Wheel Alignment vs. Tire Balance - Which One Is For Me?

When it comes to proper car care, your tires should be at the top of your list. It can be hard to interpret some of the services, and one of the most common confusions is wheel alignment and tire balance. While they may sound similar, they are two completely different services. Here's what you should know about wheel alignment, tire balance, and how they can benefit your vehicle.

 

A wheel alignment is a service where the angles of your vehicle's wheels are tampered with to meet the manufacturer's recommendations. This service is typically needed when your vehicle gets knocked out of alignment from obstructions like car accidents, potholes, curbs, etc. The main goal of an alignment is to minimize wear and tear on your tires. However, your tires can naturally get misaligned over time, which is why it is considered a maintenance service. 

 

A tire balance is a service where a technician will correct the uneven weight distribution in your wheels. Imbalanced wheels can lead to vibration, excessive tire wear, and other damages if ignored. During a tire balance service, your tires and wheels are hooked onto a tire balancing machine to measure the weights. Once the tech makes the adjustments, your drives will feel a lot smoother, and your drivetrain will be less strained.

 

Wheel alignment and tire balance are equally crucial for ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride and extending your tires' life. If your vehicle needs a wheel alignment or tire rotation, look no further than the tire experts at Austin's Automotive Specialists! We have 10 convenient locations in Austin, TX, Round Rock, TX, Cedar Park, TX, Buda, TX, Lakeway, TX, Hutto, TX, and Leander, TX.