Wheel Alignment vs Wheel Balancing: What's the Difference?

Wheel alignment and wheel balancing are often confused but they fix completely different problems. Learn the difference and why both matter for your tyres.

Wheel alignment and wheel balancing are two different procedures that address different issues, but both significantly affect tyre wear, fuel economy, and driving safety.

Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment (also called tracking) refers to the angle at which your tyres make contact with the road. Over time, hitting potholes, kerbs, or speed bumps can knock your wheels out of alignment.

Signs of poor wheel alignment: - Vehicle pulls to one side - Uneven tyre wear (more wear on inside or outside edge) - Steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight - Squealing tyres when turning

Wheel Balancing

Wheel balancing addresses the distribution of weight around the tyre and wheel assembly. Even tiny imbalances cause vibrations, particularly at motorway speeds.

Signs of unbalanced wheels: - Steering wheel vibration at 50–70mph - Vibrating floorboard or seat - Patchy, cupped tyre wear pattern

Key Differences

| | Alignment | Balancing | |---|---|---| | What it corrects | Tyre angle | Weight distribution | | Equipment needed | 4-wheel alignment laser rig | Spin balancing machine | | When needed | After kerb/pothole impact | With every tyre change | | Mobile service | Requires specialist equipment | Yes, fully mobile |

Eddie's Mobile Tyres includes wheel balancing with every tyre fitting. For alignment issues, we partner with local tracking centres to provide a complete service.