Wheel Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment and balancing…they sound the same, and you’ve probably even heard them referred to as one service. In fact, wheel balancing and wheel alignment are two separate things, but they’re equally important to help you enjoy smooth travels between Susanville and Janesville. Learn more about the difference between wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment below, with help from your service team at Susanville Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM! 

What is Wheel Balancing Service?

Over time, your wheels can become unbalanced. You’ll know it if you’re driving over to Chester and you feel your steering wheel shaking or vibrating. Additionally, unbalanced wheels can cause the tires to display uneven treadwear as one part of the tire is suddenly getting more weight on it. 

As you’d probably guess, wheel balancing service brings you wheels back to a balanced position. After getting your wheels balanced, you should notice a smoother ride with less bounce, better traction and handling, and improved longevity of tire treads. 

When Should You Get Your Wheels Balanced? 

Many drivers will ask to have their wheels balanced when they get their tires rotated, which works out well because wheel balancing is recommended approximately as often as tire rotations — every 5,000 to 6,000 miles, or twice per year. 

What is Wheel Alignment Service?

You may hear “wheel alignment and balancing” referred to as one service, but they don’t always need to be done together. In fact, wheel alignment is only recommended on an as-needed basis, rather than as a part of your routine maintenance like wheel balancing. During a wheel alignment, or front end alignment, your service tech will make the necessary adjustments to make sure the tires are situated correctly — perpendicular to the road, and parallel to each other. 

How do you know if a wheel alignment is needed? When wheels are out of alignment, you’ll likely have steering problems and feel the vehicle pulling to one side. Another sign is excessive or uneven tread wear on your tires.

Wheel Alignment and Balancing Costs

The cost of a wheel alignment or wheel balancing will vary depending on where you get the service done and the make/model of your vehicle. On average, drivers pay anywhere from $40–$75 for wheel balancing. Wheel alignment is a more involved service, costing drivers $65–$100 on average, or about double the cost to get all four wheels aligned. 

Schedule Service at Susanville Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM! 

Whether you’re visiting family in Standish or heading to Lassen Volcanic National Park for the day, we want you to enjoy smooth travels. Schedule an appointment with our service center and we’ll get your wheels balanced and/or aligned if needed! And don’t forget, we’ve got rotating service specials designed to help you save.