Keeping You Driving Safe

Do I Need Tire Balancing or Wheel Alignment?

They're Different?

If auto mechanics aren't your thing, that's okay. We're here to help. And if it's not, you may have heard various names for tire services such as wheel alignment and tire balancing and thought to yourself, "They're different?" Actually, yes, they are. However, you don't have to worry about which term means what or which one you need. Instead, count on the ASE-certified technicians at Pit Stop in Fort Myers, Florida, for all your wheel alignment and related tire care needs.

When a tire is initially installed on a rim, your technician will ensure that it's properly balanced. This will take care of any anomalies in the rim or the tire itself so that the tire precisely contacts the road surface and wears evenly. The old methodology involved attaching lead weights, while most installers now opt for internal beads. Over time, the tire and rim relationship can shift. That's why manufacturers recommend scheduled periodic balancing along with tire rotation. If the tire is run out of balance, it will lead to premature wear over time, shortening the usable life of the tire. Wheel alignment expresses the relationship between your vehicle's body, the wheels/tires, and the road. Proper alignment speaks to the adjustment of the major suspension angles--camber, caster, toe, and thrust. These ensure that your car makes accurate and maximal contact with the travel surface. Your car steers and handles better with proper alignment, and your tires will last longer. When the wheel alignment is off, your tires bounce and make less contact with the road. This leads to excessive wear in the spots that have more contact and the need to replace tires sooner than you had expected.

Now that you understand the difference between these two tire services, you'll know which one or both you need to schedule. Better yet, just ask us. The Pit Stop team has assisted area drivers with wheel alignment since our company began in 1997.