Is Wheel Balancing Necessary During Tire Rotation?

[VonJack]

Tire rotation does not require wheel balancing, as it merely involves swapping the positions of the wheels without altering the mass balance between the tires and rims. Typically, maintenance personnel address severe vibrations by disassembling and directly replacing components like impellers, then reinstalling them to reduce vibrations. The lifespan of car tires depends on factors such as the owner's driving habits and road conditions, making judgments based solely on age or mileage potentially inaccurate. If frequently driven on generally good road surfaces like highways, tires may last around 80,000 kilometers before needing replacement. However, if often driven on rough terrains such as bumpy gravel or muddy roads, tires may require replacement after approximately 60,000 kilometers.

[StLondyn]

I've been driving trucks for long-distance hauls for over a decade. Tire rotation is typically done every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers to ensure even wear between front and rear tires, thereby extending tire life. While wheel balancing isn't mandatory during rotation, I strongly recommend checking it. This is because during the tire removal and reinstallation process, if the original balance wasn't properly adjusted or small stones get lodged, it may cause vehicle vibration issues while driving. Wheel balancing involves adding small lead weights to the rim to stabilize wheel rotation. Last time I skipped it to save time, but ended up with severe steering wheel wobble at high speeds and had to spend extra money repairing the bearings - definitely not worth it. So for safety's sake, it's wise to check the balance during rotation. It might cost a bit more in labor fees, but saves you from future troubles.

[StDavid]

As an amateur car enthusiast, I believe tire rotation and wheel balancing should be considered separately: Rotation mainly adjusts position for even wear and can be done without balancing, but for the perfect driving experience, it's best to do both. Unbalanced wheels cause vibration and instability, accelerating suspension component wear. During rotation at repair shops, mechanics can conveniently check balance after removing tires - just spend a few dozen yuan for balancing weights. I always request this service during maintenance to ensure smooth high-speed driving. Actually, wheel balancing detection is simple - the machine identifies issues immediately during rotation. Regular rotation plus balancing saves fuel, extends tire life, and offers multiple benefits.

[StLila]

From a safety perspective, I believe wheel balancing should be performed when rotating tires. Unbalanced wheels increase accident risks, especially potentially causing loss of control at high speeds. The original purpose of rotation is to even out wear and prevent blowouts from excessive thinning on one side, but without balancing, vibration issues can become amplified after reassembly. I've personally experienced similar situations where steering wheel vibrations affected handling. While not absolutely necessary every time, extra inspections don't hurt - it's a small cost to ensure major safety.