Wheel balancing is the proper distribution of weight around a tire and wheel assembly. Poor wheel balancing can have an impact on both your cars performance and your tires life expectancy.

Proper wheel balance ensures that the tires while spinning, do not have a heavy spot that can cause vibration and premature tire wear. Poor tire balance will also cause, struts, shocks and other steering and suspension parts to fail. When combined with proper wheel alignment, balanced tires will give miles of smooth and enjoyable driving.

Vibration is the most common signs of an unbalanced tire. When driving with an out-of-balance tire, the tire bounces down the road rather than spinning smoothly. This can affect the speed, handling and gas mileage of your car. Many of today’s cars have lighter suspension systems and are more sensitive to imbalance. It’s a good idea to have your car’s tires balanced when rotating, about every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. It’s not uncommon for wheels to lose weights so periodic balancing minimizes the impact of unbalanced tires.

Content provided by Car Care Alliance