Do you check your tire’s inflation pressure regularly?

If you answered no, you’re not alone. According to a study, only a few percent of drivers check their tire pressure monthly to make sure that their tires remain perfectly balanced. 

Tire balancing is a part of necessary tire maintenance, just like regular tire rotations and accurate alignment. Tires, when new should be examined at least once a month at a tire shop or during rotation intervals.

Begin with the Best: Get High-Quality Tires

A quality tire will help you achieve accurate tire balance, as it possesses sound uniformity. It refers to how evenly the tire’s weight is distributed around its circumference. A good tire will also maintain its form and structure, no matter how often you use it.

Investing in high-quality tires from a reputable tire dealer is important. In Montrose, America’s Auto & Tire has tires for sale from some of the best brands, such as Hercules Tires and Yokohama, with the highest quality of tires.

What Causes A Tire To Become Unbalanced?

Very simply, an unbalanced tire is one where the weight of the tire is not evenly distributed around its circumference. 

Reasons are:

  • A hard skid in a panic-brake situation
  • Tire no longer round due to hitting a curb or pothole causes vibration
  • The failure of a counterweight or the bending of a rim
  • Tire-to-rim slippage occurs when you drive aggressively or stop suddenly.

These causes aren’t always avoidable, but they can all lead to an unbalanced tire. So anytime you rotate or experience vibration, have your tires inspected by a professional. Search tire shops near me, and you can find reputable tire shops in your area.

Imbalance Leads To

It’s self-evident that a misaligned tire gives an unpleasant ride, but the handling abilities of the affected tire are also harmed. It includes steering precision and overall road grip. A 0.5-ounce variation in weight on any one tire can cause significant vibration.

Increased Wear

The tread wears unevenly and rapidly when a tire is out of balance. It is true for tires that are not inflated properly or regularly rotated. You can achieve even tread wear and extend the life of your tires by maintaining proper tire pressure and getting regular rotations. Uneven wear, if left unchecked, can lead to dangerous bald spots and eventually a blowout.

Types of Tire Imbalance

Tire imbalance comes in two varieties: static and dynamic.

Static imbalance – When the tire is heavy or light in one area, it will roll unevenly in an up-and-down direction.

Dynamic imbalance – When the weight on both sides of the tire/wheel assembly centerline is uneven, it creates a side-to-side movement.

The effects of these vibrations are frequently caused by incorrect tire balancing, misalignment, or tire/wheel damage. That’s why it’s essential to opt for regular auto repair services and have your tires balanced by a professional.

The Balancing Process

A tire expert runs the wheel and tire assembly on a balancing machine at high speed. It allows him to detect the heavy spot on the tire/wheel assembly.

From there, he can add a lead counterweight to the opposite side of the wheel at the heavy spot. The added weight will help to evenly rotate the weight distribution around the tire.

Inboard Counterweights for Maintaining the ‘Look’

Many enthusiasts request that aftermarket wheels be installed on the inside of a vehicle’s rims rather than the outside to preserve the aesthetics of certain vehicles.

Periodic Balancing

We all know how tire rotation is important but often overlook the importance of tire balancing. Many people don’t realize that tires need to be rebalanced periodically. The majority of people think that once they have tires balanced, that’s the end of it.

A proper maintenance schedule for your vehicle should include regular tire balancing at each rotation. At least, it should be inspected and balanced if any vibration is noticed.

Benefits of a Quality Balance Job

A well-executed balancing procedure delivers numerous benefits:

  • The load is equally shared across the tire and wheel assembly.
  • Reduces vibration
  • Smooth and comfortable ride

A well-balanced set of tires allows for:

  • Even tread wear
  • Maximize fuel economy
  • This leads to a safer and more stable driving experience

Conclude

You do not feel any vibration in the steering wheel or the seat, so you may think your tires are balanced. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. It can be hard to detect when it is out of balance on a small level.

Regular visits to tire shops in Montrose to have your tires balanced are the best way to ensure they are in optimal condition. It helps you detect an imbalance before it becomes more severe. It only needs a few minutes for a technician to perform this service, but it can save you time and money in the long run. Of course, it ensures a smoother and safer ride.