Bristol, UK - Are Your Tyres Balanced?

When was the last time your tyres were balanced, and why is it important?

Tyre balancing is one of the recommended car maintenance services of a car owner’s manual. However, many motorists often still skip this crucial maintenance task, risking the health of their vehicle and others on the road. Much like the shoes on your feet, car tyres experience wear and tear due to prolonged exposure to friction. Also, remember, unbalanced tyres wear unevenly.

At a certain point in time, you will have to replace them to maintain the stability and safety of your car. But before it gets to that, tyre balancing helps to even and prevent wear and assures you of a smooth and more efficient driving experience.

So, when was the last time you balanced your tyres?

What is tyre balancing?

Tyre balancing, which can also be referred to as tyre unbalancing, refers to the distribution of weight inside the car tyre or wheel. As the tyre rotates, an imbalance in weight distribution may lead to external pressure on the axle, causing vibrations that affect the stability of the steering wheel. If you notice unusual vibrations, excessive tyre wear, or suspension damage on your vehicle, it is a sign that your vehicle needs its tyres to be balanced.

Is tyre balancing the same as wheel alignment?

Although both are regular car maintenance services, tyre balancing is not the same as wheel alignment. Wheel alignment focuses on correcting the tyre angles, so they move in the same direction when driving. This also leads to proper contact of tyres with the road, which helps to maximize tyre life by reducing wear.

What does tyre balancing involve?

During tyre balancing, the tyres are mounted on a balancing machine that measures the balance as the tyre is rotating. Once unbalance is discovered, you can attach small lead weights to eliminate the unbalance. Furthermore, tyres must be balanced on the wheels during fitting since they are not the same weight. Tyre unbalance may result from a valve or slight deviation; your local mechanic will notice and correct this.

What are the signs your tyres need balancing?

When the wheel-tyre assembly on your car is out of balance, several things will tell you there is a problem. You’ll notice it from the feeling of the steering wheel or sometimes the floor. Another sign is a repeated “thump” sound that gets faster as you accelerate and vice versa.

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Only ever use a trusted and reliable garage to carry out your tyre rebalancing as this will ensure your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.

Here are some common signs of unbalanced tyres:

Fast or uneven tread wear

The car pulls to one side

Tread noises

Vibrating steering wheel

Properly and regularly balanced tyres are critical for your car. It increases fuel economy, reduces wear and tear, and smoothens the drive for a comfortable experience on the road. If you can’t remember the last time you had your tyres balanced, contact us today at 0117 963 8916 to arrange your appointment.

You can read our full article here.