Wheel Balancing: What It Is and Why You Need It

Wheel balancing is the process of equalising the weight distribution around a tyre and wheel assembly. Even a brand new tyre is not perfectly uniform in weight — there are slight variations in the rubber compound, the steel belt, and the wheel itself. When the wheel spins, these small imbalances can cause vibration.

To correct this, a wheel balancing machine spins the assembly and identifies where the heavy spots are. Small lead or zinc weights are then attached to the wheel rim to counteract the imbalance. The result is a smooth, vibration-free rotation at all speeds.

The most common sign of an imbalanced wheel is a vibration felt through the steering wheel, floorboards, or seat at certain speeds — typically between 50 and 70mph. The vibration often disappears below and above this speed range because the imbalance frequency is outside the resonance range of the car's components.

Uneven tyre wear is another indicator. An out-of-balance wheel creates a bouncing or cupping motion as it spins, which wears the tyre in a scalloped or uneven pattern. If you notice a rippled wear pattern on your tyres, have the balance checked as well as your wheel alignment.

We recommend having your wheels balanced every time a new tyre is fitted — this should always be included as standard by any reputable tyre fitter. Beyond that, a balance check every 10,000 miles or once a year is good practice, particularly if you drive on roads with lots of potholes or speed humps.

Any time you notice new vibration through the car that wasn't there before, get the wheels balanced. Impacts from potholes or kerbing can knock weights off the wheel or shift the tyre on the rim, throwing an otherwise balanced wheel out of balance.