Wheel Balancing
Wheel balancing is the process of matching the weight of the
combined tyre and wheel assembly so that it spins smoothly at high speed.
Balancing involves putting the wheel/tyre on a balancer, which centres the
wheel and spins it to determine where the weights should go.
At high speeds, a tiny imbalance in weight is
intensified by centrifugal force, causing the wheel/tyre to spin with a kind of
“clumping" motion. This usually translates into a vibration in the car
that is not only uncomfortable but also results in premature wearing of
suspension and steering components, rotating parts and tyres.
The first
sign that your wheels may be out of balance is when your steering wheel starts
to wobble above a certain speed. A driver may not always sense an imbalance at
the steering wheel. It could be present but dampened by the vehicle weight.
This is why balancing is equally important for both front and rear wheels and
is recommended each time a tyre is removed or replaced.
Correctly
balanced wheels help to eliminate vibration and avoid premature tyre wear,
saving you time and money.
Why Fit New or the Least Worn Tyre to the Rear?
New or the least worn tyres should be fitted to the rear to ensure that vehicle stability is maintained in extreme conditions of braking and cornering, especially on wet or slippery roads and to provide additional protection against the effects of a sudden deflation.
If following this advice, do not forget:
- If all 4 tyres are quite worn, consider replacing the full set.
- If moving tyres from one axle to another pressures should be checked and adjusted to suit the new vehicle positions, thus maintaining the handling, balance and safety of the vehicle.