Is wheel balancing necessary after tire repair?
3 Answers
Wheel balancing is necessary after tire repair. Situations that require wheel balancing include: 1. After replacing a new tire or repairing after a collision accident; 2. Unilateral wear on front or rear tires; 3. The steering wheel feels too heavy or floats and shakes while driving; 4. The car drifts to the left or right when driving straight. The method for performing wheel balancing is: 1. After removing the tire, clean it; 2. Install the tire on the wheel balancing machine and secure it with clamps; 3. Measure the required values for the wheel balancing machine, input the data, and then press the start button on the machine; 4. After the tire stops, the wheel balancing machine will display the tire deviation value; 5. Rotate the tire by hand and add balancing weights according to the corresponding values; 6. Add balancing weights to both the inside and outside of the tire, press the start button on the wheel balancing machine, and when the tire stops rotating, the displayed value should be 0 to complete the process.
After getting a tire repaired, it's generally best to have a wheel balance done. The repair process can add material or remove a small portion from the tire, causing uneven weight distribution. If not adjusted, you may experience steering wheel vibrations while driving, especially on highways, making the vehicle unstable. This not only affects comfort but can also accelerate tire wear or damage suspension components. I've experienced it myself a few times—skipping the balance after a repair led to severe shaking until I rushed back to the shop for correction. The balancing process is quick and simple, usually taking 20-30 minutes at a repair shop, with reasonable fees around 50-60 RMB. For safety, this small step shouldn't be skipped, as driving smoothness directly impacts handling safety. Next time you get a tire repair, remind the technician to check it beforehand to avoid future issues.
Getting a wheel balance after a tire repair is almost a must, and I take this very seriously. After a tire is patched, its balance is disrupted—no joke—if there's wobbling while driving, not only will it make your arms sore, but it could also hide safety hazards, like skidding in an emergency. From my experience, if you skip balancing after a patch, the tire may wear unevenly within a few days, shortening its lifespan and ultimately costing you hundreds more for a new tire. Wheel balancing itself isn't expensive, just a few dozen bucks, far cheaper than fixing suspension issues later. Every time I get a tire repaired, I proactively ask the technician to perform this check. For the sake of my family and myself, investing a little extra in safety is worth it. Remember, driving isn't a joke—smooth driving ensures a safe arrival. Don’t overlook tire pressure adjustments during routine maintenance either, as these all tie into overall performance.
