Drivers often confuse wheel balancing and wheel alignment, but they're very different procedures. Here's what each one does and when you need them.
Two of the most commonly confused tyre-related services are wheel balancing and wheel alignment. Customers often ask for one when they need the other — or ask for both when only one is required. Here's a clear explanation of what each one involves.
Wheel Balancing
Every wheel and tyre assembly has slight imperfections — tiny variations in weight distribution around the circle. When a wheel spins at speed, these imbalances create vibration. At low speeds, you might not notice. At 60–70mph, that vibration can be quite pronounced, manifesting as a steering wheel wobble or a vibration felt through the seat.
Wheel balancing addresses this by spinning the wheel on a machine that detects the heavy spots, then attaching small lead or steel weights to the rim to counteract them. Balancing is carried out every time a new tyre is fitted — it's included in our standard mobile tyre fitting service.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment (also called tracking) is about the angle at which your tyres contact the road. Over time — especially after pothole impacts or kerb strikes — the angles at which your wheels sit can drift out of specification. This causes uneven tyre wear, handling that pulls to one side, and in severe cases, instability at speed.
Unlike wheel balancing, alignment requires specialist equipment (a full four-wheel alignment rig) that can't easily be carried in a mobile van. If you suspect alignment issues after we've fitted your tyres, we'll advise you to visit an alignment specialist.
When Do You Need Each?
- Balancing: Every time a tyre is fitted, and if you notice vibration at motorway speed.
- Alignment: If tyres are wearing unevenly, the car pulls to one side, or after a significant pothole or kerb impact.
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