Wheel Alignment vs. Tire Balancing: What's the Difference?

We get this question all the time: "Is wheel alignment the same as tire balancing?" The short answer is no — they're two completely different services that solve different problems. But they're both critical for your tires and your safety.

What Is Wheel Alignment ?

Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels relative to each other and to the road. When your alignment is off, your tires don't point in the right direction — even if it's only by a fraction of a degree.

There are three main angles we adjust:

• Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from the front. Too much camber wears one edge of your tire fast.
• Toe: Whether your tires point inward or outward when viewed from above. This is the most common cause of uneven tire wear.
• Caster: The angle of the steering pivot. This affects how your steering feels and whether your car tracks straight.

At Strong's, we use Hunter HawkEye Elite alignment equipment — the same machines used by dealerships — to measure and correct all three angles with pinpoint accuracy.

What Is Tire Balancing ?

Tire balancing addresses weight distribution around the tire and wheel assembly. Even brand-new tires aren't perfectly uniform — there are always slight heavy spots. A balancing machine spins the wheel at high speed and identifies where small weights need to be added to even things out.

If your tires aren't balanced, you'll feel a vibration in the steering wheel (usually between 55-70 mph) and your tires will develop a cupping or scalloped wear pattern.

When Do You Need Each Service ?

Service	When You Need It	Symptoms
Alignment	Every 6,000-10,000 miles; after hitting a pothole or curb	Car pulls to one side; uneven tire wear on edges; crooked steering wheel
Balancing	Every tire rotation (5,000-7,500 miles); when installing new tires	Vibration at highway speeds; cupped / scalloped tire wear

Why Connecticut Drivers Need Both

Let's be honest — Connecticut roads are rough. Between the freeze-thaw cycles, potholes on I-84, and the construction on Route 2, your alignment takes a beating every winter. And those same impacts can knock your tire balance off too.

Here's the thing most shops won't tell you: getting an alignment without checking your balance(or vice versa) is like changing one shoe but not the other. They work together to keep your ride smooth and your tires wearing evenly.

The Bottom Line

If your car is vibrating, pulling to one side, or eating through tires faster than it should, come see us at Strong's Alignment Services. We'll check both your alignment and your balance and let you know exactly what you need — nothing more.

Call us: (860) 569 - 1440 | 195 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT