Wheel Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment

There are many essential services that keep you riding smoothly around San Dimas. On top of routine oil changes and brake service, it’s important to also keep up with regular tire services. Two routine tire services you should be aware of are wheel balancing and wheel alignments. While drivers may think the two services are interchangeable, comparing wheel alignment vs. balance highlights some crucial differences. Learn more about these services with Mazda of Claremont and contact our service center to schedule a service appointment.

What Is Wheel Balancing?

One of the major differences between wheel alignment vs. balancing is frequency. Balancing is the more common service, as wheels lose their balance over the course of your Rancho Cucamonga commutes. When your tires develop uneven wear, one tire becomes heavier than the other and can lead to a shaking or vibrating steering wheel.

It’s recommended that you schedule wheel balancing service every 5,000 to 6,000 miles or every 6 months when you schedule a routine tire rotation. This service minimizes tire bounce, improving traction and control. It also extends the overall life of your tires, providing you with smoother trips around town.

What Is Wheel Alignment?

Commonly referred to as a front-end alignment, service technicians use wheel alignments to ensure your tires run perpendicular to the road and parallel to each other. When your wheels are out of alignment during your Upland drives, it can result in excessive, uneven tread, unnecessary wear and tear on your tires, and steering issues. If an alignment problem goes unchecked, it can also lead to vehicle pulling that endangers you and other vehicles on the road.

In the comparison of wheel balancing vs. alignment, wheel alignments aren’t a part of your typical maintenance routines. However, they prove to be especially important when you’re constantly encountering potholes around Claremont. While potholes cause noticeable issues like blown tires and bent rims, they can also damage your wheel alignment, which can cause vehicle pulling, front-end shaking, and a crooked steering wheel while driving straight.

Cost of Wheel Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment

As we look at the wheel alignment vs. balancing cost, you’ll be happy to know they’re both relatively affordable services when you’re in need. Depending on your vehicle and local service costs, you can expect wheel balancing to cost between $40 to $75.A front-end alignment can cost between $65 to $100. However, if all four wheels need to be aligned, it can cost twice as much.

Schedule Tire Service at Mazda of Claremont!

Whether you need wheel balancing or wheel alignment, the team at Mazda of Claremont is here to keep your vehicle running smoothly with expert tire service. Our highly-trained technicians use genuine OEM parts for high-quality and lasting repairs to get you through San Dimas commutes and weekend getaways. Save on your next service with our available specials.