Is Wheel Balancing Necessary When Replacing Four New Tires?
5 Answers
Wheel balancing is necessary when replacing four new tires. Below is a partial introduction about tire replacement: 1. Four-Wheel Alignment: Four-wheel alignment is based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle, adjusted to ensure good driving performance and certain reliability. It is required after replacing or adjusting the suspension system, replacing steering system components, or after repairing accident-damaged vehicles. Minor scrapes that do not affect the chassis or suspension do not require alignment. 2. Front Wheel Alignment: The installation of the vehicle's steering wheels, steering knuckles, and front axle has a certain relative position. This installation with a specific relative position is called steering wheel alignment, also known as front wheel alignment.
As a veteran with 20 years of auto repair experience, performing wheel balancing when installing four new tires is absolutely essential. Wheel balancing ensures even weight distribution as the tire rotates on the rim, eliminating any imbalance points. Although new tires undergo factory testing, subtle variations may exist between the rim or tire itself once mounted on the vehicle. Without balancing, drivers may experience steering wheel vibrations—especially noticeable at high speeds—compromising handling. Over time, this leads to uneven tire wear, reducing lifespan by over 50%, and may damage suspension components, increasing repair costs. I recommend balancing with every tire change. Repair shops complete this in minutes using specialized equipment at minimal cost, significantly enhancing driving comfort, safety, and accident prevention.
I'm an average car owner who drives to and from work daily. Last year, I replaced all four tires, and the mechanic reminded me to get a wheel balance. When I asked why, he explained that if new tires aren't balanced after installation, the car may wobble while driving, feeling unstable like being on a boat. I tested it—before balancing, there was noticeable shaking at high speeds, but after the procedure, the ride became instantly smoother. Even after two years of use, the tires wear as evenly as new ones. Wheel balancing simply involves attaching small lead weights to the wheel rim to adjust weight distribution—it's quick, straightforward, and affordable, costing around a few dozen RMB per wheel. This prevents premature tire wear, saving both money and hassle.
Young drivers value efficiency, so don't skip the wheel balancing step when getting new tires. It ensures smooth wheel rotation, reducing vibrations and noise. Without it, steering wheel shaking becomes noticeable, affecting the driving experience. The balancing process is quick—repair shops use equipment to test and adjust with lead weights, taking just ten minutes. In the long run, it protects tires and extends their lifespan.
Safety driving is my top priority, and changing four new tires without dynamic balancing poses significant risks. Imbalance can lead to loss of control at high speeds, increasing the probability of accidents. Dynamic balancing eliminates weight disparities, preventing abnormal tire wear and blowouts. It is recommended to perform balancing when changing tires, as it is a low-cost measure that ensures driving safety.
