Is Wheel Balancing Really Unnecessary After Rear Tire Puncture Repair?
3 Answers
Wheel balancing is required after rear tire puncture repair. The following situations necessitate wheel balancing: 1. After installing new tires (post-repair) or collision damage repairs; 2. Unilateral wear on front/rear tires; 3. Heavy steering wheel or floating/vibration during driving; 4. Vehicle pulling left/right when moving straight. Benefits of wheel balancing include: 1. Enhanced driving comfort; 2. Reduced fuel consumption; 3. Extended tire service life; 4. Improved straight-line stability; 5. Decreased wear on chassis suspension components; 6. Increased driving safety.
I've been driving for many years and often hear people ask whether wheel balancing is needed after patching a rear tire. This is actually a misunderstanding because wheel balancing is required after patching any tire, whether it's a front or rear one. When you patch a tire, such as using a plug or patch to fix a hole, it alters the local weight distribution of the tire, making it no longer rotate evenly. Without wheel balancing, the rear tire may vibrate slightly while driving, affecting the overall balance of the vehicle. Although the steering wheel might not directly vibrate, prolonged neglect can stress the suspension system and accelerate part wear. Once, I skipped this step out of laziness, and later, while driving on the highway, I felt the car body shaking. Upon inspection, it was found that the tire had uneven wear. Safety comes first—spending a little on wheel balancing can extend tire life and prevent accidents. Many modern cars are all-wheel drive, and unstable rear tires can also interfere with the ESP system. In short, don't skip this step; get it done professionally for peace of mind.
Hey, as an average car owner, I think this is easily overlooked. Getting a wheel balance after patching a rear tire is actually quite necessary, otherwise minor issues can arise. Patching a tire is like adding a little 'patch' to it, which creates weight imbalance. I've seen a friend skip this step, and his car always felt slightly wobbly at the back, especially noticeable at high speeds. Over time, the tire edges wear out faster, leading to earlier expenses for new tires. Skipping the balance can also reduce braking efficiency due to uneven wheel rotation. I always get it done myself and notice the car runs smoother with slightly better fuel efficiency. Although some say rear tires are less affected, it's worth spending those extra few bucks to get it done when patching, avoiding regrets later. Keeping the car in good condition makes driving much more comfortable.
