Wheel Balance & Alignment

What is Wheel Balancing?

Modern tyres and wheels are made to exacting standards but after fitting to the wheel, the assembly may need to be dynamically balanced. By 'balancing' the tyre and wheel assembly, small variances in weight distribution can be evened out making for a more comfortable and safer ride.

Wheels with an imbalance problem may cause: -

• Discomfort to the driver
• Loss of contact between the tyre and the road
• Excessive uneven wear of tyres
• Increased wear of steering and suspension components, especially shock absorbers
• At worst, a reduction in the life of the whole vehicle

An imbalance becomes more obvious as speed increases, typically felt as a vibration through the steering wheel or vehicle body.

A wheel balance machine is used to detect the points of imbalance. Weights of appropriate sizes are then affixed to the rim to counteract the imbalance. This should be done when new tyres are fitted and is recommended from time to time throughout the life of the tyre. Many experts recommend a rotation and balance every 5,000km.

What is Wheel Alignment

The front (and sometimes the rear) wheels on a vehicle need to be adjustable to allow for variation in vehicle control characteristics. This can only be done by a technician using a wheel alignment machine. There are various types of wheel alignments; the alignment you require depends on the make of vehicle you are driving.

Have you ever noticed your tyres (particularly the front) wearing on the edge but not across the tyre? Tyres showing this, or even feathered edges, may indicate the wheel alignment needs adjusting. Most tyre services recommend a wheel alignment every 10,000km.

Correct wheel alignment will: -

• Extend the life of tyres by reducing premature wear
• Allow tyres to wear more evenly
• Improve the handling of the vehicle
• Optimise the steering response of your vehicle