Got the shakes? Don’t blame last night out, blame your unbalanced wheels. They can lead to a bumpy ride, vibrations, wear and tear on your tyres’ tread and your car’s suspension system, as well as on your wallet through reduced fuel economy.

Wheel balancing is a process undertaken to balance the weight of a tyre and wheel assembly to ensure it travels evenly and creates even wear across the tyre surface.

Often confused with wheel alignment, and while similar, wheel balancing ensures a smooth ride by properly adjusting tyre/wheel weight distribution.

What is a wheel balance?

The tyre and wheel combination can have slightly more or less weight in one area, and even the slightest difference in weight distribution can result in vibration and shaking when driving, so it’s important to periodically have your wheels balanced.

Why do you need a wheel balance?

Getting your wheels regularly balanced will result in more wear across the tyre and therefore extend it’s life. An imbalance in tyre weight is inevitable, so it is something that should be reviewed regularly. As tyre tread wears and the balance of your wheels will slowly change.

What symptoms mean you need a wheel balance?

• Vibration in the steering wheel (at high or low speeds);
• Uneven and faster tread wear;
• Poor fuel economy;
• An uneven driving experience.

How does a wheel balance get carried out?

To balance your wheels, technicians use a calibrated spin balancer to test the tyre and wheel assembly’s static and dynamic balance. 

During this process, heavy and light spots are highlighted to help determine where small weights can be added to evenly distribute weight and ensure the wheel rotates smoothly. 

How much does a Wheel Balance usually cost in Nelson Bays?

Typically priced per wheel, it can range from $10 - $30 dollars each.

How often do I need a Wheel Balance?

Unbalanced wheels can mean an unstable and unsafe vehicle. It’s recommended that wheel balancing is completed every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres, or every six months, whichever comes first.

When considering a wheel balance, it’s important to remember that:

• Balance is necessary - an imbalance in tyre weight is inevitable, so it is something that should be reviewed regularly.
• Balance will change over time - as tyre tread wears, the balance of your wheels will slowly change.
• Rebalancing your tyres will extend the life of the tyre.