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Tire Balance vs. Alignment: Which One Do You Need?

Tire balancing is a preventative maintenance procedure for your tire and wheel-tire set. The primary goal is to ensure that the weight of the entire unit is distributed evenly around its circumference. Uneven tread wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and steering wheel shaking are all common symptoms of out-of-balance tires.

What Causes Wheel Balancing Issues?


Several reasons cause wheel balancing problems, such as:

  • Wheel deformation

  • Wheel deterioration

  • Dirt and debris

  • Balanced weight loss

  • Uneven tire wear

How are Tires Rebalanced

The wheel-tire assembly is rebalanced by mounting it on a tire balancer, which measures weight distribution to identify lighter or heavier areas and makes changes to compensate for these variations. It's perfect for doing it while your car's tires are being rotated, for both convenience and because you might have an out-of-balance rear tire that you won't notice until it's moved to the front.

Here's how to do it:

  • Vibration measurements are taken while the wheel is turned. This tells the technician whether the weight is distributed evenly, how much extra weight to add, and where to attach it.

  • A tire is balanced on a wheel using a balancing machine.

Balancing Versus Alignment

Balancing is not the same as alignment, but it is important to balance your wheels regularly. Wheel alignment is adjusting the angles of a vehicle's tires so that they move in the proper direction and make proper contact with the road. At the same time,  Alignment increases tire life and reduces uneven tire wear. 

When Should You Have Your Tires Balanced?

  • When you notice a vibration is a steering wheel or seat.

  • The rotors generally should replace every 5000 miles.

  • When you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly.

  • You may need to repair a flat or need to change a tire. 


If you're experiencing any of the above-mentioned issues, it's time to have your tires balanced by a reputable tire shop in New Bern, NC. You can extend the life of your tires and ensure a smooth ride by having your tires balanced regularly.
Colony Tire - (252) 636-5525