Tire Alignment and Balancing: Keep Your Car Running Right
Keeping your car in good nick is key to a safe and happy ride. Tire alignment and balancing are vital to your car’s performance, safety, and tire life. This guide explains what they are, why they’re important, and how to know when your vehicle needs them.
Tire Balancing
Tire balancing ensures the weight is evenly distributed across the wheel, reduces vibrations, and makes for a better ride. Balanced tyres last longer and are smoother.
What is Tire Balancing?
Tyre balancing, also known as wheel balancing, corrects uneven weight in tyres. Small metal weights are placed on the wheel to eliminate imbalances caused by tyre imperfections or road conditions.
Key Benefits:
Stops vibrations in the steering wheel or floorboard.
Improves fuel economy.
Reduces uneven tyre wear, saving you money in the long run.
How Tire Balancing Works
Technicians use special machines to find imbalances by spinning the tyres and weighing them. Weights are added as needed. When to Balance tyres:
Every 5,000 to 6,000 miles.
After hitting a pothole or curb.
When new tyres are installed.
Signs Your Tires Need Balancing
Vibration in the steering wheel, especially at high speed.
Uneven tyre wear.
Performance issues, like pulling to one side.
If you ignore these signs you can damage your suspension and handling. Regular maintenance saves you money.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment makes sure your tyres are in the right position to make contact with the road. Misalignment affects handling, tyre life, and fuel consumption.
What is Wheel Alignment?
A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your tyres—camber, caster, and toe—to your vehicle’s specifications. So your car goes straight and handles well.
Types of Alignment:
Front-End Alignment: For vehicles with solid rear axles.
Four-Wheel Alignment: For cars with independent suspension.
Signs Your Car Needs Alignment
The car pulls to one side when driving.
The steering wheel is off-centre.
Uneven tyre wear.
Tip: Check your alignment every 6,000 miles or twice a year. Misalignment can shorten tyre life and reduce vehicle safety.
Common Causes of Misalignment
Hitting potholes or rough roads.
Minor accidents or curb rash.
Worn-out suspension components.
Tire Alignment and Balancing: Why They’re Important
Alignment and balancing are key to keeping your car safe and efficient. Regular maintenance of these services means better performance and savings.
Benefits of Proper Tire Alignment and Balancing
Longer Tire Life: Stops uneven wear, and extends tire life.
Safer: Better handling and less accidents.
Smoother Ride: Stops vibrations and makes driving more comfortable.
Fuel Economy: Well-rotated and balanced tyres reduce rolling resistance, and save fuel.
Tire Rotation
Tyre rotation helps distribute wear evenly across all tyres. Rotating your tyres every 5,000 to 7,000 miles improves performance and extends life.
What is Tire Rotation?
Tyre rotation is repositioning tyres to ensure even wear. Methods include:
Front-to-Rear: Switches front tyres with rear tyres.
Cross-Pattern: Balances wear across all four tyres.
Five-Tire Rotation: For vehicles with full-size spare tyres.
How Tire Rotation Affects Alignment and Balancing
Tire rotation goes hand in hand with alignment and balancing. Misaligned or unbalanced tyres wear unevenly and reduce performance and safety. By including tyre rotation in your maintenance schedule, you’ll keep your car in top condition.
How to Check Tire Wear Patterns
Checking tyre wear patterns helps you diagnose the problem. Uneven wear means alignment, inflation, or suspension issues.
Common Tire Wear Patterns:
Inner/Outer Shoulder Wear: Misalignment.
Centre Wear: Over-inflated tyres.
Edge Wear: Under-inflated.
Cupping: Suspension or unbalanced tyres.
Regular tyre checks can catch these patterns early and save you costly repairs.
Suspension Adjustments and Their Effects
Your vehicle’s suspension system affects alignment and tyre wear. Components like control arms, springs, and shock absorbers are key to maintaining the angles.
How Suspension Adjustments Affect Alignment
Suspension adjustments ensure the camber, caster, and toe angles are correct. Misaligned suspension can:
Faster tyre wear.
Poor fuel economy.
Bad handling.
Equipment Used in Tire Services
Modern tools are needed for accurate alignment and balancing.
Alignment Equipment
Alignment Machines: 2-wheel or 4-wheel alignment.
Turn Plates: Helps in alignment setup.
Balancing Weights
Dynamic wheel balancers and weights correct tyre imbalances, smooth ride, and longer tyre life.
When to Have Your Tires Serviced
Regular tyre maintenance prevents problems and keeps your car running.
Maintenance Schedule:
Tire Rotation: 6,000 to 8,000 miles or 6 months.
Tire Balancing: Every rotation or after repair.
Wheel Alignment: Every 2 years or after noticeable handling problems.
Symptoms of Need for Tire Services:
Vibration in the steering wheel.
Uneven tyre wear.
A car pulls to one side.
