what is wheel balancing

Wheel balancing, also known as tire balancing, is a specific type of tire maintenance that balances the weight of a tire and wheel, ensuring they work together in tandem seamlessly for a smooth ride. During a tire balance service, the technician mounts the tire and wheel assembly onto a tire balancing machine, which spins the assembly to measure the imbalance. The technician then installs the correct tire weights to achieve a properly balanced wheel and tire assembly. Tire balancing corrects the uneven distribution of weight in the wheels, which can lead to vibration, excessive tire wear, damage to the suspension, and other problems. Balancing helps ensure weight is evenly distributed around the entire circumference of the tire, which improves tread wear and contributes to overall ride comfort. It is advisable to get wheel-tire assemblies balanced with every tire rotation, and anytime you notice uneven tread wear and vibrations. Wheel balancing and alignment are different services, and they should not be confused for the same thing. Wheel alignment corrects the angles of the tires so they travel in the same direction and properly make contact with the road, reducing uneven tire wear and extending the lifespan of the tires.