What It Is, When to Get It, and Why It’s Different From Tire Balancing
Wheel alignment is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — services for your vehicle. In simple terms, it ensures your tires are pointed in the right direction and making even contact with the road. Without it, you risk faster tire wear, higher fuel costs, poor handling, and reduced safety.
At SwitchTire & Brake, we take alignment seriously. That’s why we provide free alignment inspections with every tire purchase or brake service and use the most advanced equipment like Hunter Engineering Alignment Equipment — the same technology trusted by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and leading dealerships. This means you get factory-level precision, transparent results, and expert advice — without the dealership prices.
Wheel Alignment vs. Balancing vs. Installation — What’s the Difference?
These three services are often confused, but they do very different jobs:
- Tire Installation → Mounting new tires onto your wheels and installing them on your vehicle.
- Tire Balancing → Making sure each tire-and-wheel spins smoothly by adding small weights, preventing vibration at highway speeds.
- Wheel Alignment → Adjusting your suspension angles (camber, toe, caster) so the tires meet the road properly and wear evenly.
Think of it like this:
- Installation = putting on your shoes.
- Balancing = making sure the soles aren’t lumpy.
- Alignment = making sure you’re walking straight, not sideways.
Why Wheel Alignment Is Important
A proper alignment protects your tires, your wallet, and your safety:
- Extends tire life → prevents uneven or early wear.
- Improves fuel economy → less rolling resistance means fewer trips to the pump.
- Smoother ride → no pulling, drifting, or crooked steering wheel.
- Safer handling → better stability and control in sudden stops, turns, or wet conditions.
- Works with and not against your vehicle’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Lane Keep Assistance
What Causes the vehicle to Go Out of Alignment?
Everyday driving knocks things out of line:
- Potholes – Ontario’s #1 road hazard.
- Curb hits – turning too tight or parking mishaps.
- Construction & rough roads – bumps and uneven pavement.
- Wear and tear – suspension parts may loosen over time.
How Often Should You Check Alignment?
- At every seasonal tire swap (winter ↔ summer).
- During tire rotations.
- After hitting a pothole or curb.
- If you notice uneven tire wear, pulling, or a crooked steering wheel.
Free Alignment Inspections at SwitchTire & Brake
We believe knowledge = power. That’s why:
- Every tire purchase includes a free alignment inspection.
- Every brake service comes with a complimentary check.
No pressure — just information you can use to make smarter decisions.
Advanced Hunter Engineered Equipment Technology — Dealership Precision Without the Price
We use advanced equipment like Hunter Engineering Alignment Equipment, the same high-tech systems trusted by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and other OEM dealerships. That means you get exact, manufacturer-level precision — without paying dealership prices.
FAQs
Key Takeaway
Wheel alignment isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s one of the smartest ways to:
- Extend tire life
- Save money on fuel
- Drive smoother
- Stay safe
Next time you’re in for a tire swap, rotation, or brake service, ask about your free alignment check at SwitchTire & Brake.
Visit us today — SwitchTire | We Keep you Rolling
📍 Peterborough – 646 Reid St. | 705-748-9500 | [email protected]
📍 Mississauga – 3663 Platinum Dr. | 905-820-9889 | [email protected]