Wheel balancing is a simple, inexpensive service that makes a significant difference to tyre life, fuel economy and driving comfort. Yet many drivers skip it — often not realising their wheels are out of balance until problems become obvious.
What Causes Imbalance and What It Feels Like
Small imperfections in tyre and wheel manufacture mean that no wheel is perfectly balanced from new. Impact with potholes or kerbs can knock balance weights off. Unbalanced wheels cause vibration — typically felt in the steering wheel between 50 and 70mph — and cause one section of the tyre to wear faster than the rest, shortening its lifespan considerably.
How Balancing is Done and How Often
A technician mounts the wheel on a balancing machine that spins it and measures where the imbalance lies. Small adhesive or clip-on weights are applied to the rim at specific points to compensate. The process takes around 10–15 minutes per wheel. Balancing is recommended every 10,000–12,000 miles, whenever a new tyre is fitted, and after any significant impact with a pothole or kerb.
Key Takeaways
- Always request wheel balancing when a new tyre is fitted — it should be included as standard
- Steering wheel vibration at motorway speeds is the classic symptom of imbalanced wheels
- Imbalanced tyres can reduce tyre life by 30% or more through uneven wear
- Balancing and wheel alignment are different services — alignment addresses the angle of the wheels
Wheel balancing is a quick, affordable service that protects your tyres and your driving experience. Ask for it every time you have tyres fitted or rotated.
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