What is Tire Balancing?

When you buy a new set of tires, they are likely going to have many imperfections from the manufacturing process.

In order to make sure your tires work as intended, they need to be properly balanced. To answer some of the questions that Bloomington, Columbus, and Ellettsville drivers have about tire balancing, Andy Mohr Honda is here with this guide.

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When Do You Need to Have Your Tires Balanced?

Tire balancing is an important part of the process of installing a new set of tires, so tire-balancing services are usually performed when new tires are purchased. Weights are places inside your tires in order to counteract the structural irregularities of the tires after manufacturing.

Over time, your tires can become unbalanced, from the weights either moving inside the tire or falling off the tire. It’s a good idea to have your tire balance checked when you have your tires rotated every 5,000 miles. Beyond that, it’s good to simply pay attention to the feel of your car as you drive, to better determine when rebalancing may be needed.

What is the Difference Between Tire Balance and Tire Alignment?

One question that many drivers have is on the difference between tire balance and alignment. While both of these maintenance needs affect your handling, they’re very different from each other.

Balancing tires is the act of evening them out to account for imperfections in their manufacturing. Overall, balancing your tires makes for a much smoother drive and provides greater handling, thanks to improved traction.

Tire alignment, on the other hand, is the act of adjusting the angle at which they are pointing to provide improved handling. Tires that are out of alignment can pull your car to the side, which can make driving for longer distances more of a challenge. It’s a good idea to make sure that you keep up with both of these services for proper tire health.

Signs You Need Your Tires Balanced

Your tires can gradually become unbalanced, so it’s important to watch out for the signs that they need to be rebalanced. These signs may be small at first, but over time, as your tires become more unbalanced, they could become more pronounced.

One of the biggest indicators to look out for is any vibrations coming from your steering wheel or tires. Unbalanced tires will have an awkward feel to them that will vibrate your vehicle at higher speeds. You’ll likely notice increased noise from your tires, as well.

Have Your Tires Rebalanced With Us

As you can see, keeping your tires in proper balance is integral to their health. That’s why it’s important to visit a service center in the Bloomington, Columbus, and Ellettsville areas.

If you’re experiencing signs of unbalanced tires, schedule a service appointment with our team at Andy Mohr Honda today!