What is the Difference Between Wheel Balancing and Four-Wheel Alignment?
2 Answers
Wheel balancing and four-wheel alignment differ in their functions: Wheel balancing involves adding counterweights to each wheel to correct the balance of all edges when the wheel is in motion; four-wheel alignment adjusts the data of all four wheels. When a car leaves the factory, the wheels, steering mechanism, and front and rear axles have fixed positions and angles. However, as mileage accumulates and tires wear, these fixed parameters will change. Even minor changes can lead to significant driving risks. Four-wheel alignment ensures the vehicle maintains good driving performance by adjusting the four-wheel parameters.
As a car enthusiast who frequently drives long distances, I've found a significant difference between wheel balancing and four-wheel alignment, especially after modifying my wheels. Wheel balancing is an adjustment for individual wheels, aimed at eliminating vibrations and noise during rotation. For example, when your speed increases and the steering wheel shakes or the car body vibrates, it's usually due to unbalanced wheels, which can be fixed by adding balancing weights to the wheels. On the other hand, four-wheel alignment involves adjusting the entire suspension system to ensure all wheels are aligned for straight driving. If the car tends to drift or the tires wear unevenly, it's likely due to poor four-wheel alignment. Last time I went for car maintenance, the mechanic said neglecting wheel balancing could lead to premature wheel damage, while poor alignment might increase the risk of accidents. In short, wheel balancing is about the wheels spinning smoothly on their own, while alignment is about how the entire car moves. Don't wait for problems to arise before checking; it's especially dangerous at high speeds.
