When is it useful to have Wheel Alignment completed on my Vehicle?

What is Wheel Alignment/Tracking? 

Wheel alignment, which is sometimes referred to as tracking, is part of the standard of automobile maintenance that consists of adjusting the angles of wheels to the car manufacturer specifications. The purpose of these adjustments is to reduce tire wear and to ensure that vehicle travel is straight and true (without "pulling" to one side).

Most wheel alignments are done with a laser-based approach; these systems utilise fixed heads attached simply to, or hung from each wheel, projecting laser beams to measure angles and positions. While considered less precise than newer technologies, laser systems are often praised for their robustness and reliability, making them a suitable choice for certain applications.

Some of the main benefits of wheel alignment/tracking are:

• Improved handling - properly aligned wheels will make your car handle better on the road, especially when you are driving at higher speeds. If your wheels 

     are not aligned, your car may drift to one side of the road and this is dangerous.

• Improved fuel efficiency - when your car’s wheels are properly aligned, they will roll more smoothly down the road. This means that your car will not have to work as hard to move forward, which will save you money on gas.

• Increase the lifespan of your tires - when your car’s wheels are out of alignment, your tires will wear down unevenly. This can cause your tires to develop bald spots or to wear down completely. Replacing tires can be expensive, so it is important to do everything you can to extend their lifespan.

• Improved safety - when your car’s wheels are properly aligned, it will handle better on the road. This means that you will be less likely to get into an accident. In addition, properly aligned wheels can improve your car’s braking performance. This means that you will be able to stop your car more quickly in an emergency.

• If your car is making strange noises when you are driving, it could be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment. When your wheels are properly aligned, they rotate smoothly along the road surface. But when they are out of alignment, they can create a thumping noise that is hard to ignore. If you hear a strange noise coming from your car, it is a clever idea to have it checked out by a professional. They can determine if your wheels are the source of the noise, and, if so, they can realign them to reduce the noise.

Is there a difference between Wheel Balancing and Wheel Alignment?