Tires are very useful for vehicles, which play an important role in the running and braking system of the vehicle. But many tires become unbalanced, which causes vibration and jerking problems in the vehicle.
Therefore, you should know every aspect about tire balancing like: What is tire balancing and why is it important? And also one should know what are the factors that can affect tire balance?
Tire balancing in vehicles is a technical process by which it is ensured that the weight is evenly distributed around the entire circumference of each tire to prevent the tire from wobbling while in motion. The tire balancing process involves placing small weights at specific locations on the sides of the tire rim.
These weights balance out any irregularities in the tire. Tire balancing is typically performed when vibration is sensed in the steering wheel of a moving vehicle or through the structure of the vehicle.
Why is Tire Balancing Important?
Tire balancing is important to the safety of any vehicle. Tire balancing is essential to reduce vibrations, increase vehicle control, and reduce the risk of accidents. It provides a smooth ride by reducing shaking and discomfort. Plus, balanced tires last longer, saving money on replacement tires and other components.
Additionally, balanced tires optimize fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance on the road, providing better overall vehicle performance, and protecting the tire and other components from damage.
Types of Tire Balancing
Tire balancing of vehicles is generally done in two ways.
The Static Balancing process involves placing the tire and wheel assembly on a balancer without moving and measuring the imbalance at a single point. This process places the tire and wheel assembly in a stationary position on the balancer.
The Dynamic Balancing process involves rotating the tire and wheel assembly and measuring the imbalance at several points. Dynamic tire balancing is done with the tire in motion. Dynamic balancing results are more accurate and effective because, in the process, they take into account the forces that occur when the tire is in motion.
Symptoms of A Bad Tire Balancing
When the tires of any vehicle are unbalanced, you will see many symptoms by which you can find out that the tires of your vehicle need to be balanced. Some possible symptoms are as follows:
1. Vehicle Vibration
If your vehicle’s tires are unbalanced, you may feel vibration or even a slight jolt while driving at a certain speed. Due to which you feel vibration in the cabin or steering wheel of the car. However, there can be many other reasons for tremors, which are better to get investigated.
2. Uneven Tire Wear
Poor tire balance can cause uneven tire wear. Due to poor tire balance, the tires do not move at the right angle and in a straight direction while the vehicle is moving, causing uneven and rapid tire wear. If this problem is not taken care of in time, then even the new tire of the vehicle can get completely damaged due to poor balancing.
3. Pull A Side While Driving
Another symptom of poor tire balance in a vehicle is the vehicle pulling to one side while driving. Because this has a bad effect on the steering system of your vehicle. However, there are other reasons why a vehicle may pull to one side while driving. For this, it is necessary to investigate the causes of this problem.
4. Tire Wobble
Often a symptom of poor tire balance is the wobble of the vehicle’s tires while moving. If the tire balance of your car is bad then you will see the car bouncing during speed.
5. Abnormal Noise While Driving
Unusual noises coming from any part of the vehicle while moving can also be a symptom of poor tire balance. Because poor tire balance most affects your vehicle’s suspension system and steering system, unusual noises may start coming from any part of your vehicle’s suspension or steering system.
Tire Imbalancing Causes
There can be many different reasons for the deterioration of the tire balance of any vehicle.
Uneven tire wear: If your vehicle’s tires have uneven wear, then the tire balance may be out of whack. because an unevenly worn tire moves along the road surface by bouncing, which can affect the tire’s balance during motion.
Improper Inflation: Improper air pressure in the vehicle tire affects the actual condition of the tire. Due to which the balance of the tire may deteriorate during speed. because improper air pressure in the tire can deflate or inflate the tire.
Bent or Damaged Tire Rim: Sometimes, during high-speed vehicle travel, the tire of the vehicle may hit a pothole on the road, due to which the tire wheel of the vehicle may be bent or damaged in some other way. So a bent tire wheel or a damaged wheel can throw the tire out of balance.
Improper installation: If the tire is installed after the mechanic has removed the wheel from the vehicle, sometimes the tire is not installed properly in the wheel. That is, the edge of the tire can be inside or outside when fitted to the wheel. Due to this, the tire balance gets spoiled.
Suspension problem: Some part of the vehicle’s suspension has been damaged. So the balance of the wheels of the vehicle may be out of order. Because the poor suspension is unable to control the condition of the tires of the vehicle during speed.
Improper Tire Alignment: Wheel alignment provides stability and balance to the vehicle’s wheels when turning at every angle and when travelling in a straight line. But sometimes the alignment of the tire is out, due to which the balance of the tire is bad.
How To Balance A Tire?
The best way to balance tires is to use a special machine that rotates the tire and wheel assembly, measures the tire imbalance, and indicates where counterweights should be added. Weights can be added to the inner or outer surfaces of the rim or tire as needed. Tire balancing is done to eliminate vibrations caused by the uneven distribution of weight in the vehicle’s tires and wheel assembly.
Procedure:
For this, you have to follow the following useful process mentioned below, so that you will be able to balance the tire in a perfect way.
First of all, you will have to detach one tire from the vehicle, so that the tire and wheel can be installed on the balancer.
Next, install the tire with the wheel on a balancer, a machine that spins the tire wheel at high speed to make sure there are no abnormal loads or spots on the tire wheel.
Then mark the tire’s heavy point so that you know its location.
You then add the proper weight opposite the heavy spot on the wheel, so that each part of the wheel is balanced.
After this, to check the tire balance, put the tire wheel again on the balancer machine, so that it can be sure that the balance of the tire wheel is correct.
After this, install the wheel in the vehicle.
After this, this procedure can be repeated with each wheel of the vehicle.
Additional Testing Process
Check for bent or damaged tire rims.
All parts of the suspension should be checked. because bad suspension can spoil the wheel balance.
Check or redo the wheel alignment.
Check for proper tire air pressure.
Tire Balancing Cost
Tire balancing usually depends on many factors. Like balancing weight and how many tires to be balanced.The cost of tire balancing for a typical car’s four tires can range from $40 to $120. And the balancing cost per tire wheel can be expected to be around $15 to $20.
FAQ’s
Here are some frequently asked questions related to tire balancing and their practical answers.
When Should I Balance My Tires?
Any time you install new tires, replace or rotate them, or if you experience vibration while driving, your tires need to be balanced.
What Are The Symptoms of An Unbalanced Tire?
Signs of unbalanced tires on any vehicle include steering wheel or seat vibration, uneven tire wear, and steering pulling to one side.
Is Tire Balancing Different From Wheel Alignment?
Yes, tire balancing focuses on equalizing the weight around the tire and wheel assembly, while wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels to ensure they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. However, both are necessary for smooth driving.
