What is the difference between tyre balancing and wheel alignment?

According to the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey, at least 9% of the vehicles experienced road crashes due to poor tyre performance. This is why, while taking care of your car’s overall wellness is essential, you must also take specific care of the tyres and wheels. The tyres’ performance and condition improve your safety. Typically, vehicle tyre balancing in the Grenada area is easy with Premium Auto Services. Still, for your own protection, there are a few essential things you must know and consider when it comes to tyre balancing and wheel alignment. 

For starters, it is crucial to understand that tyre balancing and wheel alignment are different. Now, how? Keep reading to find your answers. 

The Difference Between Tyre Balancing and Wheel Alignment

Even though the tyres are a part of the wheel, the difference between the two is quite apparent. However, for an ordinary layperson, it might be challenging to distinguish and take separate care of both components. The following will explain how a tyre balance differs from wheel alignment. 

• Wheel Alignment 

As the name suggests, wheel alignment is purely related to aligning and adjusting the wheels, ensuring the wheels move parallel and perpendicular without any stiffness. When looking for wheel alignment services in Grenada, you will come across three main types of wheel alignment processes: caster alignment, toe alignment, and camber alignment. 

In Caster Alignment, your mechanic will check the forward and backward tilt from the sides with the steering help. The expert will fix the alignment based on whether the wheels correctly align with the steering. In the case of Toe alignment, the mechanic will check the angles of the tyre from above. The expert will align the wheels accordingly depending on whether the tyres point towards or away from each other. Lastly, when your mechanic checks the tyres by leaning them outward, seeing whether it is a negative or positive camber. 

(You can also check our previous blogs to learn more about wheel alignment.)

• Tyre Balance 

Tyre balance ensures that all tyres on a vehicle are of the same weight. However, there are two methods of tyre balancing: Dynamic Balancing and Road Force balancing. In Dynamic balancing, your mechanic will check which part of the tyre feels heavier. They typically use small weights to help them determine the difference between all tyres. However, in Road force balancing, the experts will check the low and high points of the wheels by taking them off and adjusting them for a smooth ride with tyre balancing.

Basics of Tyre Balancing 

The following will tell you everything you need to know about tyre balancing:

• The Benefits of Tyre Balancing

1. Tyre balancing ensures smooth, vibration-free driving.
2. It controls the wheels during high-speed or slippery roads, ensuring your safety. 
3. Tyre balancing can extend the lifespan of all four wheels. 
4. Finally, it helps you preserve fuel.

• The right time to check Tyre Balancing

1. After every 10,000 km trip.
2. You should check the tyre safety and performance if you buy new tyres for your car.
3. While repairing a flat tyre. 
4. When you experience vibration while driving, you can also feel the vibration on your steering wheels.

Basics of Wheel Alignment

The following will tell you everything you need to know about Wheel Alignment: 

• The Benefits of Wheel Alignment

1. When the wheels are correctly aligned, they require less fuel resistance, promising improved mileage. 
2. It expands car tyre longevity on Grenada roads by distributing the tyre wear equally.
3. A proper alignment will not overstrain the suspension system of your car. 
4. Lastly, it ensures improved alignment with the steering.

 

• The right time to check Wheel Alignment

1. The best time to check the wheel alignment for safety is when you purchase new tyres.
2. If the steering wheel is not in the centre when you drive in a straight direction.
3. After changing the suspension system or steering.
4. If you hit a curb.

Bottom Line

Wheel alignment and tyre balance might be two different topics overall, but in the end, both these components complement each other’s role, ensuring a good driving experience and your safety. This is why people often focus on vehicle tyre balancing in the Grenada area to avoid all sorts of road mishaps. However, if you want to check the alignment and balance of your wheels, you do not need to search any further. We at Premium Auto Services focus on your safety and make sure to enhance your overall driving experience. 

Book your appointment today! 

FAQs

• What can happen if I do not align or balance the wheels over a long period?

Not aligning or balancing the wheels can increase the risk of accidents and damage your car.

• Is it important to consult an expert when balancing or aligning the wheels?

Yes! Experts know the procedures and have the correct mechanical tools to fix your wheel problems.