Tires are a very important part of your car, without which you would not be able to get around. Some cars even have a spare in the trunk just in case you somehow manage to puncture one and need it as soon as possible.
But could you have an imbalance when driving on the road? There is a certain number that should be allowed between your two tires and if they are out of balance that can cause damage to the vehicle and other drivers on the road. In this article, I am going to tell you the basic information needed about this subject and why it is important.
What is Tire Balancing?
Balancing is the process of equalizing or even balancing out the number of psi or pounds per square inch that your tires can hold. This must be done from time to time, especially if you have been driving on them for a while and they have lost some air pressure.
There is no fixed amount of psi that must be added to your tires because how much you need fluctuates depending on how much your tire’s safety rating calls for (a street-rated tire will have more requirements than a more track-oriented tire).
Why are tires balanced?
The main reason for balancing tires is to improve their durability, miles traveled per next tire, and also the safety of your vehicle.
You will find that if your tires are in balance with good rotation around the axle of your vehicle then you have a better grip on the road because there will be less friction between the ground and your car. When tires are unbalanced it causes vibration when you drive on them causing problems to arise soon after. That is why there are companies that specialize in this service.
Do tires need to be balanced?
Now the question remains, do tires need to be balanced? Well, the answer is yes they do. This job is much easier to have done by a professional because they have the best tools and expertise, but if you want to save some money then you can probably get a local tire shop to help you out.
You will know whether or not your car’s tires are in balance when it starts feeling like your car wants to drift in one direction and also when there is too much friction between the ground and your car. It is necessary to always ensure that your tires are balanced
What happens if you don’t balance tires?
One of the most common things that happen when you don’t balance your tires, they are more likely to wear out faster than expected.
A tire that has been worn out will not last as long as the one with less wear. The reason behind this is that the worn-out tires are losing their traction and slipping too much on wet or icy roads which makes them more likely to puncture or cause accidents too
. The overall ride quality will be more jarring and you will feel more vibrations which is not comfortable when driving for a long distance.
How often do tires need to be balanced?
Tires need to be balanced once every 2 years and this is only if they are street-rated. But if you have more than one set of tires then it is recommended that you have them checked once a year.
If your tire pressures are low then you should also check them because this may indicate an issue on the vehicle’s control system or a leak in the system. In times of mileage, it is recommended that you balance your tires every 5500-8000 miles.
Why is tire balancing important?
Tires are one of the most essential parts of your car because they make it driveable. If you want your ride to be comfortable and safe, then you have to maintain the balance in your wheels.
That is why it is important to always keep checking them from time to time and keep them balanced during rotation. This will ensure that you have a smooth ride throughout your vehicle and its ride will not hamper your focus as a driver.
Tire balancing pros and cons
As with any other thing its advantages and disadvantages must be taken into consideration. The advantages of having your tires balanced include:
Also, you will find that a lot of dealerships that provide services to your vehicle will perform tire balancing along with other routine maintenance services. At the same time, this service is not provided for free and because it is so expensive you may try to prevent it from happening by doing it yourself.
Final Thoughts
Basically, you need to balance your tires every once in a while because it ensures that your car will have a smooth ride and not experience as much friction on the road. It is important that you go to a professional if you do not know how to do this and getting it done more often than once a year is also recommended especially if your vehicle has a lot of mileage. There are many benefits of having your tires balanced so, at the end of the day, this is something that you need to consider.
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.
