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Balancing the wheels of a vehicle ensures that the weight is distributed evenly around the entire circumference of the tyre to minimise vibrations and uneven tread wear. Ensuring that your wheels are balanced will result in a much smoother and safer ride. If the wheels are out of balance, it may result in uncomfortable vibrations when driving, as well as the uneven wear of tyres and increased wear and tear of the suspension system, steering components, and rotating parts. This type of damage is not only costly to repair but can also be a safety risk.
How Do I Know If My Wheels Need Balancing?
Tyre Wear
If the wheels are unbalanced, the tyres will typically wear unevenly with worn tread in particular parts of the tyre.
Vibrations
Another symptom of unbalanced wheels is vibration at high speeds.
Pulling To One Side
The vehicle may feel as though it is starting to pull slightly to one side if the wheels are not balanced.
Fuel Economy
Poor fuel economy is another possible indication of imbalanced wheels.
What Is the Difference Between Wheel Balancing and Wheel Alignment?
These are two different things – wheel balancing ensures that the wheels are equally balanced and spin evenly. Wheel alignment refers to the angle and direction of the wheels, correct alignment prevents the car from veering to the left or to the right. Although these are two separate issues, both affect safety and comfort.
What Causes Wheels to Become Unbalanced?
Worn Tyres
Over time, tyre imbalance may develop as the tyre tread degrades due to wear and tear. This process can be accelerated by driving style – sharp braking, cornering quickly - driving on poor roads and in poor conditions.
Hitting A Pothole
Hitting a kerb or a pothole at speed can also have a negative impact on the tyres. If this happens, it is important to have the tyres rebalanced as soon as possible.
Leaving The Car Parked
Leaving the car parked for extended periods of time without moving it may lead to the development of flat spots in the tyres, subsequently causing wheel imbalances.
How Are the Wheels Balanced?
A wheel balance corrects the weight imbalance on the tyre and wheel assembly. This service involves putting an inflated tyre and rim onto the balancing machine, where the tyre and wheel are spun – an imperfect spin means that the weight is uneven. The balancing ensures that the wheel, rim, tyres, and value combination, spin without causing vibrations when driving, helping to save the tyres and reduce excessive and uneven wear.
Static Balancing
This is the most simple method of balancing - static balancing is when the wheel and tyre assembly is placed onto the vertical supporting device.
Dynamic Balancing
This technique is more complex and involves using spinning computer balancers to measure the tyre on all 3 axes whilst sensors capture each weight imperfection. The computer then specifies where the tyres should be balanced.
How Often Should Tyres Be Rebalanced?
If there are any visible signs such as vibration or uneven wear or when tyres are replaced or repaired or during servicing.
Servicing & Tyre Change
To avoid the issues associated with unbalanced wheels, we recommend balancing the wheels every time a tyre is changed. During a full service, wheel balancing is usually checked.
How We Can Help
Longmynd Service Station is an independent family-owned service and MOT station located in South Shropshire; we offer a comprehensive range of car services. We are happy to offer advice on the type of service your vehicle requires, for more information, get in touch today.