Tire Balancing vs Wheel Alignment: What Is the Difference?
Tire balancing and wheel alignment fix different problems. Balancing adds small weights to the wheel so its weight is even all the way around; it cures vibration, usually felt in the steering wheel or seat at highway speeds. Alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels relative to the car and road; it cures pulling to one side, an off-center steering wheel and uneven tire wear.
Side by side
| Balancing | Alignment | |
|---|---|---|
| What it corrects | Uneven weight around the tire and wheel | Wheel angles: toe, camber and caster |
| Main symptom | Vibration at speed, often 50 to 70 mph | Pulling, crooked steering wheel, edge wear |
| How it is done | Wheel spun on a balancer, weights added | Car on an alignment rack, suspension adjusted |
| When | New tires, repairs, vibration | New tires, after hitting a curb or pothole, suspension work |
| Listed price on AppointAuto | $45.00 with rotation | $99.00 |
Which one do I need?
- Steering wheel shakes at highway speed: balancing first.
- Car drifts left or right on a straight road: alignment (also check that tire pressures are equal).
- Steering wheel is off center when driving straight: alignment.
- Inner or outer edge of the tire is worn: alignment.
- Vibration when braking: usually brakes, not tires. Ask the shop to check the rotors.
Find a tire shop
- Tire shops in Los Angeles — 1 listing
- Tire shops in Oakland — 1 listing
- Tire shops in San Francisco — 1 listing
- Tire shops in San Jose — 1 listing
- Tire shops in Santa Clara — 1 listing
- Tire shops in Sunnyvale — 1 listing
Frequently asked questions
Do new tires need balancing or alignment?
New tires always need to be balanced when they are mounted. An alignment is not strictly required but is recommended, because it protects the new tires from uneven wear.
Can bad balance cause uneven tire wear?
Yes. A badly unbalanced tire can wear in patches, called cupping or scalloping, especially combined with worn shocks.
How often should tires be balanced?
When they are mounted, when you feel a new vibration, and whenever a tire is removed from the wheel, for example for a puncture repair.
How much does it cost to mount and balance four tires?
The listed price on AppointAuto for mounting and balancing four tires is $80.00, not including the tires. Each shop sets its own final price.
Related guides
- Wheel Alignment: 6 Signs You Need One and What It Costs — Pulling, an off-center steering wheel and uneven tire wear are the classic signs. What toe, camber and caster mean, how often to align, and listed alignment prices.
- How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires? — Most cars need a tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Rotation patterns for front, rear and all-wheel drive, and why rotating saves money.
- How Much Does It Cost to Install New Tires? Mounting, Balancing and Extras — What a tire installation includes, the extra line items to expect (valve stems, TPMS service, disposal, state tire fee), and how to compare quotes.