Is Wheel Balancing Necessary When Installing New Tires?
1 Answers
Wheel balancing is essential when installing new tires. Over time, the detachment of balancing weights can lead to an imbalance in tire weight distribution. Tire balancing consists of two types: dynamic balance and static balance. Dynamic imbalance causes wheel wobbling, resulting in scalloped tire wear, while static imbalance creates bumpiness and hopping, leading to flat spots on tires. An automotive wheel is an integrated unit comprising the tire and rim. Due to manufacturing tolerances, mass distribution across this assembly cannot be perfectly uniform. When wheels rotate at high speeds, this creates dynamic imbalance, manifesting as wheel shimmy and steering wheel vibration during vehicle operation.