What Is Tire Balancing And Does My Car Really Need It?

Have you ever gotten into your car and felt something was just off? It doesn’t handle quite right, or maybe it’s shaking in a weird way. There’s nothing really wrong that you can put your finger on, but your intuition or sixth sense is going haywire. Unbalanced wheels can create a rough ride and bouncing tires, but other warning signs that you need a tire balancing service can be much more subtle. 

What Is Tire Balancing?

Tire balancing corrects inconsistent weight distribution in your tires. It’s an important maintenance service that improves drive comfort and prolongs tire life. Driving over rough roads and manufacturer tire defects can cause uneven tire tread wear, leaving tires susceptible to an imbalance. Tire balancing is different than a wheel alignment and tire rotation.

What Happens During A Tire Balancing Service?

A technician mounts your wheel (rim and tire) into a special machine that determines if its’ weight is evenly distributed over the circumference. They will install small wheel weights to correct any imbalance so the wheel rotates smoothly.

Tire or Wheel Balancing Types

There are two kinds of tire balancing: static and dynamic. They test different ways your wheel may be unbalanced, but they both use small weights to correct it. These weights may clip to the rim or stick to it with a special adhesive.

Static Balancing

Static tire balancing requires the wheel to remain stationary to indicate which way the wheel leans. The technician corrects the imbalance by adding weight to the opposite side.

Dynamic Balancing

Dynamic tire balancing involves a machine that spins the wheel to calculate where the unbalanced areas are precisely. The technician will attach a small weight to the rim to correct the imbalance. 

Signs Your Car Needs Tire Balancing

When your vehicle’s wheels are out-of-balance, the signs may be subtle or very obvious. You may feel shaking in the steering wheel, through your seat, or under the floor. A rhythmic thumping or clunking sound might occur at certain speeds. Or maybe you feel less confident steering through corners due to sluggish responsiveness. Here are a few common signs that your vehicle needs a tire balancing service.

Bouncing Tires

Imbalanced tires can wobble or bounce up and down, causing issues with steering and control, especially at higher speeds. Bouncing tires can make your shocks and suspension system work harder. This extra movement will add unnecessary wear to your vehicle’s components and can lead to expensive repairs. If you experience bouncing tires while driving, be sure to schedule a tire balancing service right away.

Rough Ride

You may notice a rough ride or vehicle shaking when your vehicle needs tire balancing. These sensations may intensify during acceleration or direction changes. Unbalanced wheels in the front generally cause vibrations felt in the steering wheel, while unbalanced wheels in the rear trigger vibrations felt through your seat. Other issues can also create a rough ride, so schedule a diagnostic service to pinpoint the problem.

Uneven Tire Tread Wear

Unbalanced wheels cause premature and uneven tire tread wear. If you do not address tire balancing issues, unbalanced wheels can damage your vehicle’s suspension, axles, and rims, leading to expensive repairs. If ignored, unbalanced wheels can damage tires, leading to more frequent tire replacements.

Vehicle Veers To One Side

If you notice your vehicle veers to one side when you try to drive in a straight line, make a tire balancing appointment. Chances are good that one or more of your tires are out of balance. A trained auto technician can inspect your wheels, tires, and suspension to diagnose necessary repairs.

Benefits Of Balanced Wheels

As you know, routine maintenance is important for vehicle safety and longevity. Tire balancing is one of those things you should schedule every time you get a tire rotation or wheel alignment service. And keep in mind that road hazards like potholes, road debris, and fender-benders can lead to bouncing tires and a rough ride. The many benefits of having well-balanced wheels include:

• Improved Fuel Economy
• Smoother Ride Quality
• Increased Steering Reliability
• Reduces Premature Component Wear & Tear
• Prolongs Tire Life

Tire Balancing Service in San Diego, CA

Visit us at Wentworth Automotive, where our friendly, knowledgeable technicians will provide efficient tire balancing service. If your bouncing tires and rough ride require more comprehensive repairs, we offer a local shuttle service for your convenience. We make it our priority to deliver exceptional service by ASE-certified technicians with many years of experience. We always use the highest quality parts and back our work with a 100,000-mile warranty.

Make A Reservation

Call us anytime at (858) 541-1044 or visit our website to make a reservation.