Longview Auto Repair

Why is tire balancing important for tire maintenance?

Tire balancing will help with even wear of the tire, longer tire life and a comfortable ride.  It will result in a smooth rolling tire with all areas of the wheel and tire combination being as equal in weight as possible.

Out of balance tires can cause uneven and faster tread wear, poor fuel economy, and vibration in the steering wheel, the floorboard or the seat that gets worse at faster speeds.

Why does tire imbalance occur?

In normal manufacturing, tires and wheels will be slightly heavier in some areas. Everyday wear can also cause imbalance. As little as half an ounce difference in weight can cause vibrations.

How is tire imbalance corrected?

Tire imbalance is easily corrected by a professional attaching small weights, each only fractions of an ounce, to the wheel.

How are tires balanced?

To balance your tires, a technician will attach a tire mounted on a wheel to a balancing machine. The machine spins the tire at a high speed to measure the vibrations of the wheel/tire combination. The machine will signal how much weight the tech should add and the areas where the weight is needed to balance out the tire and wheel.

When should I have my tires balanced?

Your tires should be balanced if you experience the following

  • New Tires
  • A weight that was on the wheel falls off
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Repair of a flat tire
  • Vibration in the steering wheel, floorboard or seat
  • At the time of tire rotation every 5,000 to 6,000 miles
  • At a minimum of every two years or once yearly if you drive rough roads

How is balancing different from an alignment?

Both balancing and alignment should be completed as a part of regular tire maintenance. In an alignment, the angles of the tires and wheels are corrected so that the tires will then travel in the same direction in relation to one another and the tires will contact the road properly.  On the other hand, tire balancing corrects for any weight imbalances in an individual tire/wheel combination.

Why should I have my tires balanced?

Tire balancing is essential for proper tire care to prevent premature tread wear. Having tires rotated and balanced regularly can help maximize their lifespan and overall performance.

Wondering if that vibration is caused by an out of balance tire?  Call us with your questions or schedule an appointment online today! 

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