Both alignment and balancing affect how your car handles — but they're different problems with different solutions. Here's what to know.
Wheel alignment and wheel balancing are both important for a smooth, safe drive — but they address completely different issues. Many drivers confuse the two, or don't realise they need one or the other until expensive damage has occurred.
What is Wheel Balancing?
Wheel balancing corrects uneven weight distribution in a tyre and wheel assembly. Even minor weight imbalances cause vibration at speed. A balancing machine spins the wheel and measures where weight needs to be added (via small lead weights on the rim) to achieve perfect balance.
Signs You Need Wheel Balancing
- Steering wheel vibration at 50-70mph
- Vibration felt through the seat or floor
- Uneven tyre wear (particularly cupping pattern)
- After fitting new tyres (always balance on fitting)
What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment (also called tracking) adjusts the angles of the wheels so they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. Misalignment is usually caused by potholes, kerb strikes or suspension component wear.
Signs You Need Wheel Alignment
- Car pulls to one side when driving straight
- Uneven tyre wear (especially on inner or outer edges)
- Steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight
- Squealing tyres on corners
We balance all tyres during fitting as standard. For wheel alignment, we recommend seeing a specialist — it requires a four-wheel alignment machine that we're happy to refer you to.
New tyres with professional balancing included — call 020 3910 1898 for same-day mobile fitting across North London.
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