Wheel Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment

Every car needs a wheel alignment and balancing from time to time, but what do these maintenance services entail? What’s the difference between wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment? Both tasks involve bringing your wheels back to their optimal settings, but the processes are very different. Learn all about wheel alignment and balancing, so you know which service to schedule next at Anderson Toyota!

What is Wheel Balancing?

An unbalanced wheel can cause issues for not just the wheel itself, but the entire vehicle. You might notice issues ranging from a shaking steering wheel to rapid tire wear So, what is wheel balancing and how does it fix the issue?

• During a wheel balance, your technician will inspect each wheel for problems. Common issues include uneven weight distribution or even bends in the metal.
• After analysis, your technician will get to work correcting the imbalance. Usually, this involves adding weights to the wheel rim. This ensures that the wheel is evenly balanced, so it can roll smoothly during your Parker travels.
• Regular wheel balances promote optimal performance and handling, as well as a longer lifespan for your entire set.

What is Wheel Alignment?

While wheel balancing focuses on the weight of each wheel, wheel alignment targets the entire suspension system. Hitting a pothole or getting into a fender bender can cause your wheels to fall out of alignment, so they no longer roll in a straight path. You might notice signs like:

• The wheels pull to one side of the road.
• The tire wear is uneven.
• The steering wheel feels off-center.

If your wheels are out of alignment, your technician will make corrections to the suspension. This will ensure that your wheels are true, which means better handling and safer driving on the Bullhead City roads!

Schedule Your Tire Service at Anderson Toyota

Now you know the difference between wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment, and if it’s time for a maintenance visit near Kingman, Anderson Toyota is here to help. We offer wheel alignment and balancing, as well as a multitude of other handy services to keep your car in top shape. Contact us today in Lake Havasu City or just schedule your appointment online! Don’t forget to check out our rotating service specials to save even more on your next visit.