Unbalanced wheels cause steering vibration, uneven tyre wear, and premature tyre failure. Find out why wheel balancing is essential every time you fit new tyres.
Wheel balancing is the process of equalising the weight distribution of a tyre and wheel assembly so that it rotates smoothly at speed. Every tyre and wheel combination has small weight variations – irregularities in the rubber, variations in the rim, or off-centre valve stems – and these cause the wheel to wobble or vibrate at higher speeds if not corrected. Wheel balancing adds small calibrated weights to the rim to counteract these variations.
The most obvious symptom of unbalanced wheels is steering wheel vibration at motorway speeds, typically between 50 and 70 mph. You may also feel vibration through the seat or floor. Unbalanced wheels also cause cupping or scalloping wear patterns on the tyre tread – irregular highs and lows across the tyre surface that reduce grip and create road noise. These patterns are irreversible once they develop, meaning the tyre must be replaced sooner than it should.
All tyres should be balanced when first fitted. They should also be rebalanced if you notice vibration developing, after any significant impact (hitting a pothole or kerb), and as part of a tyre rotation service. Generally, tyre balance should be checked every 5,000 to 6,000 miles as part of routine maintenance.
At Top Tech Mobile Tyres, every tyre we fit in Glasgow is balanced on our portable computerised wheel balancing machine before the wheel is re-fitted to the vehicle. This is included in the price of every fitting – we never charge separately for balancing a tyre we have just fitted. Call 0141 673 5765 for mobile tyre fitting and balancing anywhere in Glasgow today.
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