Wheel Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment

Your tires play a huge role in your car’s performance, so keeping up with proper maintenance is crucial. Two of the most common tire services you’ll encounter are wheel alignment and balancing, so what’s the difference? While both are important, the two services play different roles in your maintenance routine. Learn all about wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment, and schedule your next service with Sid Dillon Chevrolet Crete!

What is Wheel Balancing Service?

Comparing wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment, wheel balancing is a routine service that should be performed at regular intervals. Why? Tires become unbalanced as you navigate Lincoln and Seward, and wheel balancing ensures that your wheels travel evenly at high speeds. Unbalanced tires can make your daily commute uncomfortable, causing shaking sensations in the steering wheel and vibrations throughout the cabin. Plus, this unstable driving experience can even cause excessive tire wear – which means you’ll need to find a new set sooner.

Plan to get your wheels balanced every 5,000 to 6,000 miles or approximately every 6 months. Many Milford drivers prefer to get their tires balanced and rotated at the same time for convenience. Properly balanced tires pay off with benefits including:

• Smoother driving experience
• Better handling
• Better traction and control
• Longer tire lifespan

What is Wheel Alignment Service?

While wheel balancing is performed at regular intervals, wheel alignment services are performed as needed. This service ensures that your tires are perpendicular to the road and parallel to each other. When you hit a curb or a pothole, your tires may fall out of alignment. This can lead to uneven wear patterns, steering issues, and even vehicle pulling. So if you notice your vehicle drifting when you think you’re driving straight, it’s important to get to the service center to correct the issue.

Wheel Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment: Which Do You Need?

Now that you know the differences between wheel alignment and balancing, you can better assess your needs. If you notice vibrations, it’s time for a wheel balance. If you notice your car pulling to one side, you’ll need a wheel alignment. Here are the average prices for wheel alignment and balancing – but keep in mind, these figures will vary depending on your make and model.

• Wheel Balancing Cost: In general, the U.S. average for wheel balancing is between $40-$75.
• Wheel Alignment Service: A front-end alignment typically costs between $65-$100. A four-wheel alignment is more.

Schedule Your Service with Sid Dillon Chevrolet Crete 

We’ve gone through the basics of wheel alignment and balancing, and the team at Sid Dillon Chevrolet Crete is here to showcase our quality service in Crete! Contact us with your questions about tire care for the Milford roads ahead, or schedule your service online at your convenience.