Wheel Alignment, Balancing, Tyre Rotation - FAQ on Alignment & Balancing
Date: May 31, 2014
Considering Wheel Alignment and Balancing, know differences with Relevance of Alignment & Balancing
Wheel Alignment FAQs
As your first car, taking a car out for service, its important to know about Alignment & Balancing of Wheels. Why is it done Periodically and what is the benefit of same.
What is Wheel Alignment
Wheel Alignment in layman language means that all wheels moves in same angular direction without any deviation.
A Car with Proper Wheel Alignment, if driven straight will move exactly in 90 degree.
Though angles gets changed due to our driving and traffic conditions, but turning the car on speeds does lead to higher probability of distortion of the angle of the wheels. In Nutshell - Wheel Alignment implies angle adjustment of the wheels
Why to go in for Wheel Alignment
Driving a car with distorted angles leads to quicker wear & tear of the tyres. To prevent same, Wheel Alignment is done with, so as to bring the wheels in there original angles. It helps the car in moving straight, doesnt put undue pressure on tyres and even leads to better fuel economy too.
How to Find Out if Alignment is due
A car with perfect alignment will move in a straight direction. If you start experiencing, a sudden tilt (despite correct tyre pressure) even when driving straight - your alignment is due. You can check in early morning by driving a short distance by keeping your hands off steering. A Tilt movement in direction implies, alignment due on the car. Its best to perform it at 7500 - 10,000 Kms
Tyre Balancing FAQs
What is Wheel Balancing (aka Tyre Balancing)
Ideally, every wheels with tyres should have same weight. Wheel Balancing is a process to give equal weight distribution (to a tyre & wheel) in relation to weight of other tyre & wheel. In Nutshell - Balancing implies to achieve Equal Weight Distribution on the wheels
Why to go for Balancing
A minor improper weight distribution and the tyre with improper balancing will start rolling and give a feel of jerk or vibration on your steering wheel. If left unattended - it will put pressure on suspension system, premature loss of tyre tread and worse will even take away loss of control or steering wheel or impact braking abilities of the car.
Though most of the modern age cars comes with light steering wheel and even if vibrations are not heard - its still best to get Balancing done in range of 7500 - 10,000 Kms for Optimal condition of Tyres
Adding Weights in Balancing
If due to wear & tear of wheel bents - the weight distribution becomes uneven, some weights are added to the rim of the wheels to help it achieve equal weight distribution in all tyres and thus gives longer life to the tyres and prevent uneven pressure on suspension system.
Camber, Caster & Toe
Important: While going in for Alignment - you would get a report on Camber, Caster and Toe Settings. Check out this Excellent Video explaining the same.
Tyre Rotation
Tyre Rotation is also suggested at every 10,000 Kms. Basically the front tyres are put on rear wheels and rear tyres are put on front wheels. Despite alignment and balancing done, tyres does get wear & tear due to driving on road
As a basic principle, commonly if you check - you will find that the tyres in front wheels gets worn out more quickly. Been - the braking system of the car puts more pressure on the front, to prevent uneven wear & tear (only on the front tyres) - rear tyres are put in front wheels after a certain distance while front tyres are put in rear wheels - so that a unified even wear & tear happens on all set of tyres during the life tenure.
Role of Alignment, Balancing & Rotation
Eventually, the purpose is that wheels move perfectly in line with equal weight on all degrees of the angle - thus provide best steering control, better tyre life and prevent undue pressure on the suspension system of the car.
Cost of Performing Alignment & Balancing
It costs very low. If you performing it a reputed tyre shop, it will cost you
> Wheel Alignment : Rs. 250 - 300 (USD 4 - 5)
> Wheel Balancing : Rs. 250 - 300 (USD 4)
> Balancing Weights : Generally as per weights, can expect Rs. 100 (USD 1.5)
> Tyre Rotation : Rs. 100 to 150 (USD 2) . Even performed complimentary by some of them when Alignment & Balancing is done
In overall, you can expect to spend Rs. 600 - 700 ($10 - $12). Though an Authorized Dealer Workshop willl charge you Rs. 1000 - 1200 ($20) for the similar job.