When it comes to keeping your car running smoothly, wheel balancing (also sometimes called ‘tyre balancing’) is one of those essential maintenance tasks that often goes unnoticed—until something feels off. If you’ve ever experienced a vibrating steering wheel or noticed uneven tyre wear, it might be time to get your wheels checked.
Here, we’ll explore wheel balancing in more detail – including why it’s so important for your vehicle’s performance and your safety.
Quick Answer: Wheel balancing ensures your tyres rotate evenly by correcting uneven weight distribution in the tyre and wheel assembly. This prevents vibration, uneven tyre wear, and excessive wear on suspension components, improving vehicle handling and tyre life.
Understanding Wheel Balancing
Wheel balancing ensures that the tyre and wheel assembly rotates evenly, preventing vibration and uneven tyre wear. Over time, even the slightest difference in weight distribution across your wheels can cause unbalanced wheels, leading to excessive wear on tyres, suspension components, and even steering components.
During a wheel balancing service, a technician attaches small wheel weights to correct any imbalances, ensuring the tyre and wheel assembly spins smoothly. This not only results in a smoother ride but also improves fuel efficiency, extends tyre life, and enhances overall vehicle handling.
Why is Wheel Balancing Important?
There’s no single reason that makes wheel balancing important – there are several. Let’s take a look at each in some detail:
Prevents Uneven Tyre Wear
One of the biggest consequences of unbalanced wheels is uneven tyre wear. If you notice uneven tyre wear—whether it’s excessive wear on one side or inconsistent wear across the tyre treads—it’s a sign that your wheels may need balancing. Addressing the issue early can prevent costly tyre replacements and extend tyre life.
Improves Vehicle Performance and Handling
An unbalanced wheel assembly affects how your vehicle handles, especially at higher speeds. If your steering wheel vibrates or your car feels unstable, it may be due to uneven weight distribution in your tyres. Correcting the balance ensures your wheels rotate evenly, providing a smooth ride and better overall control.
Protects Suspension and Steering Components
Your car’s suspension components, including shocks and struts, work hard to absorb road impact. However, when wheels are unbalanced, the additional strain can lead to premature wear on these parts. By maintaining proper balance, you reduce unnecessary stress on your steering components and suspension, preventing expensive repairs down the track.
Enhances Fuel Efficiency
An unbalanced wheel assembly makes your engine work harder, as it has to compensate for the extra resistance caused by uneven wear. This leads to increased fuel consumption. Keeping your wheels balanced ensures better weight distribution, improving your car’s fuel efficiency over time.
Wheel Alignment vs. Wheel Balancing: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse wheel balancing with wheel alignment – which is understandable – but they serve different purposes.
- Wheel Balancing focuses on correcting weight imbalances in the tyre and wheel assembly to ensure smooth rotation.
- Wheel Alignment involves adjusting the wheel angles, including camber angle (the inward or outward angle of the wheels), to ensure they make proper contact with the road.
If you notice uneven tyre wear, it’s essential to determine whether your vehicle needs a wheel alignment checked or a balancing service—or possibly both!
How Do You Know If Your Wheels Need Balancing?
There are a few common signs that indicate it’s time for a wheel balancing service:
- Vibrations in the Steering Wheel: If you feel your steering wheel shaking at certain speeds, it’s a strong indicator of unbalanced wheels.
- Notice Uneven Tyre Wear: If some parts of your tyres wear out faster than others, balancing could help even out the wear pattern.
- Poor Vehicle Handling: Difficulty in steering, pulling to one side, or a generally rough ride can be a sign of imbalance.
- Noisy or Bumpy Ride: If your ride feels bumpier than usual, it could be due to an unbalanced tyre and wheel assembly.
How is Wheel Balancing Done?
Wheel balancing is typically performed using a specialised machine. The process involves:
- Mounting the Wheel on a Balancer: The tyre and wheel assembly is placed on a balancing machine that spins it to detect weight imbalances.
- Adding Wheel Weights: Small counterweights are attached to specific points on the wheel to correct the imbalance.
- Rechecking Balance: The technician re-tests the balance to ensure the weight distribution is correct.
When Should You Get Your Wheels Balanced?
It’s recommended to have your wheels balanced:
- When fitting new tyres to ensure an even rotation from the start.
- Every 10,000 km or during regular servicing to maintain even tyre wear.
- If you experience vibrations, uneven wear, or handling issues to correct any balance issues immediately.
- After hitting a pothole or curb as impacts can throw off the balance of your wheels.
The Bottom Line
Wheel balancing ensures a smooth, safe, and efficient driving experience. By preventing uneven tyre wear, protecting suspension components, and improving fuel efficiency, regular balancing helps keep your car in top shape. If you notice uneven tyre wear, feel vibrations in your steering wheel, or experience poor vehicle handling, it’s worth getting your wheel assembly checked.
For a hassle-free way to find expert mechanics near you, Auto Hero makes it easy to compare local services and get your wheels aligned and balanced by professionals. Don’t wait until your tyres are worn out—book a wheel balancing service today and enjoy a smoother, safer drive!
Written By
Matt Banks
Matt is the founder of Autohero.com.au and has been hooked on cars ever since childhood.
A veteran in automotive since leaving school, Matt has completed his trade as a panel beater and is across all things with wheels.
His first car was a 1967 FORD XR Wagon followed by a string of collectable Holden’s.
Have a question for Matt? leave a comment below.