2026-06-04 · 3 min read
Alignment vs balancing: when do you need them?
Pulling, uneven wear, a shaking wheel? It may be time for alignment or balancing. Here's the difference and timing.
Alignment and balancing are two different things, but both affect stability and tyre life, and are often done together.
Wheel alignment
Adjusts the wheel angles. Signs you need it: the car pulls to one side, the wheel sits crooked when straight, or one-sided tyre wear.
Wheel balancing
Evens out the weight of the tyre and rim. Sign you need it: the wheel or car shakes at high speed.
When to do them
After new tyres, a puncture repair, hitting a pothole, or when the above symptoms appear. Doing it regularly extends tyre life and keeps the ride steady.