Servicing
Wheel alignment vs wheel balancing: what's the difference?
They're often mentioned together, but alignment and balancing fix different problems. Here's what each one does, the signs you need it, and when to book.
Nova Tyres workshop team 3 min read
In this article
“Alignment and balance” get quoted together so often that many drivers think they're the same job. They're not. Wheel alignment and wheel balancing both help your tyres last and your car drive straight — but they fix different problems, and knowing which is which saves you paying for the wrong one.
What is wheel balancing?
No wheel and tyre is perfectly even in weight all the way around. At speed, even a small heavy spot makes the wheel hop and wobble many times a second. Balancing spins each wheel on a machine that finds the heavy spot, and the technician fits small weights on the rim to even it out.
Signs your wheels need balancing
The steering wheel shakes or vibrates at highway speeds
A vibration through the seat or floor
Patchy, scalloped wear on the tread
What is wheel alignment?
Wheel alignment is about angles, not weight. It sets the direction each wheel points compared with the car and the road, so all four roll straight and true. The main measurements are:
Toe — whether the fronts of the wheels point slightly in or out, seen from above.
Camber — how far the wheels lean in or out at the top, seen from the front.
Caster — the angle of the steering axis, which helps the wheel return to centre.
Hitting a pothole or kerb, worn suspension parts or lowering and lifting a car can all knock these angles out of the maker's specification.
Signs your car needs a wheel alignment
The car pulls to one side on a flat, straight road
The steering wheel sits off-centre when you're driving straight
The inside or outside edge of a tyre is wearing faster than the rest
Tyres squeal on gentle corners
Alignment vs balancing at a glance
Wheel balancing | Wheel alignment | |
|---|---|---|
Fixes | Uneven weight around a wheel and tyre | The angles the wheels point at |
You'll notice | Vibration or shaking at speed | Pulling to one side, off-centre steering |
Tyre wear | Patchy, scalloped wear | One edge wearing faster |
When to do it | New tyres, a vibration, or a tyre repair | New tyres, after a hard knock, or pulling |
How often should you have them checked?
Follow your vehicle's service schedule, and book a check whenever you fit new tyres, after a heavy hit on a pothole or kerb, after suspension or steering work, or as soon as you notice any of the signs above. Catching an alignment problem early is far cheaper than replacing tyres worn out on one edge.
Vibration usually means balancing. Pulling usually means alignment. If you're not sure, we'll tell you which — before any work starts.
Common questions
Do I need both alignment and balancing?
Not always. They solve different problems. Many drivers have both done when fitting new tyres, but a vibration alone is usually balancing, and pulling alone is usually alignment.
Can bad alignment cause vibration?
It's more often balancing, a damaged wheel or worn suspension. Alignment problems usually show up as pulling and uneven tyre wear.
How long does it take?
Both are usually done while you wait. Book online and we'll have the bay ready when you arrive.
Written by
Nova Tyres workshop team
Tyre fitters and mechanics from Nova's stores across Melbourne and Sydney.