Wheel alignment and wheel balancing are different services. Selling one as a cure for every vibration, pull or wear pattern creates wrong expectations and can leave the actual cause unresolved.
What wheel alignment changes
Alignment adjusts suspension angles to vehicle specifications. Michelin describes alignment as an adjustment involving vehicle suspension geometry rather than the tyre itself. Toe, camber and caster can affect how tyres meet the road.
Common alignment clues
- one-sided or feathered tread wear;
- vehicle pulling or drifting after pressure is verified;
- off-centre steering wheel;
- poor tyre life after impacts or suspension work.
What balancing changes
Balancing corrects uneven mass in the tyre-and-wheel assembly using measured counterweights. It aims to reduce vibration as the assembly rotates.
Common balancing clues
- speed-related steering or seat vibration;
- vibration appearing after tyre installation or wheel impact;
- missing weights or assembly runout;
- irregular wear that accompanies persistent vibration.
Symptoms overlap
Tyre damage, wheel distortion, pressure, runout, bearings, steering or suspension can imitate alignment or balance problems. Begin with tyre pressure and a visual inspection, then road-test safely and measure rather than guessing.
Give the customer evidence
Provide the balance result or alignment before-and-after printout where available. Record the tyre condition and explain that correcting geometry will not restore tread already worn away.
Balancing deals with rotating mass. Alignment deals with wheel angles. Diagnosis decides which service is relevant.
See the companion uneven tyre wear diagnostic guide.