Safety should be your priority, even when using your vehicle. Tire imbalance is a common problem experienced by many vehicle owners. Not only is it risky, but it can also cause significant problems if not fixed early. It’s when the weight of your tires is not distributed evenly around the tire-wheel unit circumference.
In most cases, individuals are advised to go to a mechanic should there be tire imbalances. However, as it’s not a complicated problem, one can correctly balance tires on their own. But, you should have some background knowledge on how to go about it. This guide will explain how to balance tires yourself and other information that’s related to tire balancing.
Let’s discuss First, What a Mechanic does to mount and balance a tire.
Mounting and balancing a tire is a common task performed by mechanics. This process involves removing the old tire from the wheel rim, inspecting the rim for damage, placing the new tire on the rim, inflating the tire to the recommended pressure, and installing the wheel on a tire balancer. A tire balancer is a machine that uses weights and a spinning wheel to measure the balance of the tire and wheel assembly. The mechanic will adjust the position of the tire on the rim or add weights as needed to achieve proper balance. Once the tire and wheel are balanced, the wheel is removed from the tire balancer and installed on the vehicle. The mechanic will also check the tire pressure and wheel lug torque to ensure they are within the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. This process requires specialized tools and knowledge and should be performed by a skilled mechanic.
How to balance a tire with a machine?
For tires that aren’t balanced, mechanics begin by putting your wheels one by one on a balancing machine. As the units spin, this machine will be measuring vibration and identify any stiffer spots. From these results, mechanics will know whether weight is balanced and, if not, where there is an imbalance. He will then use zinc, aluminum, or steel elements on stiffer sports to fix misbalancing issues. Depending on the problem, he may rotate your tires on the wheels to line up heavier spots.
Tire Balancing Cost Near Me
Individuals pay around $15-$80 for four wheels. However, one may pay more or less depending on their location, tires, warranty, and if there are additional services. One tire will cost approximately $10 or between $12-$14 per wheel balance at tire shops and car dealerships, respectively. Some shops may also offer free rotating, balancing, as well as mounting services once you purchase their tires.
Understanding Tire Balancing Types
To balance tires correctly, one should understand what types of tire balancing are there. They are three types:
1. Static Tire Balancing
Here, individuals only add weights to one line of their tire. It is a common balancing method used since it’s easy to perform and effective on light imbalance situations. Each tire that’s out of balance is put on a supporter, usually vertical, using a spindle or bubble balancer. The heavier side tends to lean on the ground. From this, your mechanic will place weight 180°across. As such, loads will be evenly distributed on one side of your wheel, which is perfect if you don’t want them outside.
2. Dynamic Tire Balancing
Weights are spread across tires, up and down as well as side by side. Mechanics, place the tires on spinning machines by using computer balances that diagnose imbalance. Using this machine, Dynamic tire balancer, he will also know how much extra weight he’ll apply to fix imbalance issues. Since weights are on both sides of the wheel, this process provides precision as well as balance.
3. Road Force Tire Balancing
It’s a new technology used for creating road conditions simulations. A machine with a roller is used, which presses tires hence applying weight to your vehicle. As it is critical to answer How to tell which tire is out of balance? This method is effective as it can detect tires that are out of balance, even in complex situations. Again note that machines come with different tolerance and hence can be used ideally on different vehicles.
How To Balance Tires DIY
Now that we have understood what tire balancing entails, its cost, and different types of balancing, we can talk about fixing imbalance issues. Individuals can balance tires with or without balancers. But, one should first identify themselves with vehicle and wheel parts for this process to be seamless. Here is how to go about it.
Using a Wheel Balancer
Of course, you’ll need a balancer, whether static or spin, as well as wheels for this process. But, one should also have a jack, a screwdriver that has a flat end, and a lug wrench.
- Start by removing weights on your wheels and then remove the wheels from your vehicle.
- Clean any dirt or debris on every part of your tire and wheels. You can either dust or wash.
- Then place the assembly on your balancer. Now follow the manual. For those using dynamic balancing, spin your wheels. However, if you’re using static balancing, you should wait for the tires to settle into a stationary position.
- Next, you should mark spots where you intend to put weights if your tires are imbalanced. And those are usually opposite the massive spot. One can use chalk or visible marker pens.
- After, place the additional weight while checking if you’ve achieved balance.
- Individuals should then adjust weights until tires stay in a perfect line for static balancing or move smoothly in dynamic balancing.
- Then you can now return the wheels on your car, tighten lugs, and lastly, lower your jack.
It’s essential that individuals use their manuals since balancing routines vary in different machines.
Balancing Tires without a Wheel Balancer
One can still balance tires even if they don’t have a balancer. However, this is usually trial and error, and you’ll need tools to remove the wheels as well as weights. Follow these steps when balancing tires without a balancer.
- Identify which wheel may be causing the imbalance. And remove any extra weight from it.
- Clear the debris or dirt from the tread and thoroughly clean this wheel.
- After, individuals should approximate the 12 O’Clock position and install weight there. Then reverse your car to a speed where it starts vibrating. Now start increasing this speed bit by bit, approximately +5-10 mph at a time.
- When your car is still vibrating, replace weight at around 45° from the original position. After, increase these speeds. Check if there is any spot where the vibration speeds move higher. If there is, add weight to this spot.
Note that you might not get rid of the vibration. If that’s your case, move 45° again further and repeat this procedure. Once you find the spot, add weights to bring balance.
Final Thoughts
Balancing tires on your own is easy when you have a balancer. However, those who don’t have one can follow the above steps to fix tire imbalance issues. How to tell which tire is out of balance? There are different ways, individuals can tell whether their tires are out of balance, including when their vehicle is consuming too much fuel, uneven wear, suspension problems, as well as wheels or tire runout.
