Do I Need Wheel Balancing and Four-Wheel Alignment When Changing Tires or Rims?
3 Answers
When replacing tires or repairing a punctured tire, as long as the tire is removed from the rim and then reinstalled, wheel balancing must be performed; however, four-wheel alignment may not be necessary. Below is a brief introduction to wheel balancing and four-wheel alignment: 1. Wheel Balancing: This method of balancing refers to determining the position of the unbalanced weight of a rotor and the location and size of the counterweight that needs to be added, which can only be measured while the rotor is in motion. 2. Four-Wheel Alignment: Four-wheel alignment is based on the parameters of the vehicle's four wheels, adjusting them to ensure good driving performance and a certain level of reliability.
When installing new tires or wheels, wheel balancing is absolutely essential because new components may have uneven weight distribution during manufacturing. If installed without balancing, you'll experience noticeable vibrations at high speeds, with the steering wheel shaking. This not only affects handling but also accelerates tire wear. Trying to save money or effort? I've seen many customers neglect this, only to find their tires worn unevenly during a dealership check, requiring costly repairs. As for wheel alignment, it's not necessary every time you change tires unless you've modified the suspension or the vehicle already pulls to one side. You can skip this step initially. After installation, test drive the car first—if you feel instability or hear unusual noises, then proceed with an alignment check. In short, never skip wheel balancing; don't cut corners at the expense of your vehicle.
I recently got new rims and tires, and to save money, I skipped the wheel balancing. But when I hit 80 km/h on the road, the car started shaking badly—I could barely hold the steering wheel! Scared, I immediately found a repair shop to do the balancing. The mechanic attached small lead weights to the wheels to adjust the balance, and the problem was fixed. So, wheel balancing is a must—otherwise, driving isn’t safe. As for wheel alignment, it depends. Since my car’s handling wasn’t affected after the change, I didn’t bother. But if your car pulls to one side or makes strange noises, you should get it done. Remember, don’t skimp on small things—wheel balancing costs little but prevents big issues, ensuring a smooth ride.
