Do my tyres need to be balanced?

Tyres are an important component of any vehicle. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to go from one place to another. That’s why it is critical to have them professionally inspected on a regular basis to ensure they are roadworthy.

Over time, tyres can become unbalanced due to several reasons, which we’ll dive into in just a moment. If your vehicle is suffering from vibrations and you suspect your tyre balance is to blame, you should bring your car to Bibra Lake Tyrepower, for a wheel balancing service. If you are in Bibra Lake, you can easily find us in Salpietro St.

Tyre balancing typically helps ensure a smooth ride, improved handling, and extends the life of your tyres. As a result, a tyre balancing service is essential for maintaining your vehicle's safety and performance.

It's generally recommended to have your tyres balanced every 10,000 kilometres or whenever you notice any warning symptoms, such as vibrations in the steering wheel, uneven tyre wear, or the vehicle pulling to one side.

Symptoms of unbalanced tyres

There are some warning signs you should be aware of that will keep you wondering, ‘do my tyres need to be balanced?’. These warning signs include the following:

• A noticeable vibration in the steering wheel.
• One tyre is wearing more quickly or unevenly than the others.
• Poor handling, causing your vehicle to pull in one direction.
• Reduced fuel efficiency.
• Unusual tyre noises, such as thumping or humming.

Why do tyres get out of balance?

If you notice the above warning signals, you may ask yourself ‘why do my tyres get out of balance?’ Tyres can become unbalanced due to a variety of reasons, including:

• Improper tyre mounting: If a tyre is not mounted properly on the wheel, it can become unbalanced.
• Uneven tyre wear: Over time, normal wear and tear can cause one part of a tyre to become heavier than another, leading to imbalance.
• Bent wheel or damaged tyre: If you’ve hit a pothole or debris on the road, this can potentially knock a wheel weight loose.
• Weight distribution: The weight distribution in a tyre can change gradually, which can cause unbalanced tyres.
• Road hazards: Hitting potholes, curbs, or other road hazards may affect the balance of your tyres.

How are tyres rebalanced?

Tyre balancing is the process of adding small weights to the wheel assembly to compensate for any tyre and wheel imbalances. The process usually involves the following steps:

• The inside of the tyre is inspected for any damage or wear.
• Lead or steel weights are placed at specific points on the wheel to balance it.
• The wheel and tyre are then spun on a machine that detects any imbalances and measures the amount and location of the weights needed to balance it.
• Based on the measurements, weights may be added or removed from the wheel to balance it to the manufacturer's specifications.
• The tyre is then re-mounted on the wheel, and the entire assembly is spun again to ensure proper balance.

Balancing Vs. Alignment

Wheel balancing and alignment are two separate services that address different issues related to the performance and wear of your car's wheels.

Wheel balancing involves adding small weights to the wheel assembly to counteract any imbalances in the tyre and wheel, ensuring a smooth ride and extending the life of tyres.

On the other hand, wheel alignment involves adjusting the suspension components of a vehicle to ensure the wheels are pointed in the proper direction and are perpendicular to the ground. This helps to keep the tyres in contact with the road and reduces uneven tyre wear.

Both, wheel balancing and alignment, are important for maintaining the safe and efficient performance of your vehicle.

Get your tyres balanced at Tyrepower Bibra Lake

Book a wheel alignment or tyre balancing service today by contacting our Tyrepower store in Bibra Lake. Give us a call on (08) 9434 2323 or come to our store located at Unit 16 / 16 Salpietro St, Bibra Lake.