Is the impact significant if wheel balancing is not performed after rear tire repair?
2 Answers
The impact of not performing wheel balancing after rear tire repair is as follows: Minimal impact: The rear wheels of a motor vehicle are not the driving wheels and only serve a load-bearing function, so the effect on the rear wheels is essentially negligible. Significant impact: If the motor vehicle is four-wheel drive, the wheel balance data will be disrupted after tire repair, leading to unstable vehicle operation. Below is relevant knowledge about tire wheel balancing: After normal tire repair, wheel balancing should be performed on the motor vehicle's tires. If wheel balancing is not done after tire repair, it may cause the vehicle to pull to one side or result in inaccurate steering. In such cases, the vehicle should be taken to the brand's after-sales service department or a nearby tire repair shop for a re-inspection of the tires.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and not doing a balance after patching a tire does have an impact. Although the rear wheels aren't as directly noticeable as the front wheels in causing steering wheel vibrations, if you drive at high speeds, say over 100 km/h, you'll feel slight body vibrations or instability in the rear. This is because the tire patch alters the weight distribution, and the eccentricity during rotation can easily lead to unbalanced vibrations. Over time, this can cause severe uneven tire wear, with one side wearing out faster, leading to more frequent tire replacements in the short term and ultimately costing more money. The suspension system may also bear additional stress, increasing maintenance costs. Based on my experience, spending a few dozen bucks on balancing is a piece of cake compared to avoiding future hassles. By the way, for SUVs or rear-wheel-drive vehicles, rear wheel balancing is even more critical for overall stability, especially on mountain roads or during rain or snow, where vibrations can more easily lead to handling errors. Safe driving starts with attention to detail—don't skimp or cut corners. If you've already gone through the trouble of patching the tire, taking the extra step to balance it is the safest bet.