Balancing and alignment get muddled together, but they are two different jobs fixing two different problems. One comes free with every new tyre; the other is an extra worth paying for in the right circumstances. Knowing which is which avoids both overpaying and skipping something that matters.
Balancing: always, and included
Wheel balancing evens out the weight distribution around a wheel. Even a new tyre has tiny heavy spots, and small weights are added to cancel them so the wheel spins without vibration. This is done with every new tyre and is part of standard fitting; it should already be in a fully-fitted price, not an extra. Signs it has been missed show up as a vibration through the wheel at speed.
Alignment: sometimes, and separate
Wheel alignment is a different thing entirely, it sets the angles the wheels point at so the car tracks straight and the tyres wear evenly. It is a separate job with its own cost, and it is not always needed. It is worth doing when:
- The old tyres show uneven wear, heavier on one edge
- The car pulls to one side or the steering sits off-centre
- The car has recently hit a kerb or pothole
Fitting new tyres is the ideal moment to put alignment right, so the fresh rubber does not wear out the same way the old set did.
Telling them apart
The simplest way to hold the difference:
- Balancing stops a vibration, and comes with the tyre
- Alignment stops uneven wear and pulling, and is paid for separately
They are not interchangeable, and one does not fix the other. A car can be perfectly balanced and badly aligned, or the reverse.
What to do
For a normal tyre change, balancing is handled automatically. The judgement call is alignment: if the old tyres wore unevenly or the car pulls, having it checked and corrected with the new tyres is money well spent. If the old tyres wore evenly and the car drives straight, it can usually wait. Asking the fitter what the old tyres showed is the best guide; they have them in their hands.
From the workshop: balancing's automatic, it's in the fit. Alignment's the one to think about, and the answer's usually written on your old tyres. Worn on one edge? Get the alignment done with the new set. Worn evenly and it drives straight? You probably don't need it. Don't let anyone sell you alignment you don't need, or skip it when your tyres are screaming for it.
Sources and accuracy. This reflects standard practice at the time of writing. Whether a specific car needs alignment is best judged by a professional looking at the tyres and the car. If anything here looks wrong, get in touch and we will check it and put it right.
Common questions
Do I need wheel balancing with new tyres?+
Yes, and it is normally included in fitting. A new tyre needs balancing so the wheel spins without vibration. It is standard with every fit, not an optional extra, so it should already be in a fully-fitted price.
Do I need wheel alignment with new tyres?+
Not always. Alignment is a separate job, worth doing if the old tyres wore unevenly, the car pulls to one side, or it has hit a kerb or pothole. Fitting new tyres is the ideal time to correct alignment so they do not wear the same way.
What is the difference between balancing and alignment?+
Balancing evens out the weight around a wheel so it spins smoothly without vibration. Alignment sets the angles the wheels point at so the car tracks straight and the tyres wear evenly. They are different jobs that fix different problems.
Is alignment included in tyre fitting?+
No. Balancing is included; alignment is a separate service with its own cost. Many fitters will check or do it at the same visit if asked, which is sensible when fitting new tyres, but it is not part of standard fitting.