Published on: Thursday, September 28, 2023 Last updated on: Monday, January 26, 2026
If you drive a car in the U.S., you’ve probably heard the term tire or wheel balancing tossed around at tire shops. Some drivers think it’s optional. Others confuse it with wheel alignment. But proper balancing is one of the simplest services that directly improves tire life, vehicle comfort, and highway safety. Here you have a clear, expert-backed guide to what wheel balancing actually means, why it matters, and when your car needs it.