Have you even considered how often you should have your tires balanced? Many people often ask when or how often they should have their tires balanced. Unbalanced tires can lead to vibrations while driving and uneven tire wear patterns. As unbalanced tires are not considered a major threat, it can still lead to premature or rapid tire and suspension wear along with discomfort while driving. Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic will share how often to have your tires balanced and why.
Tire Balancing
When balancing tires, the first step is to get the tires to spin. If vibrations in the tires are detected it is caused by uneven weight distribution in the tire itself. Tires are actually not perfectly round, and some may have uneven distributed weight in some spots in the tire. To help correct the unbalanced weight in the tires, they are rotated to help find a better position that matches better with the wheel. At times, small weights are also needed to help balance the tires. These weights are attached to the rim with an adhesive or clip to help balance the tire and wheels.
Car Vibrates & Shakes when Driving
Tire balance is done to all newer vehicles which is why when test driving a new vehicle, the drive is smooth. Over time these balancing methods or the weights used to help balance the vehicle can fall off. When the weight falls off, you will begin to feel more vibrations while driving. The vibration is most easily detected at higher speeds and the vibration can easily be felt through the floorboards.
How Often Do Tires Need to Be Balanced & Rotated?
When the vibrations are detected, it is a sign that it’s time for the tires to be balanced again. However, you don’t have to wait for the car to begin to vibrate to have the tires balanced. It is recommended to have the tires rotated and balanced every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Once the vibrations occur, you are potentially damaging the tires and the suspension. You might even bend the wheels. Too often vehicle owners wait far too long before balancing their tires, if they do it at all. Most dealers and tire shops are equipped to balance and rotate tires, and it can be done in no time at all. Tire balancing and rotating the tires is just as needed as changing the vehicle’s oil and is considered a basic vehicle maintenance.
Road Force Balance
In order to detect the location or source of the imbalance, mechanics use a road force machine. A road force machine simulates the weight and force that is on the tires in various driving conditions. The road force machine provides accurate detailed data to precisely determine where the imbalance is. With new weights installed, the tires are better balanced.
Tire Balancing, Rotation & More in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
It is recommended never to wait until the vehicle vibrates to have the tires balanced. Again, have the tires rotated and balanced every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This helps extend the life of the tire and prevents premature wear of the tire, suspension, and wheels. If you think it is time to have your tires balanced, contact Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic and schedule your tire balance today.
