Why wheel balancing is important

This is often the proverbial million-dollar question that many drivers ask. Because the issues associated with misalignment problems and out-of-balance tires are similar, it is often difficult to determine whether a tire needs to be balanced or if the wheel alignment is needed. What does it mean when a car has an alignment problem? Simply stated, it means that the tires of your vehicle are not pointing in the same direction as the steering wheel.

What does it mean when your tires are out of balance? It means that there is an uneven distribution of weight around the tire, causing vibrating and shaking at higher speeds, making driving unpleasant.

If your tires are out of balance or misaligned, here are a few issues you may experience as you drive down the road:. Have your wheel alignment checked about every 10, miles, or at every other oil change. The balance on your tires can be checked whenever you start to feel problems.

The cost of these services is much less than buying a new set of tires or replacing shocks! Need to know more about why wheel balancing is important? Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX , and the surrounding area. Have an after hours question? We'll get right back to you! Check out the top benefits of a wheel alignment, from Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Blog Categories Blog Home. What Is Tire Balancing? Tire balancing also known as wheel balancing corrects uneven distribution of weight in the wheels. What Is Wheel Alignment? Your vehicle might need an alignment if you notice any of the following: The car is pulling to one side of the road.

The tire treads are wearing out prematurely or unevenly. The tires are squealing. The steering wheel tilts off-center when you're driving. The steering wheel vibrates when accelerating. Tire Balance vs. Uneven tire wear and vibration in your steering wheel, floorboard, or seat. Proper balancing can lead to a smoother ride, less tire wear, and reduced strain on the drivetrain.

Wheel Alignment An alignment corrects the angles of the tires so that they come into contact with the road in just the right way. Vehicle pulls to one side, rapid tire wear, squealing tires, or crooked steering wheel when driving straight. Proper alignment ensures a smoother ride for you and a longer life for your tires.

Up Next. Potholes are annoying. But they can also damage your shocks and struts without you noticing! Find Store. When all areas of the wheel-tire unit are as equal in weight as possible, the tire will roll smoothly.

This helps it wear evenly, for longest life. Balancing also contributes to ride comfort: Imbalanced tires will wobble or hop up and down, which causes vibration. If the problem is in the rear the tremor will be noticeable in the seat or floor.

Imbalanced tires are easily corrected, but the work is precise. Everyday wear on tires will contribute to imbalance. Rebalancing is done in a tire shop by putting the wheel-tire unit on a tire balancing machine that takes measurements to pinpoint lighter or heavier areas and making adjustments to account for these weight differences.

Wheel alignment corrects the angles of the tires so they travel in the same direction and make contact with the road properly. Alignment reduces uneven tire wear and extends the life of your tires.