Wheel Balancing vs Alignment: The Difference Between Wheel Alignment and Balancing
Having the right tool for the job makes all the difference in your quality of work and productivity. When it comes to wheel balancing vs alignment, two different machines are needed to carry out these automotive services properly.
So, what’s the difference between wheel alignment and balancing? Simple - one focuses on suspension issues while the other corrects tire weight problems.
My Garage Supplies carries both wheel alignment machines and wheel balancer machines and is here to help you choose the right machine for your garage. Let's take a closer look at these two different machines, compare some different models, and help you choose one.
What is a Wheel Alignment Machine?
Wheel alignment machines are used in automobile garages to measure and adjust the angle of a vehicle's wheels back to their manufacturer's specifications. Several issues can arise without manufacturer-recommended wheel alignment, making wheel alignment services one of the most sought after automotive repairs.
While there are several different wheel alignment machines, not all are created equal. Choosing the right wheel alignment machine for your garage comes down to selecting a machine with the right features, durable build quality, and price point.
Common Use Cases for Alignment Machines
There are differences between wheel alignment and balancing machines and the repairs they are used for. Garages use alignment machines for both preventative maintenance and to address issues caused by collisions or more significant repairs.
Typical uses for alignment machines include:
- Alignment after suspension repairs
- Addressing handling or steering complaints
- Advanced driver-assistance system calibrations
- Post-collision repairs
- Reducing stress on suspension and steering components
When you look at the difference between wheel alignment and balancing machines, you'll notice that alignment machines are used to address more serious suspension issues, including post-collision repairs.
Key Features to Look For in an Alignment Machine
When you compare different alignment machines you’ll want to look at their key features to find the best fit for your garage. Most commercial garages look for alignment machines that have:
- Compatibility with car lift brands in your garage
- Spec memory and update support for vehicles
- Ease of installation and operation
- Precise angle readings and accurate diagnostics
My Garage Supplies make it easy for you to shop for alignment machines by offering machines that come with all the key features you are looking for. One of our most popular alignment machines is the Katool KT‑AV6 mobile 3D wheel alignment machine. It comes with features like:
- Compatibility with 2-post and scissor car lifts
- Unlimited vehicle database memory
- Free yearly software updates
- Ease of installation
- Mobile design
Now that you know what a wheel alignment machine does and what to look for in one, let's look at the other side of wheel balancing vs alignment: wheel balancing machines.
What is a Wheel Balancing Machine?
Wheel balancing machines work to balance tires and tire assemblies, reducing uneven tire wear, stress on suspensions, and vibrations on the road. Like alignment machines, wheel balancing machines are crucial for commercial garages as wheel balancing services are in high demand.
Common Use Cases for Balancing Machines
Wheel balancing machines are primarily used to address issues with wheel and wheel assembly components.The main difference between wheel alignment and balancing is that wheel balancing machines work to correct weight imbalances in tires and tire assemblies.
Balancing machines are more commonly used to address ride complaints like excessive vibrations.
Key Features to Look For in a Balancing Machine
Just like shopping for an alignment machine, there are some key features you'll want to look for in a balancing machine for your garage. Some preferred features for balancing machines include:
- Advanced sensor systems
- Robust and durable build quality
- Multiple balance modes
- Self-diagnosis and self-calibration modes
One wheel alignment machine you'll find at My Garage Supplies that checks all of these boxes is the Katool KT‑B760 Wheel Balancer. It’s constructed from 3 mm-thick precision-welded steel, making it an incredibly tough and durable machine. It also comes with:
- An advanced sensor system
- 8 mm-thick side and bottom boards
- Multiple balance modes for different rim sizes and types
- Self-diagnosis and self-calibration modes
Now that you have a basic idea of wheel balancing and wheel calibration machines and some of their key features, let's dive deeper into their operation and use in your garage.
Wheel Alignment vs Balancing: What's the Difference Between Wheel Alignment and Balancing?
Both wheel balancing vs alignment can improve a vehicle's ride quality, the types of repairs they are used for are different.
