Is Wheel Balancing Necessary When Changing Tires?
2 Answers
When changing tires on a car, a four-wheel alignment is not required, but wheel balancing is essential after tire replacement. If the vehicle does not exhibit any pulling to one side while driving and the steering wheel remains straight, then an alignment is unnecessary. However, wheel balancing must be performed; otherwise, the vehicle may experience vibrations during driving. Hazards of skipping wheel balancing: 1. The tires may exhibit rhythmic bouncing during driving, causing the steering wheel to vibrate; 2. At certain speed ranges, the vehicle may experience resonance; 3. Over time, this can lead to uneven tire wear, affecting tire lifespan and driving safety; 4. In severe cases, it may impact the suspension, bearings, and other components.
Last time I tried to save money by skipping wheel balancing at a small repair shop when changing tires, and I paid the price on the highway. At 80 km/h, the steering wheel shook like a vibrating phone, scaring me into slowing down immediately. The mechanic explained it was due to uneven tire weight distribution—the tire wobbled like it was dancing, causing the steering wheel to shake. Over time, this can wear out the bearings and damage the suspension. Worse, the tire wears unevenly, with one side getting chewed up while the other stays fine, ruining a perfectly good new tire in just six months. In the end, you lose more money. My advice? Don’t skip those few extra bucks—it takes just 20 minutes and is a win-win for both your car and your safety.
