Everything you need to know about wheel balancing

If you’ve ever been cruising down the highway at 70km/h or more and noticed your steering wheel or car shaking, you may have wondered what’s causing it. The answer might be something as simple as needing a wheel balance. Many people confuse wheel balancing with wheel alignment, but they are actually two different things. While wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels to make sure your car drives straight, wheel balancing makes sure your wheels spin smoothly without causing any vibration. So let’s get into why wheel balancing is important, and how it can make your driving experience much smoother.

What is wheel balancing?

Wheel balancing is the process of equalising the weight distribution in your tyres and wheels so that they spin evenly when your car is moving. Over time, your tyres can wear unevenly, and the balance can get thrown off. When your wheels are out of balance, you’ll often feel vibrations, especially at higher speeds like 70km/h or more. These vibrations are not just annoying – they can also cause uneven tyre wear and even damage other parts of your vehicle, like the suspension. That’s why wheel balancing is an important part of regular car maintenance.

How do you know if you need wheel balancing?

There are a few key signs that your car needs wheel balancing:

1. Shaking steering wheel: If your steering wheel shakes when you reach speeds above 70km/h, it’s a clear sign that your wheels may be out of balance.

2. Vibrations in the car: Sometimes, it’s not just the steering wheel that shakes – you might feel vibrations throughout the car, especially in the seats or floorboards.

3. Uneven tyre wear: If you notice that your tyres are wearing out unevenly, it could be because your wheels are not balanced properly.

4. Noise: Unbalanced wheels can sometimes make a thumping or humming sound as they spin.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your wheel balancing checked out.

The difference between wheel balancing and wheel alignment

It’s easy to confuse wheel balancing with wheel alignment, but they serve different purposes. While wheel alignment focuses on adjusting the angles of your tyres so that they make even contact with the road, wheel balancing makes sure that your wheels spin evenly and don’t cause vibrations. Both are important for a smooth, comfortable ride, but they address different issues. If your car pulls to one side, you likely need a wheel alignment. If your car vibrates or your steering wheel shakes, you probably need wheel balancing.

Why Is wheel balancing important?

Having your wheels properly balanced is crucial for a number of reasons:

The most obvious benefit of  wheel balancing is that it makes your ride smoother. No more shaking or vibrating steering wheels when you’re driving on the highway.

It also prolongs tyre life. When your wheels are out of balance, your tyres can wear unevenly. This means you’ll have to replace them more often. Proper wheel balancing can extend the life of your tyres by making sure that they wear evenly.

Unbalanced wheels create more resistance as they rotate, making your engine work harder and use more fuel. By keeping your wheels balanced, you can improve your car’s fuel efficiency and save money at the pump.

The vibrations caused by unbalanced wheels can put extra strain on your car’s suspension system, leading to costly repairs down the road. Regular tyre balancing helps prevent damage to your suspension and other parts of your car.

Driving with unbalanced wheels can affect your car’s handling, especially at higher speeds. A balanced set of wheels helps ensure your car is stable and easy to control, making for a safer driving experience.

How does wheel balancing work?

When you take your car to a mechanic for wheel balancing, they’ll use a special machine to measure the balance of your wheels. This machine spins the wheels and identifies any areas where the weight is unevenly distributed. Once the mechanic knows where the imbalance is, they’ll add small weights to the wheel to even things out. These weights are typically placed on the inside of the wheel so that they’re not visible from the outside.

The process is quick and usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many wheels need to be balanced. Once the balancing is done, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in the smoothness of your ride.

How often should you get your wheels balanced?

It’s a good idea to get your wheels balanced every time you have your tyres rotated, which is usually every 10,000 to 12,000 km. However, if you notice any of the signs of unbalanced wheels – like shaking or vibrating – you should get them checked out right away. It’s also a good idea to have your wheels balanced whenever you get new tyres installed, as new tyres can sometimes be slightly off-balance.

DIY Wheel balancing – Can you do it yourself?

While it’s possible to do some basic car maintenance on your own, wheel balancing is best left to the professionals. The process requires specialised equipment that most people don’t have at home, and doing it wrong can cause more harm than good. If you suspect your wheels are out of balance, take your car to our mechanics to get it sorted out.

If you’ve been dealing with a shaky steering wheel or vibrating car, it’s time to get your wheel balancing checked. Not only will it make your ride smoother and more comfortable, but it will also help prolong the life of your tyres, improve fuel efficiency, and protect your car’s suspension system. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse – visit Tyre and Mechanical today for expert wheel balancing services that you can trust.