The main difference between wheel alignment and balancing is that wheel alignment addresses suspension issues, while wheel balancing addresses weight issues in tires and tire assemblies.
We'll break down the differences in wheel balancing vs wheel alignment to give you an idea of how you can incorporate these machines and the repair capability they offer to your garage.
Primary Purpose
The primary purpose of a wheel alignment machine is to correct the angle of a vehicle's wheels. Here’s what you get by keeping the angles of a vehicle's wheels to factory specifications:
- Straight tracking when driving
- Even tire wear
- Improved steering response
- Improved fuel efficiency
You'll notice that balancing machines are for correcting weight issues in tires and tire assemblies, when we talk about the primary purpose of wheel alignment vs balancing machines. Balancing machines can be used to give drivers:
- A smoother ride and fewer vibrations
- Reduce stress on suspension
- Reduce stress on steering components
- Prevent uneven tire wear
Having both a wheel alignment and wheel balancing machine in your garage gives you the ability to offer more repair services to your customers, as both machines have their primary purpose.
Equipment Used and Process Differences
Wheel alignment vs balancing machines use different equipment and mechanical processes to carry out repairs. Wheel alignment machines tend to be more mechanically complex compared to wheel balancing machines.
Wheel alignment machines use:
- Wheel clamps
- Targets and reflective sensors
- Either a camera or a laser-based sensor system
- Computer system matched to a vehicle database
Wheel balancing machines, on the other hand, utilize:
- Wheel weights
- Protective hoods
- Cones to center wheels
Wheel alignment machines and wheel balancing machines both perform tests after the repairs to ensure accuracy. Wheel balancing machines use a spin test to check for proper balance. Wheel alignment machines, on the other hand, scan all four wheels after adjustments to ensure the camber, caster, and toe meet manufacturer guidelines.
Symptoms That Indicate You Need Each Service
When customers bring their vehicles into your garage for service, some symptoms can indicate whether they need wheel balancing vs alignment machines for the repair. Symptoms that can point to a wheel alignment service include:
- The vehicle is pulling to one side of the road
- The steering wheel is off-center when driving straight
- Steering feels loose
- The vehicle recently hit a pothole or was in a collision
Drivers may need wheel balancing if they report that:
- There is a vibration in the steering wheel
- Shaking of the vehicle
- Loud road noises
- Their vehicle has recently gotten new tires or a tire rotation
Let's look at whether you can perform one of these types of repairs (wheel alignment vs balancing) without the other.
Can You Perform One Without the Other?
Since wheel balancing vs alignment are different repairs for different problems, and use two different machines, these repairs can be done independently of each other. Whether or not these repairs should be done independently depends on the symptoms the vehicle presents with.
Drivers may need both an alignment and wheel balancing if:
- They have replaced all four tires
- They are experiencing both vibrations and uneven tire wear
- Have recently been in an auto collision
- Request a full tire service
My Garage Supplies has both machines if you are comparing wheel balancing vs alignment machines and decide to get both to offer your customers the broadest range of repair services!
Find Both Types of Machines at My Garage Supplies!
My Garage Supplies offers our customers the best wheel alignment and wheel balancing machines, including the Katool KT-AV6 wheel alignment machine and the Katool KT‑B760 wheel balancer mentioned in this article. Besides wheel balancing machines and wheel alignment machines, we also have other garage supplies, including:
My Garage Supplies is your one-stop shop for wheel alignment and wheel balancing tools, and other garage equipment like Titan vs Atlas lifts. You won't find a better selection of equipment for your garage anywhere else!
Wrapping Up Our Comparison of Wheel Balancing vs Alignment
That does it for our wheel balancing vs alignment comparison. While both of these machines complete repairs focused on wheels, they work in different ways and fix different issues. If you want to offer your customers the largest range of repair services, both are crucial tools to have in your garage.
My Garage Supplies is proud to offer our customers an excellent selection of both wheel balancing and wheel alignment machines from the top brands like Katool, Triumph, and Atlas. Start shopping and comparing machines today to find the perfect fit for your garage!