Is Wheel Balancing Necessary When Replacing a New Tire?
2 Answers
Wheel balancing is necessary when replacing a new tire. Other situations that require wheel balancing include: 1. After collision repairs; 2. When there is unilateral wear on the front or rear tires; 3. When the steering wheel feels excessively heavy or floats and shakes during driving; 4. When the car drifts to the left or right while driving straight. The steps for wheel balancing are: 1. Remove the logo in the center of the hub, install the wheel balancer for measurement, and input the data; 2. Measure the rim width and input the data; 3. Based on the data calculated by the computer, add appropriate balancing weights to the inner and outer sides of the rim, and recheck until the standard is met.
Last time I got new tires for my car, the mechanic directly recommended doing a wheel balance, which I found very necessary. Since new tires and rims aren't always perfectly balanced, without it, the steering wheel shakes badly at high speeds, and it could also affect the lifespan of the suspension system. It's not just a comfort issue—safety is at risk too. With severe vibrations, handling becomes unstable when cornering, especially in rainy conditions when it's even more dangerous. You might not notice it much when driving in the city, but on long trips or highways, the difference is clear. The cost isn't much, just around a few dozen yuan, but it can prevent bigger expenses, like premature or uneven tire wear, which would mean replacing them sooner at a higher cost. From personal experience, after balancing, the wheels run smoothly, and you even save a bit on fuel. In short, for the sake of your car and your own safety, making wheel balancing a regular habit is a smart move.
