Wheel Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment

Mechanics Aligning Vehicle

Your vehicle’s wheels play a major role in the safety of the car as well as its performance. That is why keeping your tires properly maintained is so important. Two routine tire services that you should not ignore are wheel alignment and balancing. Are these services the same? Wheel balancing and wheel alignment are actually different, and you will want to make sure that you set up an appointment for both at the recommended intervals. Turn to the team at Suntrup Automotive Group near Tucson and Oro Valley for more information.

What is Wheel Balancing Service?

Wheel balancing is a service that should be done regularly because wheels can shift as you drive along the roads of Green Valley. When your wheels are unbalanced, you may notice that your steering wheel vibrates or shakes. Another problem caused by unbalanced tires is the fact that they may not wear evenly.

For a smooth ride on the Saddlebrooke streets, ensure that your wheels are balanced. It minimizes tire bouncing, improves traction and control, and extends the life of your tires. How often should you have your wheels balanced? It is a good idea to have this done at the same time you get your tires rotated. That means it should happen every 5,000 to 6,0000 miles or every 6 months.

What is Wheel Alignment Service?

Wheel alignment should be done as needed. There is no set interval for this service. 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.

What can happen if your wheels are not aligned?

  • Excessive, uneven tread
  • Unnecessary wear and tear on your tires
  • Steering issues

If you notice any of these issues, it is a good idea to have your wheel alignment inspected. This can also cause vehicle pulling, which can lead to drifting into the next lane as you’re driving.

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

After learning the difference between wheel balancing and wheel alignment, you likely have a better idea of what your vehicle needs. If you car requires one or both of these services, set up an appointment at one of our service centers. Our highly-skilled technicians would be glad to assist you. Contact us today for more information.


More from Suntrup Automotive Group

  • Buying a Car After Bankruptcy in Missouri: What You Actually Need to Know

    Bankruptcy is not the end of auto financing. It is a reset, and the path back to an approved loan is more accessible than most buyers expect when they come out the other side. Missouri residents navigating Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 have financing options available, and many drive off a lot while the bankruptcy…

  • The Best Vehicles for Teen Drivers: Safety, Reliability, and the Right Starting Point

    The vehicle a new driver learns on matters more than most parents account for. A reliable, well-equipped car keeps insurance costs manageable, supports new drivers with built-in safety technology, and removes a category of risk that comes with worn brakes, outdated crash performance, or absent driver-assist features. The wrong first vehicle is an expensive lesson….

  • Ranking the Most Reliable Used SUVs: What to Know Before You Buy

    Reliability is the most important variable in a used vehicle purchase. A lower sticker price means nothing if the model you’re buying carries a history of expensive repairs. The right SUV, with the right history, delivers years of low-cost ownership. The wrong one costs you more than you saved by the second year.   These…

Contact Us


5926 S. Lindbergh Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63123
Suntrup Automotive Group 38.5214964, -90.3451239.