Is your car pulling to one side? Are your tyres wearing unevenly? Then it’s probably time to get your wheels balanced and aligned. Here’s our Motoserv guide on how often to do wheel balancing and alignment:
What Is Wheel Balancing?
Wheel balancing is the process of correcting imbalances in your wheels. Wheels tend to lose balance over time due to wear and tear. Driving over uneven surfaces, potholes or speed bumps can also cause imbalances.
Imbalance wheels can lead to vibration in the steering wheel, seats and floorboards. This is the result of uneven weight distribution, causing your wheels to rotate irregularly.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of your wheels. This will make them perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. Misaligned wheels can cause your car to pull to one side.
It can also lead to uneven tyre wear, affecting your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency. A wheel alignment typically checks three components; camber angle, caster angle and toe angle. These adjustments will improve vehicle handling, ensuring your car drives straight.
How Often to Do Wheel Balancing and Alignment?
It is recommended to get both at every 10,000 km or at least once a year. These services are separate from our usual car service so it’s important to let us know in advance. Nonetheless, some cars need to be balanced and aligned sooner than others.
Here are some indications that point to immediate attention:
- Vibrations in the Steering Wheel: Vibrations at higher speeds is a sign of an imbalance. The vibration is caused by uneven weight distribution, making your tyres rotate unevenly.
- Car Pulls to One Side: Pulling to one side points to misaligned wheels. This can make controlling your car more difficult, leading to uneven tyre wear.
- Noisy Tyres: Unusual noise from your tyres can be a result of imbalance wheels. This happens when your tyres are not rotating smoothly, causing friction and uneven road contact.
- Uneven Tyre Wear: Uneven tyre wear and irregular thread patterns indicate misalignment. Proper alignment ensures even tyre wear, extending the life of your tyres.
- Steering Feels Off-Centre: The need to constantly keep your steering centred is a sign of misalignment.
- Suspension Issues: Imbalancement can put additional strain on your suspension system. This can cause components like shocks and struts to wear quickly.
The Process of Wheel Balancing and Alignment
Information is highly accessible these days. There are many resources that can teach you how to do minor changes like oil replacement or fluid checks. With that said, wheel balancing and alignment are much more complex.
The process involves inspecting the tyres for damage. Each wheel will be mounted on a computerised balancing machine that spins it at high speed to detect imbalances. Small weights will be added to correct any uneven distribution.
Finally, advanced alignment tools will be used to adjust the angles of the wheels to ensure they are properly aligned. Both services are done conjointly or sometimes independently, depending on specific wants and needs.
The Benefits of Wheel Balancing and Alignment
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Fuel is not cheap and better fuel efficiency can be the difference between spending or saving. When your wheels are properly balanced and aligned, your car faces less rolling resistance. Your engine doesn’t have to work as hard, resulting in less fuel consumption.
- Better Vehicle Handling: Proper wheel balancing and alignment will improve your handling. You’ll be able to manoeuvre better especially during sudden turns or wet conditions. Your car will be more stable, improving overall driving experience and safety.
- Increases Driving Safety: Pulling to one side or uneven weight distribution are major red flags. Getting your wheels balanced and aligned will not only improve driving performance but also driving safety. Your chances of swerving out of control will reduce significantly!
- Longer Tire Lifespan: Uneven tyre wear and misaligned wheels will decrease your tyre lifespan. This can lead to premature tyre replacements and the need to spend more money. Regular maintenance will maximise your tyres performance and lifespan.
- Better Suspension: Your suspension system is responsible for absorbing shocks and bumps on the road. Proper balancing and alignment will reduce strain on the suspension system. It will help distribute weight evenly, prolonging the life of these components.
- Smoother Ride: All these benefits will lead to a smoother ride. You’ll be able to drive without much resistance, ensuring maximum comfort for you and your passengers. Not to mention the added comfort of not having to spend so much on fuel or repairs!
Conclusion
Wheel balancing and alignment should not be neglected. Consider making them a priority during your routine services regardless of the 10,000 km milestone. This will keep your car in pristine condition for years to come, ensuring the safety of you, your passengers and everyone else!
Get your car inspected with Motoserv! Contact us to find out more.
