TS 12408

TS 12408 is a vocational standard for the balance and wheel aligner profession. It defines the occupation, classifies the people who perform it, and frames the knowledge, skills, tools, and equipment associated with vehicle wheel alignment and balancing.

What wheel alignment and balance mean in practice

In general technical terms, wheel alignment refers to the geometric settings that govern how the wheels sit and track relative to the vehicle body and suspension. Wheel balancing addresses mass distribution in the wheel-and-tyre assembly so it rotates smoothly. These are related but distinct disciplines: alignment mainly affects steering behavior, straight-line stability, and tyre wear, while balance is more closely tied to vibration control and rotational smoothness.

The scope of this standard also includes the profession itself, not just the vehicle service tasks. That means it provides a framework for the kind of knowledge and practical competence expected from a worker in this field, together with the tools and equipment typically needed for the job. In automotive practice, accurate alignment and balancing depend on understanding suspension geometry, steering components, wheel condition, and tyre interaction.

• Basic concepts of wheel geometry and alignment
• Tools and equipment used for balancing operations
• Measurement and adjustment principles affecting vehicle behavior
• Classification of the profession and its competency framework