Your guide to wheel balancing and alignments
You’ve probably heard the terms “wheel alignment” or “wheel balancing,” but what do they actually mean? Those unfamiliar with the terms could be forgiven for mistaking them for the same thing. So, let’s look at what they mean and why they’re essential for vehicle maintenance. Here’s an overview of wheel balancing and alignments.
What is the difference?
First, you may wonder what the difference is between wheel balancing and alignments. Simply put, wheel balancing deals with the weight of your wheels and tires, while wheel alignment deals with the angle of your tires.
Why are they important?
Now that we know what each term means,, let’s look at why they are both critical for your vehicle’s maintenance.
Wheel balancing is necessary because it helps to ensure that your tires wear evenly. If your tires are not correctly balanced, they will begin to show signs of wear and tear more quickly on one side than the other. This can lead to several problems, including decreased fuel efficiency and increased wear on your suspension components.
Wheel alignment is critical because it helps to keep your vehicle driving straight. If your alignment is off, it can cause your vehicle to pull to one side or the other. This can be extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds. Additionally, an improper alignment can also cause increased wear on your tires and suspension components.
What happens during a wheel balancing service?
During a wheel balancing service, your technician will first check the condition of your tires, looking for any uneven wear patterns or damage. They will then spin your wheels and use a special machine to check for any imbalances. Once they have found the source of the imbalance, they will add weights to your wheels to correct the problem. Finally, they will recheck the balance of your wheels to ensure that the issue has been resolved.
What happens during a wheel alignment service?
During a wheel alignment, a technician will adjust the wheel camber, which is the angle of the wheel in relation to the ground. They will also adjust the toe, which is the horizontal or vertical angle of the wheel in relation to the car’s body. Finally, they will adjust the caster, which is the angle of the wheel in relation to the vertical axis. Each of these adjustments affects how the car drives and increases the life of your tyres. In layman’s terms, a wheel alignment service corrects your vehicle’s wheels so that they all point in the same direction for even tyre wear and improved handling.
How much does each service cost?
Wheel balancing and alignment services are typically inexpensive. The average wheel alignment cost is between $60 and $100, while the average cost of a wheel balancing service is between $30 and $50 per tyre. However, remember that the cost of these services will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle and your mechanic.
Paget Discount Tyres & Batteries has a large selection of tyres ranging from premium brands to high-quality, cheap tyres, as well as a comprehensive selection of batteries to suit all needs and budgets. Our team of experts can advise you on the best tyres or batteries for your vehicle, and our prices are extremely competitive. Contact us today to discuss your requirements or visit our tyre shop at 105 Archibald Street in Paget.