A Wheel Balance Or Wheel Alignment?
Wednesday 14 June 2023
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Choosing Between Wheel Balancing and Wheel Alignment
When it comes to booking a car or tyre service, you often come across the terms "balancing" and "alignment." But do you really understand what they mean and how they affect your vehicle? Although tyre balance and alignment both contribute to a smoother ride, they are two distinct services. Knowing the difference between the two can enhance your driving experience, ensure your safety on the road, and make maintenance decisions easier.
What is tyre Balancing?
Tyre balancing involves correcting the uneven weight distribution in your tyres. When wheels are improperly balanced, various problems can arise, including vibrations, increased wear, suspension damage, and more. By choosing the right company, these issues can be addressed using specialised balancing equipment. The equipment rotates the wheel and tyre setup to identify any imbalance, enabling the technician to accurately add the necessary weights for a perfectly balanced wheel and tyre combination.
Signs that Your tyres Need Balancing
Uneven tread wear and vibrations in the controls, floorboard, or seat are indicators that your tyres may need balancing. Having them balanced after fixing or rotating a flat tyre is also a good idea. Including tyre balancing in your routine car maintenance can prevent potential issues. Depending on which part of your car shakes the most, you can determine whether it's the front or rear wheels that require balancing. Typically, if the vibration is felt predominantly in the steering wheel, it's likely the front tyres, whereas excessive movement in the seats indicates poor balance in the rear wheels. Additionally, hitting a pothole or curb can cause your tyres to become unbalanced by dislodging a wheel weight. Prolonged periods of inactivity can also lead to imbalances due to flat patches developing on the tyres.
Understanding Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment involves adjusting a vehicle's suspension system, which connects it to the wheels. It goes beyond merely tweaking the tyres. Alignment ensures that your vehicle doesn't drift to the left or right and eliminates unusual vibrations while driving. Proper tyre alignment significantly impacts your vehicle's safety and performance. Fortunately, the experts at your local All Coast Tyres are well-versed in following the manufacturer's guidelines and determining the optimal alignment for your vehicle.
Signs that Your Car Needs Wheel Alignment
If you've experienced unfamiliar vibrations while driving, noticed your vehicle pulling to one side instead of going straight, or observed that your steering wheel isn't centred, these could all be signs that your car needs a wheel alignment. Uneven tyre wear is another common indication, with one side of the tread appearing more worn than the other. This can occur due to various reasons such as hitting potholes, driving on rough roads, or normal wear and tear. Regardless of the cause, it's important to address this issue promptly by seeking professional assistance. Doing so ensures your safety on the road and prevents further damage to your vehicle.
Benefits of Balancing and Alignment for Your Car
The primary advantage of balancing services is the elimination of premature tyre wear. By having your tyres balanced every 10,000 kilometres or as recommended by your car manufacturer, you can extend their lifespan and improve overall performance. On the other hand, wheel alignment offers benefits such as enhanced vehicle control, increased tyre life and performance, and improved fuel efficiency. While both services contribute to a more comfortable ride, they differ in their approach. tyre balancing corrects load imbalances on your wheels, while alignment ensures that the wheels make proper contact with the road by adjusting the angles.
Schedule Your Wheel Balancing and Wheel Alignment Today
If you're currently experiencing issues with balancing or alignment or are unsure about the last time your tyres were inspected or wheels aligned, there's no need to worry. Simply book an appointment with your local All Coast Tyres Solutions to receive the necessary support. Our friendly staff and excellent.
