Wheel Balancing: Why It Matters and How It's Done

Unbalanced wheels cause vibrations, uneven tyre wear, and increased fuel consumption. Learn what wheel balancing is and why you should get it done with every tyre change.

Wheel balancing is the process of ensuring the weight of a tyre and wheel assembly is evenly distributed around the axle. Even small imbalances can cause significant issues over time.

Signs Your Wheels Need Balancing

• Steering wheel vibration, especially at 50–70mph
• Uneven or patchy tyre wear
• Increased fuel consumption
• Vibrating seat or floorboard
• Vehicle pulling to one side

How Wheel Balancing Works

A tyre technician mounts the wheel on a balancing machine that spins it and identifies heavy spots. Small weights are then attached to the rim to correct any imbalance. The process takes just a few minutes per wheel.

Static vs Dynamic Balancing

• Static balancing corrects up-and-down bounce
• Dynamic balancing corrects side-to-side wobble

Modern balancing machines perform dynamic balancing, which is the more thorough method.

When Should You Get Wheels Balanced?

• Every time new tyres are fitted
• After any tyre repair
• Every 10,000–12,000 miles as routine maintenance
• Whenever you feel vibrations through the steering

Eddie's Mobile Tyres includes wheel balancing as standard with every tyre fitting appointment. No extra charge, no waiting.