Wheel balancing addresses weight imbalances within the wheel and tire combination. This process is important for promoting the stability of the vehicle while driving.
Wheel balancing is a separate procedure from wheel alignment. Experts recommend balancing every 5,000 to 7,000 kilometres (3,000 to 4,000 miles) or as part of regular tire rotations, particularly for vehicles with alloy wheels.
It is advisable to balance all four wheels. This will help in addressing any potential out-of-balance conditions.
What are the Types of Wheel Balancing?
There are 2 types of wheel balancing.
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Dynamic Balancing:
In dynamic balancing, technicians identify the heaviest points in the tire and wheel combination. Then, small weights are attached to counterbalance these areas. This effectively eliminates vibrations or hops that may occur while driving. This leads to a more stable and comfortable ride.
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Match Balancing:
Match (road force) balancing focuses on identifying the tire's lowest points and the wheel's highest points. In some cases, the technician may even remove the tire from the wheel to make necessary adjustments for an optimal match. The ultimate goal is to achieve the smoothest ride possible by addressing any potential tire and wheel combination issues.