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Tire imbalance happens when weight isn't evenly distributed in the wheel-tire combo from imperfect roundness. This common issue causes vibrations as the wheel rotates while its center of gravity is offset. Balancing corrects this by adding weights which realigns the tire center of gravity and eliminates vibrations during rotation.

So, what's the purpose of tire balancing? And how can you tell that your tire needs it? Wheel & Tire Superstore tells you all about it in our blog post.

Why You Need Tire Balancing?

Tire rebalancing, accomplished through the addition of weight, restores equilibrium between the tire and the wheel assembly, allowing them to spin with their centers of gravity aligned. This correction eliminates the vibration issue.

What Causes Tire Imbalance?

Imbalances and vibrations often stem from a condition known as runout, which results from slight imperfections in the shape of the wheel and tire.

Runout happens when the wheel and tire assembly deviate significantly from a perfect circle, with certain areas having a higher distance from the center compared to others. Think of it like an egg rolling lengthwise on a table; it doesn't roll smoothly due to its lack of perfect roundness, resulting in a bumpy and uneven trajectory. To resolve this problem in tires, the high point of the tire is aligned with the low point of the wheel.

Types of Tire Imbalances

Static imbalances develop when there is an uneven distribution of weight on the tire, either too light or too heavy in a particular spot. It results in uneven rolling and causes the tire and wheel to exhibit up-and-down vibrations.

Dynamic imbalances, on the other hand, occur when there is an unequal weight distribution on one or both sides of the tire's lateral centerline, leading to side-to-side vibrations.

How to Tell You Need Tire Balancing

Regular tire balancing reduces the risk of imbalances, which can lead to irregular or uneven treadwear. At Wheel & Tire Superstore, we advise drivers to have their tires balanced every 6,000 miles. It's important not to wait until a problem becomes evident!

Many drivers only seek tire balancing when they detect issues, but it's far more beneficial and safer to incorporate routine maintenance. This practice will extend the lifespan of your wheels, tires, and other mechanical components like the suspension, reducing the likelihood of damage due to uneven wear.

Interestingly, modern vehicles tend to be more susceptible to imbalances. Older vehicles, with their greater weight, were better at dampening vibrations before they affected the driver's comfort. In contrast, today's vehicles are constructed using lightweight composite materials that lack the same vibration-dampening qualities.

Visit Our Tire Center in Texas for Wheel Balancing and Industrial Tires!

If you think your car may need wheel balancing in Cedar Park, TX, you’re in the right place! Wheel & Tire Superstore offers reliable wheel balancing services as well as industrial tire sales. For more information, get in contact with us today!