Wheel Alignment vs Tire Balancing

Making sure your tires are functioning properly is crucial for car safety. Toyota of North Charlotte wants to ensure you and your vehicle's safety by helping you stay one step ahead of your car's maintenance. Two important auto services to consider when discussing vehicle safety is wheel alignment and tire balancing. Although these services sound similar and they’re often used interchangeably, they serve quite different purposes. Allow us to elaborate.

Wheel alignment

Contrary to major belief, wheel alignment is not an actual adjustment of the tires themselves, rather it is the alignment of the suspension system that connects the car to it’s wheels. This system is what keeps the car from swerving on its own while driving straight. A misalignment can occur over time from wear and tare or they can be caused by simply hitting an unavoidable object on the road. Whatever the problem, Toyota of North Charlotte is here to help! 

 Here are some warning signs that you might be due for a wheel alignment from our auto service department: 

• Your vehicle is pulling to either side while driving.
• You notice an uneven tread on your tires.
• You feel shaking on your steering wheel while driving.

An important thing to keep in mind is that, depending on your vehicle, you may only need the front two tires aligned, rather than all four. Double check with your trusted auto service provider, like Toyota of North Charlotte’s auto service department, on what type of alignment your car needs before you get the bill. 

Tire balancing

The most recommended auto service out there, tire balancing is crucial in car maintenance and functionality. Just as it sounds, tire balancing is the process of equalizing the total weight of your car’s tires for a smooth ride when traveling at high speeds. In order to ensure a perfect equilibrium, we at Toyota of North Charlotte use a tire balancing machine to center the wheel and map out where the weights need to go. A N Charlotte Toyota auto service technician then reads the machine’s recommendations and applies weights to the specified areas. Weights can be applied to either the exterior rim of the wheel (between the wheel and the tire) and on the wheel, behind the face of the N Charlotte Toyota rims.

Tires can become unbalanced from small imperfections in your tire’s rubber or from damage to the rims. In order to prevent further damage, here are some telltale signs that your tires are out of balance:

• You feel a vibrating of the steering wheel or car floor when driving at high speeds.
• You notice a decline in your car’s fuel economy.
• Your tire’s tread wears down faster than usual.

In order to keep your N Charlotte Toyota tires in tip top shape, it is recommended that each auto service is conducted simultaneously at an average of once a year. If you are having any doubts about your tire’s functioning properly or if you need either auto service performed, don’t hesitate to visit Toyota of North Charlotte today. We are located at 13429 Statesville Road and open seven days a week.