Wheel Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment

When it comes to your vehicle’s tires, we know that sometimes all the processes can get a little confusing. But taking care of your vehicle’s wheels is one of the most important parts of your car’s maintenance and service. That’s why it’s imperative that you keep up with regular automotive tire care and inspections at our service center.

Two routine tire services are wheel alignment and balancing. But what is the difference between wheel alignment vs. balance? Believe it or not, wheel balancing and wheel alignment are actually two different services, so it’s good to know the difference between wheel alignment vs. balance and when each is necessary. Learn more with us at Serra Subaru of Traverse City today or contact us for more information.

What is Wheel Balancing Service?

Over time, you wheels do lose their balance so wheel balancing allows technicians to go in and make things right for your wheels. When your wheels are unbalanced, it can cause the steering wheel to shake or vibrate, making for an unpleasant drive around Kalkaska. Unbalanced tires can also develop varying tire wear so while it seems like a small issue, it does have some outlying effects that you would want to mitigate.

Having your wheels balanced ensures your vehicle provides a smooth ride. It minimizes tire bouncing, improves traction and control, and extends the life of your tires. It’s recommended that you have your wheels balanced when you get your tires rotated, so that means around every 5,000 to 6,0000 miles or every 6 months.

What is Wheel Alignment Service?

Wheel alignment service should be done as needed. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it should be included in your regularly scheduled maintenance, but if i’s been awhile since your last wheel alignment, you could probably use one. When you have your wheels aligned, which is sometimes referred to as a front-end alignment, the service technician will make sure that the tires are perpendicular to the road and parallel to each other. 

Wheels that are out of alignment can result in excessive, uneven tread, unnecessary wear and tear on your tires, and steering issues, so that’s why it’s imperative you bring your vehicle in to our service center if you notice any issues that could stem from uneven wear due to misalignment. This can also cause vehicle pulling, which can lead to drifting into the next lane as you’re driving through Bellaire.

Wheel Balancing & Wheel Alignment Cost

How much does a wheel balancing cost? Depending on your location and your vehicle, service costs for both wheel balancing and alignment can vary. In general, the U.S. average for wheel balancing is between $40-$75.

How much does a wheel alignment service cost? A front-end alignment typically costs between $65-$100, or sometimes more depending on the brand. If you’re getting all four wheels aligned, it may cost about double that figure.

Rely on Serra Subaru of Traverse City for Wheel Services!

Wheel balancing and wheel alignment are both important processes for your vehicle, and it’s important to keep the differences between wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment in mind. So, don’t hesitate to schedule a service appointment with us to take car of your wheels or other maintenance items concerning your vehicle. And don’t forget to take a look at our service specials before stopping by!