Purpose: Wheel balancing involves distributing the weight of the tire and wheel assembly evenly around the axle to prevent vibrations and uneven tire wear. Symptoms of Imbalance: Symptoms of unbalanced wheels include vibrations felt through the steering wheel or seats, uneven tire wear, and steering wheel wobble at certain speeds. Procedure: The technician will mount the wheel and tire assembly on a balancing machine. The machine will spin the wheel and measure any imbalance. Counterweights are then attached to the wheel rim to compensate for any imbalance detected. The process is repeated until the wheel spins smoothly without vibration. Frequency: It's recommended to have your wheels balanced every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or if you experience symptoms of imbalance. Wheel Alignment: Purpose: Wheel alignment ensures that the wheels are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other, optimizing handling, tire wear, and fuel efficiency. Symptoms of Misalignment: Symptoms of misalignment include uneven or rapid tire wear, pulling to one side while driving, steering wheel off-center, and a crooked steering wheel when driving straight. Types of Alignment: There are three primary types of wheel alignment: Toe Alignment: Adjusts the angle of the tires inward or outward when viewed from above. Camber Alignment: Adjusts the angle of the tires inward or outward when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Caster Alignment: Adjusts the angle of the steering axis, affecting stability and steering response. Procedure: The vehicle is placed on an alignment rack, and sensors are attached to the wheels to measure alignment angles. The technician adjusts the suspension components to bring the wheels into proper alignment according to manufacturer specifications. Types of Alignment Issues: Front-end Alignment: Focuses on the front wheels only, suitable for vehicles with non-adjustable rear suspension. Four-wheel Alignment: Adjusts all four wheels, suitable for vehicles with adjustable rear suspension or all-wheel-drive vehicles. Frequency: It's recommended to have your wheel alignment checked annually or if you experience symptoms of misalignment, after significant suspension repairs, or when installing new tires.