Is Balancing the Same as Alignment?

Both contribute to a smoother ride, but tire balancing and alignment are different services. A tire balance corrects the weight imbalance on your tire and wheel assemblies, while an alignment corrects the angles of the tires so that they come into contact with the road in just the right way.

Should I balance or alignment first?

In general, you don't have to balance your tires before an alignment. The two are different processes. Balancing your tires will help cure vibration, and an alignment will make sure that your vehicle is driving straight. You should realize, however, that both processes can address the issue of uneven tire wear.

How much does balancing and alignment cost?

The average wheel alignment should cost you anywhere between $100 and $200 for all four wheels. If you are just getting the two front wheels aligned then that will cost you on average between $50 and $100.