Wheel balancing is just as important as tire rotations. Unbalanced wheels will damage your vehicle’s tires. Consequently, you won’t get the expected lifespan out of the tires. A new set of tires is more expensive than balancing the wheels when recommended, so bring your car, truck, or utility vehicle into ER Auto Care when it’s time for your next wheel balance or if you suspect the wheels are out of balance.
Things That Knock Wheels Out of Balance
Nothing too exciting causes your wheels to become unbalanced. Driving, braking, and steering wear down your tires and as they wear down, the wheel balance is thrown off. This is because the wheels were balanced to the tire tread and weight when the tires were installed. Tires do not have uniform weights; they all weigh a different amount. The wheels are balanced to account for the different weights. Loss of tread and air throws weight distribution off.
Signs You Need Wheel Balancing
Most automotive and tire manufacturers recommend you have your wheels balanced every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. Oftentimes, since the tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles, the wheels are balanced at the same time. If you notice the following symptoms, however, the wheel balance should be tested and modifications made if necessary, even if it isn’t time for a wheel balance service yet. For example, your wheels are likely out of balance if you notice
- Vibration in the floorboard, your seat, or the steering wheel
- Vehicle vibration that increases as you pick up speed
- Wobbling, vibrating sounds coming from your tires
- Uneven, patchy tire tread wear
- The rim weights have fallen off
- Your vehicle is difficult to handle
Some of these signs also indicate your wheels are out of alignment. If you cannot remember the last time you had your wheels balanced and aligned, chances are, it’s time to have this service, especially if your tire tread is wearing down unevenly. Rotating the tires and balancing and aligning the wheels can extend the life of your tires. During the service, we can also inspect your tires to ensure they remain road-ready, safe, and reliable. We’ll let you know if we see any problems.
ER Auto Care in Plain City, OH, services and maintains all aspects of automobiles and that includes the tires and wheels. If you’d like to set up an appointment for a tire and wheel inspection, call us today. We’ll stop the wobbling and let you know how much tread-life you have left on the tires.
