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Wheel Balancing: All You Should Know

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Wheel Balancing

wheel balancing

Wheel balancing, also known as tire balancing, is the process of equalizing the weight of the combined tire and wheel assembly so that it spins smoothly at high speed.

Source: tires.about.com

Reasons to Inspect Your Car’s Wheel Balancing

Now, my fellow auto lovers, let’s get started on wheel balancing—another crucial but sometimes disregarded component of automotive maintenance. Although it may not be the most glamorous subject, it is essential for a seamless and secure driving experience. Now, let’s discuss the benefits of including routine wheel balance checks in your auto maintenance regimen.

Wheel balancing: What is it?

Let’s start with the definition of wheel balancing. To put it simply, it’s the act of making sure that the axle of your car is evenly supported by the weight of the wheel and tyre. Wheel imbalance can develop over time as a result of normal driving, bumps, and wear and tear. You should stay away from a number of problems that may arise from this.

Why is it Important to Balance Wheels?

1. Easy Travel

A smoother ride is among the benefits of balanced wheels that are felt right away. You will probably experience vibrations if your wheels are imbalanced, especially at faster speeds. These vibrations have the potential to impair your driving comfort and potentially impair your car control. A fast wheel balancing check can restore your beloved smooth and pleasurable ride.

2. Long-Term Tyre Protection

Similar to wheel alignment, balanced wheels contribute to a longer tyre lifespan. You’ll have to replace your tyres earlier than you’d like to since uneven tire wear is a result of unbalanced wheels. Frequent balance checks guarantee that your tyres wear uniformly, thus saving you money.

3. Enhanced Fuel Economy

You may increase your fuel economy by using balanced wheels, which is another method to save money at the pump. Your car needs to work more to go forward when its wheels are out of balance, which increases fuel consumption. Maintaining wheel balance increases your car’s efficiency, which reduces the number of petrol station stops.

Safeguard Your Suspension

Unbalanced wheels might cause damage to your suspension system in addition to your tires. Your shocks, struts, and other suspension parts may prematurely wear down as a result of vibrations brought on by imbalanced wheels. Frequent wheel balancing inspections preserve these components and maintain the smooth operation of your vehicle.

5. Prioritising safety

Lastly, but just as importantly, wheel balancing is critical to your security. Particularly in an emergency, those vibrations we previously discussed can impair your car’s steering and control. Wheels that are balanced help your automobile handle correctly and keep you and your passengers safe while driving.

When Is It Time for a Wheel Balancing Inspection?

So, how frequently should your wheels be balanced? Having them inspected every 6,000 miles or whenever you purchase new tyres is a good general rule of thumb. Getting your balance checked is also a good idea if you experience any strange sensations or if you’ve encountered a big bump or pothole.

Wheel Balancing
Wheel Balancing

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, every car owner needs to do routine wheel balance inspections. They safeguard your suspension, increase fuel efficiency, smooth out the ride, and—above all—keep you safe while driving. Therefore, don’t forget to request a wheel balance check the next time you visit the garage. Your car will appreciate it, as well as your peace of mind!

We have all experienced the niggling vibrations. Especially when we are driving on  the motorway due to out-of-balance wheels?

In days gone by, tyre retailers, like myself, used to charge extra for the wheel balancing service. But due to the speed, superior suspensions, and steering of today’s cars, it is important that we balance every wheel when a new tyre is fitted.

The only other time that you will require balancing

is if one of the lead weights comes off while driving. On the odd, very rare occasion, a tyre may go out of shape, but due to the highly mechanised and clean state of tyre factories, this is now very rare.

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/Content/Page/About+Wheel+Balancing

As a tyre retailer here in Halifax,

Yorkshire, wheel balancing has always been an important part of our job. A few years ago, balancing was an add-on charge , much the same as wheel alignment is today. Today though, wheel balancing is, in my opinion, much more important.

This is because today’s cars are much faster and travel at higher speeds on our highway systems. Alloy wheels are also the normal fitment on many of the new cars made today, making it even more important to have your wheels balanced when fitting new tyres.

Having your wheels balanced when fitting new tyres

is now part of the job. We no longer add an extra charge for this service. When your car drives out , it will be ready to use with the knowledge that the wheels will have been automatically balanced when the new tyres were fitted. It makes no difference if the tyres are cheap or expensive; the wheels will have been balanced.

Eric
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