Imbalanced tires are easily corrected, but the work is precise. Everyday wear on tires will contribute to imbalance. Rebalancing is done in a tire shop by putting the wheel-tire unit on a tire balancing machine that takes measurements to pinpoint lighter or heavier areas and making adjustments to account for these weight differences.
Wheel alignment corrects the angles of the tires so they travel in the same direction and make contact with the road properly. Alignment reduces uneven tire wear and extends the life of your tires.
Oftentimes tire balancing and alignment are perceived to be the same thing, but are not. How Tires Are Rebalanced Rebalancing is done in a tire shop by putting the wheel-tire unit on a tire balancing machine that takes measurements to pinpoint lighter or heavier areas and making adjustments to account for these weight differences.
The wheel is spun while vibration measurements are taken. This tells the tech if the weight is spread evenly, how much weight to add and where on the wheel to attach it. A bent rim or the loss of a counterweight are other common causes of imbalance.
Aggressive acceleration or braking can result in tire-to-rim slippage, which also affects balance. The photo above was sourced from High Velocity Diesel Performance , whose Ford Excursion was hit by another vehicle and suffered a bent rim among other damages.
This includes steering. All it takes is one half of an ounce of weight difference on any given tire to bring about considerable vibration. An out of balance tire can lead to increased and uneven tread wear.
This is especially true for tires that are improperly inflated or not regularly rotated. However, excessive tread wear can also be traced back to a poor balance job from the tire shop. If left unchecked, uneven wear can produce vibrations that not only worsen over time, but that also increase the chance of the tire blowing out. There are two primary forms of tire imbalance: static and dynamic.
In instances of static imbalance, a vertical vibration or hop is present. Dynamic imbalance entails side-to-side vibration or wobbling which is distinctly felt in the steering wheel.
Proper tire balancing can solve and counteract the forces that cause these vibrations, which usually conspire at the same time.
Wheel alignment also known as tire alignment refers to an adjustment of a car's suspension — the system that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It's not an adjustment of the tires or wheels themselves. Alignment keeps your car from veering to the right or left. It also can improve the handling of your vehicle and stop unusual on-the-road vibrations.
Your vehicle might need an alignment if you notice any of the following:. Your alignment can get knocked out of whack after being in a car accident, driving over a pothole, or running into a curb. The most significant benefit of balancing services is that they prevent premature tire tread wear. Technicians agree that getting your tires balanced every 5, to 6, miles or as recommended by your manufacturer can help extend their lifespan and improve their performance.
Wheel alignment benefits , on the other hand, include improved vehicle handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life. Firestone Complete Auto Care recommends that you have your vehicle's alignment checked every 6, miles or twice a year. Left untreated, alignment issues can shorten a tire's life by thousands of miles, and they can damage critical steering and suspension components.
Are you noticing symptoms of balancing and alignment issues in your car? Don't let them disrupt your flow. But how about new tires? Do they still need an alignment? Find out, with Firestone Complete Auto Care.
A wheel alignment does more than keep your car on the straight and narrow. Check out the top benefits of a wheel alignment, from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Blog Categories Blog Home. What Is Tire Balancing?
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