// January 31, 2025
Is It Time for a Wheel Balance? Common Symptoms Explained
Have you ever felt an unusual vibration while driving or noticed your tyres wearing out faster than expected? These could be subtle signs that your wheels are out of balance. Wheel balancing is an important but sometimes overlooked part of vehicle maintenance that helps provide a smoother ride, even tyre wear, and optimal fuel efficiency.
Skipping the warning signs of unbalanced wheels can make your ride uncomfortable, lead to costly repairs, and even put your safety at risk. So, how can you tell when it’s time to get a wheel balance?
What Is Wheel Balancing and Why Does It Matter?
Wheel balancing is the process of evenly distributing the weight of a wheel and tyre assembly to ensure it rotates smoothly. When wheels are perfectly balanced, they spin without causing unnecessary vibrations, providing a comfortable and safe driving experience.
However, the benefits go beyond comfort. Balanced wheels wear evenly, which means your tyres last longer. They also help with fuel efficiency by reducing resistance, so you save money at the pump. Plus, keeping your wheels balanced protects your suspension from unnecessary stress, saving you from expensive repairs later on.
Common Symptoms of an Unbalanced Wheel
1) Vibrations While Driving
One of the most noticeable signs of unbalanced wheels is vibrations while driving. If you’re feeling a shake, especially at higher speeds, it’s a clear sign something’s off. These vibrations are often felt in the steering wheel, floor, or even your seat. The uneven weight distribution throws off the wheel’s rotation, making the ride far from smooth – and definitely uncomfortable.
2) Uneven or Rapid Tyre Wear
Have you spotted unusual tread patterns or noticed that your tyres are wearing out faster than expected? Unbalanced wheels might be the reason. When the weight isn’t evenly distributed, certain parts of the tyre take more of the load, causing them to wear down quicker. Not only does this mean replacing your tyres sooner, but it also affects how safe and reliable they are.
3) Poor Handling and Steering
If you’re struggling to steer or feeling your car pulling to one side, this is another sign your wheels could be unbalanced. This lack of stability can make driving tricky and unsafe, and if left unchecked, it’ll only get worse over time.
4) Decreased Fuel Efficiency
When your wheels are out of balance, your car has to work harder to keep moving, which means burning more fuel. If you’ve noticed your fuel efficiency dropping, unbalanced wheels could be the problem. That extra resistance adds up, costing you more at the pump.
5) Noisy Driving
Unbalanced wheels can make your car noisier than usual, with strange sounds like humming or thumping coming from the tyres. The noise is from the uneven rotation, which is a clear sign that your wheels aren’t spinning the way they should.
When Should You Check Your Wheel Balance?
To keep your vehicle running smoothly, it’s essential to check your wheel balance regularly. While wheel balancing is typically performed when tyres are fitted, it’s also important to include it as part of routine maintenance, such as during tyre replacements, or every 10,000–12,000 kilometres to ensure that your tyres wear evenly.
Along with routine maintenance, situational checks are equally important. If you hit a pothole, curb, or notice any of the symptoms mentioned above – such as vibrations, uneven tyre wear, or poor handling – it’s a good idea to have your wheel balance checked.
The Wheel Balancing Process
Wheel balancing is a quick and straightforward process handled by professionals using special equipment. It involves mounting your wheel and tyre on a balancing machine that spins it to pinpoint uneven weight distribution. Then, small weights are added to the wheel in just the right spots to fix the imbalance and keep everything spinning smoothly.
This service is affordable and doesn’t take long – usually less than an hour. Considering the issues unbalanced wheels can cause, like wearing out your tyres faster or damaging your suspension, it’s a simple and cost-effective way to keep your car running safely and smoothly.
Preventative Tips to Avoid Imbalance Issues
Wheel balancing is important, but there are some simple things you can do to help avoid imbalance issues:
- Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated: Check your tyre pressure regularly and make sure it matches your vehicle’s recommendations. Properly inflated tyres wear evenly and handle better.
- Rotate Your Tyres: Rotating your tyres every 10,000–12,000 kilometres helps spread out the wear, keeping your wheels balanced for longer.
- Watch Out for Potholes and Rough Roads: Hitting potholes, curbs, or driving on rough terrain can affect your wheel balance. Try to avoid these hazards whenever you can to protect your tyres and suspension.
Expert Wheel Balancing Services You Can Trust
Don’t let unbalanced wheels compromise your safety or driving comfort. At Kate Presnell Bodyworks, we recommend and order tyres from Australia’s most trusted brands, as well as fit, balance and align your wheels for optimal handling and control on the road.
Have you noticed uneven tread wear, vibrations, or pulling while driving? Our team is here to help. Contact us today to book your wheel alignment and balancing for a safer, more comfortable driving experience!