| Description: Wheel
balance refers to the proper distribution of weight around
a revolving tire and wheel assembly. Poor wheel balance
can have a marked impact on both your car and your safety.
Purpose: Proper wheel balance ensures that
the wheels, while spinning, do not have a heavy spot that
can cause vibration and premature wear of tires, struts,
shocks and other steering and suspension components. When
combined with proper wheel alignment, balanced wheels ensure
smooth and enjoyable driving. Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: The
most common signs of unbalanced tires are vibration and
noise problems. When driving with an out-of-balance wheel,
the wheel literally bounces down the road rather than
spinning smoothly. This can affect the speed, handling
and mileage of your car. Many of today’s cars have lightweight
suspension systems and are therefore, more sensitive to imbalance
than older cars. It’s a good idea to have your car’s
wheels balanced when rotating the tires, about every 6,000
miles. It’s not uncommon for wheels to lose a wheel
weight from time to time; so periodic balancing minimizes
the impact of unbalanced wheels on your car. |