Is Wheel Balancing Necessary When Replacing New Tires?
4 Answers
Wheel balancing is not only required when replacing new tires but also whenever the tires are removed and reinstalled (especially after tire repairs). This process prevents tire vibration caused by changes in the center of gravity, which could otherwise lead to steering wheel and vehicle body vibrations when driving speeds exceed 100 km/h. Relevant information about wheel alignment is as follows: 1. Introduction: Wheel alignment is based on the four-wheel parameters of the vehicle, adjusted to ensure good driving performance and certain reliability. 2. Function: The purpose of wheel alignment is to maintain stable straight-line driving and easy steering while reducing wear on tires and steering components during vehicle operation.
Even though I just got four new tires, I still insisted on getting a wheel balance. The mechanic explained that tire weight distribution isn't 100% uniform from the factory, and the wheel mounting process can also affect balance. Without balancing, the steering wheel would shake like holding a vibrating massager at high speeds, making cups on the dashboard dance. Long-term imbalance also causes uneven tire wear, creating sawtooth patterns on one side, forcing premature replacement within half a year. Last week, while checking a friend's SUV that kept pulling to one side, we found it was due to unbalanced tires from the last change. Those tiny lead weights cost just a few bucks—way cheaper than buying new tires again.
I've seen too many car owners skip wheel balancing out of laziness, only to regret it later. While theoretically, brand-new tires and rims that haven't been disassembled might not need it, perfectly matched sets are rare in reality. Last time I helped a neighbor with steering wheel vibration, we found mud chunks stuck to the inner rim after removing the tire - these invisible weight imbalances can disrupt wheel balance. Nowadays, professional tire shops automatically perform balancing after installation. They mount the wheel on a spinning machine and tap lead weights where the red light indicates. The whole process takes about ten minutes and costs under 100 yuan, but it effectively prevents premature wear of chassis suspension components.
Getting a wheel alignment when changing tires is like getting the right prescription for glasses—it may seem unnecessary but is absolutely essential. The centrifugal force from high-speed rotation can amplify a mere 10-gram weight difference into a pulling force equivalent to ten kilograms, causing the steering wheel to shake uncontrollably. Once, I drove in the rain with unbalanced tires and felt the tires losing grip when taking a curve at 80 km/h, nearly losing control. Now, I make it a habit to always get a wheel alignment with every tire change, which also allows me to check if the rims are deformed. This is especially critical for vehicles with modified rims—wheel alignment is not something to skimp on.
