The goal of tyre balance is to distribute weight equally around the entire circumference of the tyre. Wheels that are out of balance can cause uncomfortable vibrations while driving. It also results in premature wear of suspension and steering components, rotating parts, and tyres.
When refitting any tyre to a wheel, Continental recommends that the tyre is correctly rebalanced to help eliminate vibration and avoid premature wear caused by an imbalance in the rotating wheel and tyre assembly.
An imbalance is a lack of equilibrium in the tyre. Differences in weight become noticeable, especially at high speeds. There are several possible causes for an imbalance:
Imbalances can occur not only in passenger cars. Other vehicles, such as motorcycles or trucks, can also experience uneven running, which reduces driving comfort. In that case, balancing is necessary.
When one or more tyres are out of balance on your vehicle, there are several common indicators:
Vibrations in the steering wheel, especially at speeds between or 50 to 70 mph, are often caused by unbalanced tyres with uneven weight distribution. Tyre imbalance vibrations usually get worse at higher speeds and may be felt in the steering wheel, seat, or floor, depending on which tyres are affected. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to further damage to your vehicle’s shocks, struts, and bearings, resulting in costly repairs.
Uneven tyre wear is a symptom of unbalanced tyres, often appearing as excessive wear on one side or in specific areas. Imbalances can cause feathered or scalloped edges on your tyres, which are clear signs of irregular pressure. These wear patterns shorten the tyres’ lifespan, leading to more frequent replacements and higher costs. Regularly checking your tyres for uneven wear helps prevent expensive replacements and keeps your vehicle performing at its best.
Unbalanced tyres can cause your vehicle’s fuel economy to drop below normal levels due to increased rolling resistance. The car has to work harder to maintain speed and stability, resulting in fewer kilometres per litre (or miles per gallon) over time. This decrease in fuel efficiency may be subtle but noticeable, especially if your driving habits haven’t changed.
Another sign of unbalanced tyres can be noticeably louder driving noises due to uneven weight distribution and increased friction. Excess road noise is most apparent on rough surfaces or at higher speeds. A sudden increase in noise, beyond normal levels, may signal a tyre imbalance.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms – even if the tyres are relatively new – then it's possible your car has an imbalanced tyre. Good to know: Imbalances are even more noticeable with larger wheel diameters. As a result, you will feel them more strongly in large vehicles such as sports cars or SUVs than in small cars.
There are different methods for tire balancing performed at your local garage; static balance, dynamic balance, and road force wheel balancing.
If there is only a slight imbalance to the tyre, static balancing is a possible technique and relatively easy to do. The wheel and tyre assembly is placed onto a vertical supporting device with a spindle or, equivalent to measure balancing, on one axis.
The heavier side will lean lower to the ground than the lighter side; once identified, the mechanic will place a small weight measuring fractions of an ounce 180 degrees across the plane of the tyre, onto the flange of the wheel rim, until the balance is restored.
For more complex cases of tyre imbalance, dynamic balancing is a technique using spinning computer balancers to measure the tyre on all three axes. The mechanic places a fully assembled wheel and tyre on a machine and rotates it at speeds ranging from 10 to 60 mph. As it spins, the sensors of the machine capture every single weight imperfection.
With the analysis complete, the computer then specifies how much weight the mechanic should apply, and where, to balance the tyre. The small weights – either clip-on or adhesive weights – are added to both the inner and outer sides of the wheel rim, to provide the highest precision and balance.
This is a more sophisticated method than standard wheel balancing. It can detect and correct imbalances that regular balancing might miss. A machine presses a roller against the tyre and wheel assembly, simulating the force your tyres experience when driving on the road. As the tyre and wheel spin, the machine measures any variations in force. These variations indicate areas where the tyre or wheel may not be perfectly round or where the load is not evenly distributed. By analysing the force needed to rotate the tyre, the machine can locate specific problem areas that standard balancing cannot detect.
There are no fixed intervals that apply to all vehicles. In many cases, it also comes down to personal preference. Some people have their tyres balanced at every seasonal tyre change, while others only do so when fitting new tyres.
When the first signs of imbalance appear, professional balancing is necessary to positively influence the lifespan of your tyres. At this point, the vehicle should also be checked for any additional damage caused by the imbalance.
Also, it's worth balancing the tyres and wheels when:
Tyre balancing ensures that the weight of the tyre and wheel assembly is evenly distributed, preventing vibrations and promoting a smooth ride. Wheel alignment, on the other hand, adjusts the angles of your vehicle’s wheels so they are set to the manufacturer’s specifications. While balancing addresses vibration issues, alignment helps your vehicle drive straight and prevents uneven tyre wear.
Tyre balancing services are available at most auto repair shops, tyre retailers, and dealership service centres. You can search online for local providers or use map apps to find reputable shops in your area.
Balancing tyres requires specialised equipment that measures weight distribution and applies correction weights. Without these tools, it’s not possible to achieve proper balance at home. For safety and the best results, tyre balancing should be done by professionals.
Many tyre shops and service centers offer warranties or satisfaction guarantees on their balancing services. These may include free rebalancing within a certain period or mileage if you experience vibrations. So, always ask your provider about their specific warranty or guarantee policies.
