Most people will have their new tires balanced when they are installed on the car. Some stores will charge for this service . While others will include the cost of balancing the tire in the price of the tire. Whenever you purchase tires make sure you are comparing apples to apples. For example, the cost of the tire and balancing so that you have a true comparison.
Many people then forget about their tires and never have their tires re-balanced again. Even though there may be abnormal wear on the tires or if there is vibration coming from the tires. Your tires should be rotated every 12,000 km’s. The balance checked at the same time. We will take about this aspect a little bit later.
Tire Balancing – How Are Tires Balanced
Your mechanic will use a tire balancing machine to find out were the heavy spots are and then attach weights to the rim to counter these heavy spots. Weight can be attached to the inside of the rim as well as the outside of the rim. Proper weights applied to the right locations will eliminate vertical bouncing (static balance) and side-to-side wobble (dynamic balance). If you notice that a weight has fallen off due to hitting a curb or just to age, have your tires balanced immediately to avoid any unnecessary wear to your cars tires and alignment.
Why Balance Your Tires At All?
During the manufacturing process, the manufacturers will attempt to make your tires and your rims as round as possible and distribute the weight as evenly as possible across the tires circumference. However there are always slight imperfections that make the tire heavier on one side or another. You may not notice this at low speeds, however at higher speeds it can be noticed as a slight vibration. Badly balanced tires will cause your cars tires to vibrate badly and you will actually feel the vibration in the steering wheel or perhaps in the car in general.
Have your tires balanced after an accident. Also they should be checked each time you rotate the tires. Slight unbalancing may occur during wear and tear causing vibration to begin in the tires which is passed along to the front end of your cars system and also to the drive train. Far more damage can occur other than just warn out tires.
Tire Balancing – When Should You Have Your Tires Balanced
Tires need to be balanced when they are first installed to correct for slight imperfections in terms of the weight that is spread around the tire and the rim. The tire is always balanced only after it is installed on the rim and fully inflated. Tires should also be rebalanced or at least checked when you rotate your tires ( see post on Tire Rotation ) .
If you hit the curb badly or a large object on the road, you may also need to have your tires checked again for proper tire balance. You should also have them checked any time you notice vibration from your tires. If you do not have your tires balanced, not only do you have to endure the vibrations, your tires will wear out prematurely. You could wear out parts on your cars drive train and steering system as well.
If you have comments about balancing tires please feel free to leave them. All constructive and helpful comments about tires will be approved along with a link to your web site if you provide it. We are looking to add information that our readers will find helpful.
For much more information about tires and tire maintenance, click here.
December 29th, 2012 on 7:11 am
I am not sure i have ever had my tires balanced other than when they were initially installed. they never last as long as they should and now I know why. the tires would wear unevenly and they would vibrate. guess i should have got them balanced.