Wheel balancing is an essential part of vehicle maintenance, often overlooked by drivers. But what is wheel balancing, and why should you care?
What Is Wheel Balancing?
Wheel balancing refers to the process of evenly distributing the weight of a tyre and wheel assembly around the axle. The purpose of wheel balancing is to eliminate vibrations caused by uneven weight distribution. Unbalanced wheels can impact your car’s handling, comfort and tyre wear.
What Are the Symptoms of an Unbalanced Car?
There are several signs your vehicle’s wheels may be unbalanced:
Vibrations in the steering wheel or throughout the car at specific speeds
A vibrating steering wheel, or throughout your vehicle, is one of the most obvious signs of unbalanced wheels. The vibrations tend to occur when driving at fast speeds and can make driving uncomfortable and tiring. If left unchecked, they can cause other components to wear prematurely.
Uneven tyre wear
When your wheels are not balanced correctly, your tyres may wear unevenly. This can cause a host of issues including, reduced traction, more road noise and decreased fuel efficiency. Uneven tyre wear will often mean you need completely new tyres, which can be costly.
Increased stress on the suspension and steering components
When your wheels are not balanced, the uneven weight distribution can put extra stress on the suspension and steering components. This additional stress can lead to accelerated wear and tear on these critical parts, resulting in costly repairs down the line.
Poor handling and reduced braking performance
Unbalanced wheels can also affect your car’s handling and braking performance. Making operating your vehicle dangerous, particularly if you needed to perform an emergency stop or manoeuvre quickly. Reduced braking performance can increase stopping distances, making it harder to avoid accidents.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to have your wheels balanced as soon as possible.
How Is Wheel Balancing Done?
Wheel balancing is done using a specialised machine that measures the weight distribution of the tyre and wheel assembly. The machine then indicates where weights need to be added or removed to achieve proper balance. The technician will attach small weights to the rim’s outer or inner edge until the tyre and wheel assembly is evenly balanced.
Is Wheel Balancing Important?
Yes, wheel balancing is crucial for several reasons. As mentioned earlier, an unbalanced wheel can cause vibrations, uneven tyre wear, and reduced handling and braking performance, all of which can be dangerous. Additionally, unbalanced wheels can put extra stress on the suspension and steering components, leading to costly repairs down the line. Properly balanced wheels also help to extend the life of your tyres and improve fuel efficiency.
How Often Should I Check If My Wheels are Balanced?
Most manufacturers recommend having your wheels balanced every 5,000-6,000 miles. However, if you notice any of the symptoms of an unbalanced car mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to have your wheels checked immediately.
How Much Does Wheel Balancing Cost?
Wheel balancing in the UK typically costs £5-£10 per wheel, depending on the type of vehicle, location, and other economic factors. However, keep in mind that the cost of balancing your wheels is small compared to the cost of repairs resulting from driving with unbalanced wheels.
Proper Wheel Balancing
Wheel balancing is a vital aspect of car maintenance that should not be overlooked. Ensuring that your car’s wheels are evenly weighted improves handling, braking, and overall safety. If left unchecked, unbalanced wheels can cause uneven tyre wear, increased stress on suspension and steering components, poor handling, and reduced braking performance. Regular checks and adjustments of your wheel balance should be part of your car’s routine maintenance schedule.
To ensure that your car receives the best wheel balancing service, it’s important to choose a reputable and reliable provider with high-quality equipment. Opting for superior alignment technology, like Hunter equipment, guarantees precise and accurate adjustments to your car’s wheels, resulting in longer tyre life, better fuel efficiency, and most importantly, safer driving.
Boost Performance with Pro Align’s Wheel Balancer Range
As we’ve explored, wheel balancing is a crucial part in guaranteeing a seamless and secure journey. Luckily, if you’re in need of high-quality wheel balancing, Pro Align is here to help.
We are a prominent provider of state-of-the-art wheel balancer systems, tailored to meet the requirements of skilled mechanics nationwide. Discover our comprehensive array of products today and unlock the full potential of your vehicle.
