When do i get my tires balanced

Learn the difference between the two today. Imbalanced wheels can lead to vibration, excessive tire wear, damage tothe suspension, and other problems. During a tire balance service, your tires and wheels are mounted onto a tire balancing machine.

The machine spins the tire and wheel assembly to measure the imbalance, so that a technician can precisely install the correct tire weights to achieve a properly balanced wheel and tire assembly. Often, wheel balancing and alignment happen during one service, but they shouldn't be confused for the same thing! Uneven tire wear and vibration in your steering wheel, floorboard, or seat can signal it's time for tire balancing.

You may also want to have your tires balanced during a tire rotation, after a flat tire repair, or as part of your scheduled maintenance. Interestingly, the part of your car that trembles can indicate whether the front or back wheels need balancing. If it's in the seats, the imbalance is in the back wheels.

Tires can become out of balance because of uneven tire wear or the loss of a wheel weight because a rim hits a curb or pothole. If you leave your car parked for extended periods without moving it, the tires might develop flat spots that cause imbalances.

Wheel alignment also known as tire alignment refers to an adjustment of a car's suspension — the system that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It's not an adjustment of the tires or wheels themselves. Alignment keeps your car from veering to the right or left. It also can improve the handling of your vehicle and stop unusual on-the-road vibrations. Your vehicle might need an alignment if you notice any of the following:.

Your alignment can get knocked out of whack after being in a car accident, driving over a pothole, or running into a curb. The most significant benefit of balancing services is that they prevent premature tire tread wear. Technicians agree that getting your tires balanced every 5, to 6, miles or as recommended by your manufacturer can help extend their lifespan and improve their performance. Wheel alignment benefits , on the other hand, include improved vehicle handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life.

The amount of deflection indicates the magnitude of the unbalance. Take her in and her back in line! After all, tires in balance tend to stay in balance. Uh, oh. If your mechanic swears that your tires are balanced, you may have a bigger problem. Contact Tire Recappers to find the best retread tires for your vehicle at the best price.

Phone: Track Your Order My Account. How Are Tires Balanced? Drive belt: should you change it? Timing belt FAQ Timing chain: when to replace? Does your car need a tune-up? Balanced tire wheel. Technician balances tire on a tire balancing machine. Road Force balancer. Photo, courtesy of Hunter Engineering Company. Read Next: How often should the wheel alignment be done? When should tires be replaced? Why does the steering wheel shake when braking at high speed? How often do brakes need to be serviced?

When should struts and shock absorbers be replaced? When to replace sway bar links?