What are the effects of not performing wheel balancing after tire repair?
3 Answers
Not performing wheel balancing after tire repair does not affect safety, but it will impact ride comfort during high-speed driving. Tires should undergo regular wheel balancing checks using a wheel balancer. There are two types of tire balancing: dynamic balancing and static balancing: 1. Dynamic imbalance can cause wheel wobbling, leading to wave-like wear on the tire. 2. Static imbalance can result in bumpiness and bouncing, often causing flat spots on the tire. Extended content: Regular balancing checks not only extend tire lifespan but also improve driving stability, preventing accidents caused by loss of control due to tire wobbling or bouncing during high-speed driving.
After patching the tire without wheel balancing, my car started having issues. The steering wheel shakes noticeably, especially at high speeds, making the entire car feel unstable and very uncomfortable. Last time I took a long trip, after just a few hundred kilometers, I noticed one side of the tire was wearing out much faster than the other, showing uneven thickness. I consulted a friend who explained that wheel balancing evenly distributes the tire's weight to prevent such localized wear. Without it, the tire's lifespan could be halved, and it might even affect the suspension system, leading to more expensive repairs. He recommended checking the wheel balance after every tire repair—spending a few dozen dollars can save hundreds on new tires and ensure safer driving.
Skipping wheel balancing after tire repair has significant consequences. I experienced this firsthand—thinking I saved some time, only to end up with a violently shaking steering wheel and vibrating car body, especially when accelerating beyond 60 km/h. Over time, the tire wore unevenly, with severe inner tread wear while the outer side remained intact, forcing me to prematurely scrap a new tire. Research revealed this could also damage wheel hub bearings, costing hundreds to repair. My advice: make it a habit to always pair tire repairs with balancing—it ensures smooth rotation, reduces vibrations, and delivers a smoother ride. Never cut corners to save time.
