Wheel Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment

What would you say if someone asked what the most important components of your vehicle were? The engine? The transmission? The brakes, perhaps? While all these are valid responses, the truth is that the wheels are likely the most vital pieces of your car, truck, or SUV. Wheel alignment and balancing, despite what many Saskatoon drivers believe, are actually two entirely different services. Understanding the difference between wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment is critical to ensure you’re receiving the proper service to address the appropriate area of your vehicle that requires care. Keep reading for everything you need to know about wheel alignment and balancing. 

Wheel Balancing Services

Wheel balancing is a service that must be performed on a regular basis. Over time, your wheels begin to lose their natural balance. When this happens, you might notice your steering wheel shaking, leading to instability as you drive around Winnipeg. When tires aren’t properly balanced, premature wear sets in because there are sections that are heavier than others. 

Balancing your wheels leads to a much smoother commute. Minimizing the bouncing and vibrating leads to enhanced traction on Calgary roads, extending the life of your tires. When it comes to wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment, the former should be performed every 5,000 miles or every 6 months, depending on whichever comes first. 

Wheel Alignment Services

When it comes to wheel alignment and balancing, which comes first? Alignments should only be done as needed and aren’t necessarily a part of your scheduled maintenance. An alignment service is also known as a front-end alignment and ensures that your wheels are perpendicular to the road and exactly parallel to each other.     

Driving with unaligned wheels also leads to premature wear, causing your vehicle to pull to one side or the other. This can cause you to drift over into the other lane unexpectedly, leading to potential accidents. 

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

Now that you know about wheel alignment and balancing, how can you be certain which you need? If your vehicle is constantly pulling to one side, schedule a wheel alignment service with one of our experts. If you notice your steering wheel vibrating, schedule balancing instead.     

Count On Mercedes-Benz Regina for All of Your Wheel Services 

Regardless of whether your wheels require balancing or alignment, the experts in our service centre have you covered. Don’t hesitate to contact us immediately if you notice anything irregular with your wheels, even if it seems minor. Peace of mind is always better than risky driving, and we’ll always get you back on the road safely. Use our service scheduling tool to book an appointment online with no hassle.