Wheel Balancing

Wheel balancing can be defined as, the uniform distribution of mass about an axis of rotation, where the center of gravity is in the same location as the center of rotation. In other words, a balanced tire is when the mass of the tire, is uniformly distributed around the axle, or no heavy spots in the tire.

Why do my tires need balancing?
As we all drive our cars on beautiful roads of UAE sometimes we feel the vehicle body or the steer Wheel Vibrate and shake at certain speeds and all is well as the speed differs, the first line of defense is to balance the tire and wheel assembly.

Improper tire wheel balance may cause:
  • Premature worn tires
  • Damage to suspension & steering parts
  • Unsafe steering, handling & traction
  • Reduction in braking effectiveness
  • Reduction in ride comfort and
  • Reduction in fuel economy
Types of imbalance

Static Imbalance
Occurs when there is a heavy or light spot in the tire that prevents the tire from rolling evenly and causing the tire and wheel to undergo an up-and-down motion.
Imbalance force (Up & Down)
Causes cupping in the tires tread
Creates vibration wheel shake

Dynamic Imbalance
Occurs when there is poor bead seating or unequal weight on one or both sides of the tire/wheel assembly's lateral centerline, thus creating a side-to-side wobble or wheel shimmy.
Imbalance Wobble (Twist & Torque)
Causes wobble or shimmy at steering wheel

Procedure of wheel balance done by our expert ProShop personnel
The wheel is dismounted from the car. Tire and wheel are mounted on the wheel balancer to determine imbalance, air pressure adjusted, the required weights are installed and adjusted on the rim assembly.

The wheel nuts are tighted with the help of torque gauge following recommended tightening pattern.

The balanced tire assembly is then reinstalled on the vehicle hub assembly and you are good to go.

The difference between wheel alignment and wheel balancing.
A wheel alignment consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. The purpose of these adjustments is maximum tire life and a vehicle that tracks straight and true when driving along a straight and level road.

Wheel alignment is a procedure involes adjustments which may be required to be performed on the vehicle mechanical parts. Improper wheel aligments would result in uneven wear patters on the tread and vehicle pulling one side on a level road.

Whereas wheel balacance is procedural adjustment on the tire wheel assembly independently. Improper wheel balance would result in vibrations and compromised tire drive comfort.
Irrespectively both wheel alignment and wheel balancing are mandatory to be done at a reqular intervals on the vehicle to optimise tire performance and life. Reccommended periodically after every 20000kms. Wheel alignment though may be altered earlier owing to driving on poor road conditions and poor behavioral driving patterns by drivers.

Spend a few to save many…Drive safe …..