Difference Between Wheel Alignment and Wheel Balancing in Cars

Maintenance of vehicle wheels is vital for optimal safety, performance, and longevity of tyres. The two key services required for this are alignment and balancing, which serve different purposes. A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the tyres so that they properly touch the road, preventing uneven wear and improving handling. 

In contrast, wheel balancing corrects any weight imbalance in the wheels, reduces vibrations, and results in a smoother ride. Understanding the difference between wheel alignment and wheel balancing lets you know when your vehicle needs alignment or balancing, ultimately keeping your ride safe and efficient.

Wheel alignment, also known as wheel adjustment, refers to the adjustment of automobile wheels so that they all point in the same general direction, allowing the wheels to contact the road surface properly. This will enable better steering control and stability of the vehicle, as well as increase the tyre's lifespan. 

The three central angles adjusted for wheel alignment are the camber, caster, and toe. 

• Camber is described as the inward or outward tilt of the wheels when looking from the front. 
• The caster is the angle of the steering axis, which affects stability and cornering. 
• Toe refers to whether the wheels point inward or outward when viewed from above.

Over time, severe conditions caused by potholes, bumpy roads, and minor accidents frequently lead to misalignments. Therefore, regular alignment becomes essential and should be checked regularly.      

Wheel balancing is the process of evenly distributing the weight on a single wheel assembly to ensure it spins correctly and smoothly at high speeds. Thus, it reduces vibration and wear on the wheel, leading to smoother riding and improved vehicle handling.

While doing it, a mechanic fastens the wheels into a balancing machine. The machine senses any weight differences in the wheel. Then, the mechanic places small metal weights around the rim to correct the imbalance if needed. These weights help in balancing the wheel.

Unbalanced wheels make driving uncomfortable and unsafe. They can also put extra strain on the car's suspension. Every day driving, rough roads, and normal tyre wear can cause imbalance over time. Regular wheel balancing helps keep the ride smooth and extends the life of the tyres.

Proper wheel alignment ensures that the tyres maintain proper contact with the road, thereby enhancing the smoothness and longevity of the wheel. There are four main types of wheel alignment, including:

1. Toe Alignment

Toe alignment adjusts the wheels' angle relative to the vehicle's centerline. It enables a proper wheel alignment to avoid uneven wear.

• Toe-In: The wheels are tipped slightly in, providing improved stability in a straight line.
• Toe-Out: Wheels point slightly outward, enhancing cornering ability but increasing tyre wear if excessive.

2. Camber Alignment

Camber refers to the tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Proper camber alignment prevents uneven tyre wear and enhances stability.

• Negative Camber: The tops of the wheels tilt inward, improving grip during cornering.
• Positive Camber: The tops of the wheels tilt outward, reducing steering effort but causing excessive wear on the outer edges of the tyres.

3. Caster Alignment

The caster affects steering stability and motor balance through the angle of the steering axis, which is viewed in the side profile.

• Positive Caster: The steep inclination of the steering axis toward the rear increases high-speed stability and steering returnability.
• Negative Caster: This occurs when the steering axis is inclined towards the front, reducing steering effort at slow speeds and thereby compromising stability.

4. Thrust Alignment

Thrust alignment is the most essential, ensuring that the rear wheels are correctly aligned with the front wheels. This is most important for those vehicles with a solid rear axle. Otherwise, if the axle is out of line, this causes the car to drift sideways. 

Wheel balancing eliminates vibrations caused by uneven weight distributions in tyres, improving ride comfort and extending tyre life. The main types of wheel balancing are as follows:

1. Static Balancing

Static balancing counteracts the up-and-down vibrations caused by uneven weight distributions through the use of small counterweights placed on a single-wheel plane. It is the simplest form of balancing and works well with minor imbalances.

2. Dynamic Balancing

Dynamic balancing counteracts up-and-down and side-to-side vibrations by distributing weight evenly across the wheel. It is more accurate than static balancing and, therefore, mandatory for all modern high-speed driving.

3. Road Force Balancing

This simulates the operation of the wheel in actual driving conditions by applying a roller to the tyre. It balances out minute imbalances that would be missed if other traditional balancing methods were used; thus, it is considerably suited for high-performance vehicles.

4. Balancing Beads

Balancing beads are small glass or ceramic beads placed inside the tyre. They automatically adjust as the wheel rotates, maintaining balance without the need for traditional counterweights. This method is commonly used for large tyres.