring the wheel’s motion while spinning, the system determines the imbalance’s location and severity. This makes it easier to determine where weight should be added or subtracted. 

Including Weights:

Then, depending on the machine’s data, tiny weights are placed to the wheel’s rim in specific places. By spreading weight uniformly throughout the wheel, these weights rectify the imbalance. 

Retesting:

To make sure the additional weights have completely balanced the wheel, it is spun once more. Adjustments are done as needed. 

Reinstallation:

After the tire has been balanced, it is put back on the car and checked one more time to make sure everything is secure. 

Test Drive:

To make sure that the car runs smoothly, several mechanics at the auto repair shop may take your car for a drive.

When Do You Need Wheel Balancing?

If you notice vibrations in the floorboard, seat, or steering wheel while driving, particularly at high speeds, it’s a sign that your wheels need balancing. Wheel balancing is also necessary when rotating tires, installing new ones, or if you detect uneven tire wear. Frequent balancing prolongs tire life, guarantees a smooth ride, and keeps suspension parts from wearing out needlessly. Wheel Balancing is also needed approximately every 6,000 miles (10,000 kilometers) during normal tire maintenance

Note: The area of your car trembling can suggest which part of your wheel, be it front or rear, needs to be balanced. Your front tires are probably the cause of the imbalance if you feel vibrations in the steering wheel. The back wheels are most likely the source of the imbalance if you see trembling in the seats. 

Difference between Wheel balancing and alignment

Although they are related, wheel alignment and balancing have different functions in maintaining safe and comfortable driving.

Wheel Balancing:

• Resolves weight imbalances in the tire and wheel assembly.
• Primarily focuses on ensuring the tires rotate evenly without causing vibrations.
• Essential for tire wear, vehicle stability, and overall safety.
• Imbalances typically originate within the tires themselves.

Wheel Alignment:

• Involves adjusting the angles at which tires contact the road.
• Affects a larger part of the car’s suspension system, unlike balancing which is limited to the wheel assembly.
• Ensures proper tire-road contact, improving handling and reducing strain on suspension components.
• Misalignment is often caused by external factors like hitting potholes or curbs.

Impact of Imbalance and Misalignment:

• Both issues lead to uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised vehicle performance.
• Proper balancing and alignment are crucial for a smooth driving experience, longer tire life, and better fuel economy.

Cost of Wheel Alignment and Balancing 

After discussing the fundamentals, let’s discuss wheel balancing and alignment cost:

Wheel Alignment Cost:

Typically, each wheel alignment costs between Rs. 150 and Rs. 300. Location, vehicle type, and whether you choose a two-wheel or four-wheel alignment, however, may all affect this. 

Wheel Balancing Cost:

Usually falling between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1500, wheel balancing is reasonably priced. Similar to alignment, the precise price may change depending on your location and the kind of wheels and tires on your car. 

Key Takeaway 

Two essential tire maintenance procedures that have a big influence on the general condition of your car are wheel alignment and balancing. These maintenance procedures are also necessary for security. By ensuring the car tires are positioned appropriately, wheel alignment improves handling, fuel economy, and tire longevity. Wheel balancing, on the other hand, evenly distributes weight, lowering vibrations and prolonging tire life. But make sure to get it done from a trustworthy auto repair shop, you can also find the best ones near you on OLX.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How frequently should my wheels be balanced?

Ideally you should balance your wheels every 5,000 to 7,500 kilometers. Wheel balancing is also advised when putting on new tires or following tire rotation. Additionally, if you experience any vibrations while driving, it’s a sign that wheel balancing may be needed.

Do you require alignment and wheel balancing?

Yes, wheel alignment and balancing are a must have maintenance procedure for your car’s safety. Your tires’ angles are adjusted by alignment, but weight distribution is guaranteed by balancing. Your car journey is safer and smoother when both services are combined. 

Is wheel balancing necessary for new tires?

It is a good practice, indeed. Because new tires might vary in weight, balancing helps them function at their best and last longer.

Is it possible to drive without wheel balancing?

No, it is not recommended to drive without wheel balancing. Driving with imbalanced wheels can cause pain, shorten tire life, and increase suspension wear. 

Which comes first- Wheel alignment or tire balance?

Wheel balance should usually be done first, followed by alignment. By distributing weight evenly, balancing ensures precise alignment measurements and a more efficient alignment procedure.