Do you feel vibrations in the steering wheel? Does your vehicle pull slightly to the right? Are your tires wearing unevenly? These symptoms can point to two services that are often confused: car alignment and wheel balancing. However, these two interventions address very distinct needs.
Understanding the difference will not only help you maintain your vehicle better, but also save you money in the long term by extending the life of your tires.
What is wheel balancing?
Wheel balancing means distributing weight evenly around each wheel and tire. Even if a new tire looks perfectly round, it may have slight variations in weight. These imbalances, however slight, create vibrations when you’re driving, especially at highway speeds.
How does it work?
Our technicians use an electronic balancing machine that spins the wheel at high speed to detect any points of imbalance. Small lead or zinc counterweights are then attached to the rim to perfectly balance the assembly. It’s a fast, precise process that makes all the difference to your driving comfort.
When should your wheels be balanced?
- At every tire change, whether for summer or winter tires.
- If you feel vibrations in the steering wheel, especially between 80 and 110 km/h
- After hitting a pothole or curb
- Every 10,000 to 15,000 km as preventive maintenance
A word of advice from experience: we recommend that our customers have their balancing system checked every time they rotate their tires. It’s a simple habit that saves a lot of trouble.
What is alignment?
Alignment, also known as wheel alignment or wheel geometry, refers to the angle of the wheels in relation to the road and to each other. These angles are defined by the manufacturer according to precise specifications for your vehicle model.
Over time, road impacts, suspension component wear and even normal daily driving can throw these angles out of alignment.
The three main angles
- Camber: the inclination of the wheel as seen from the front. If the top of your wheel leans in or out, the tire is not touching the road evenly.
- Caster: the angle of the steering axis seen from the side. This angle affects steering stability and steering wheel return force.
- Toe: the angle of the wheels as seen from above. The wheels must point in the right direction, neither too far in nor too far out.
Signs of misalignment
You may not realize it, but your vehicle is talking to you. Poor alignment can manifest itself in a number of ways:
- Steering wheel constantly pulls to one side, even on a straight road
- Your steering wheel isn’t centered when you’re driving straight ahead.
- Your tires wear unevenly or faster than expected.
- You hear an unusual squealing or whistling sound from the tires
- The vehicle seems less stable when cornering
These symptoms are particularly common on our Montreal roads, with their potholes and treacherous curbs.
SUV and crossover owners often consult us for these problems, as their higher center of gravity makes misalignment more noticeable.
So, what’s the real difference?
Think of it this way: balancing deals with each wheel individually to eliminate vibrations, while alignment adjusts the position of all wheels together so that they work in harmony with the road and the vehicle’s direction.
Sway affects your comfort. Alignment affects your safety, fuel consumption and tire life. Both are important, but not interchangeable.
A concrete example
Imagine you’ve just hit a huge pothole. This impact can misalign your wheels AND unbalance your tires by slightly deforming the rim. If you only correct the sway, your steering wheel may stop vibrating, but your vehicle will continue to pull to one side and your tires will wear prematurely. That’s why our technicians always evaluate both aspects.
How often should I have these services?
For balancing:
- Every time you change seasons with your tires
- As soon as you feel vibrations
- Approximately every 10,000 to 15,000 km
For alignment:
- At least once a year
- After hitting a major obstacle
- If you notice any of the above symptoms
- When installing new tires to maximize their service life
At Alex Pneu et Mécanique, we regularly see customers who could have saved hundreds of dollars on tires if they’d had their alignment checked sooner. A modest investment in an alignment can extend the life of your tires by thousands of kilometers.
The impact on your tires and your wallet
Here’s a reality we see every day in our workshop: a misaligned vehicle can wear out a set of tires in 20,000 km instead of the 60,000 km normally expected. Do the math: with a set of tires easily costing $800 or more, an alignment at a fraction of the price quickly becomes a very profitable investment.
Balancing not only protects your tires, but also your wheel bearings and suspension components. Constant vibration creates premature wear on the entire system.
The Alex approach: your peace of mind
Since 1980, we’ve built our reputation on honesty and transparency. When you come to Alex Pneu et Mécanique, we’ll never sell you a service you don’t need. If your alignment is good, we’ll tell you. If you only need balancing, we’ll charge you for balancing only.
Before every job, we take the time to show you the precise measurements and explain what needs to be corrected. Our technicians use state-of-the-art equipment, including a state-of-the-art laser alignment system, to guarantee results that meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
In short: two complementary services
Balancing and alignment are not in competition – they work together to ensure your safety, comfort and the longevity of your vehicle. Understanding the difference allows you to better communicate your needs and make informed decisions about your car’s maintenance.
The next time you experience something unusual in your vehicle, don’t hesitate to consult us. A quick diagnosis can help you avoid costly repairs and restore the pleasure of a smooth, safe ride.
Need an alignment or sway check? Our family team is here to give you honest advice and take care of your vehicle as if it were our own. Schedule your appointment today here: https://alex.ca/en/appointment/