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Wheel and Tire Services from VIP Tire

The difference between wheel alignment and tire balancing can be difficult to distinguish. Both are important maintenance services that help keep your vehicle in the best shape possible for as long as possible. However, not everyone understands the significance and value of each service, or why this type of maintenance is necessary.

A tire or wheel balancing is essentially a tune-up for your wheel-tire set. Weight needs to be evenly distributed around the entire circumference of the wheel, and when it is not, your tires become uneven and the tire tread wears more quickly. This can result in vibrations in the steering wheel, floorboards, or seats, and poor fuel economy.

Redistributing weight so it is even across all areas of the back and front tires helps them roll smoothly, allows the tread to wear evenly, and extends the life of your tires. Balanced tires also provide better ride comfort, eliminating vehicle vibrations. Vibrations in the steering wheel usually indicate a problem in the front of the vehicle, while a rear tremor will cause vibrations in the seats or floor.

Balancing tires is precise work and involves attaching very small weights, just fractions of ounces, to the wheels. Tires will become out of balance over time due to normal, everyday wear, as well as manufacturing imperfections.

A wheel alignment is different from tire balancing, though the process is equally beneficial to the health of your vehicle. Wheel alignments are meant to correct the angles of the tires, ensuring they all make contact with the road and travel in the same direction. Wheel alignments also prevent tires from wearing unevenly and extend the life of your tires, but they do not have much to do with the distribution of weight.

Tire Balancing, Wheel Alignment, and Tires Near Orland Park, IL

Wheel alignments and tire balancing, even tire rotation, can all be done at the same time. Doing so can help ensure that any issues with the wheel components or the assembly, in general, are discovered and addressed in a timely manner.

If your car or truck is due for a wheel alignment or tire balancing, contact us at VIP Tire today and visit one of our auto repair shops in Bridgeview, Tinley Park, or Chicago, IL. We also offer a variety of tire options at our service centers.