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What Is Wheel Balancing?

Wheel balancing is the process of maintaining the balance between the weight of a tire and the weight of a wheel assembly. For any car or truck to travel evenly at high speeds, the weight distribution of the tire-wheel unit must be equal. Because no manufacturer can make a perfect wheel or tire, a system of weights is applied to the tire-wheel unit to compensate for any imbalances. Gradually, these weights may become displaced, or other issues may cause a discrepancy in the predetermined weight ratio. If such imbalances are detected, auto wheel balancing is necessary.

Signs a Wheel is out of Balance

Some of the most common signs your wheels are out-of-balance are steering wheel vibrations, uneven or uncharacteristically fast tread wear or decreased fuel economy. You may also find the floorboard or seat seems to vibrate, particularly at higher speeds. When all components of the tire and the wheel are balanced, the car should drive smoothly. If that isn’t the case, you are likely experiencing imbalanced wheels.

Why Is Wheel Balancing Necessary?

While wheel balancing is generally a simple procedure, having wheels that are out of balance can be uncomfortable and unsafe. Imbalanced wheels can cause tires to wear-out unevenly or prematurely. In addition, wheels that are out of balance can put undue stress on wheel bearings and the suspension system, causing further damage.

The Basics Behind Computerized Wheel Balancing Services at VIP Tire

Imbalanced wheels are not always detectable to drivers. For that reason, the professionals at VIP Tire use computerized wheel balancers to identify weight differentiation within the tire-wheel unit. We use computerized wheel balancers because they can most accurately identify any weight distribution problem a vehicle may have. Because no tire or wheel is perfect, many manufacturers intentionally design their tire-wheel units to complement each other. Essentially, this means the lightest part of the tire coincides with the heaviest part of the wheel to compensate for discrepancies in the weight distribution. With time, the tire-wheel alignment slightly shifts and causes the weight distribution of the entire unit to become imbalanced. Because these imbalances can be slight, computerized car wheel balancing allows for more precise measurement and observation.

Why Should You Have Computerized Wheel Balancing Services Performed at VIP Tire?

If your tires make screeching noises or you feel your vehicle leans in a particular direction, it’s time to have your wheels balanced at VIP Tire. If you type “wheel balancing near me” in any search engine, several Chicago, IL, area automotive repair shops will come up. Why choose VIP Tire? The reason is simple. The experts at VIP Tire use top-of-the-line equipment and take pride in doing their best work every time. With the help of our sophisticated computerized wheel balancing system, we can provide unmatched wheel balancing services.

We serve customers throughout Mokena, Chicago, Orland Park, Midway, Tinley Park, Brighton Park, Archer Heights, and more.