WHAT TYRE BALANCING IS AND WHY YOU SHOULDN’T IGNORE THE WARNING SIGNS
Imagine trying to sip coffee from a travel mug while your car feels like it’s auditioning for a role in Jurassic Park. That’s what unbalanced tyres sound and feel like! And, that coffee stain on your shirt is the least of your worries if you don’t get to a workshop pronto!
TEPA (Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association), a proud affiliate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), says ignoring your bumpy ride can add up to tens of thousands in replacement costs down the line.
Unbalanced tyres increase wear and tear on the tyres and other parts of the car. Apart from this, it’s simply not safe to drive with unbalanced tyres because this compromises control during critical driving movements. Why risk braking performance and handling, let alone the lives of your passengers?
In South Africa motorists face a tricky conundrum though – is your vehicle roadworthy? Well, sir, are your roads car-worthy?
Dylan Petzer, TEPA National and Regional Vice Chair Central, agrees our roads are a challenge for tyres, with dozens of hazards just waiting to upset the perfect balance of things.
“Potholes, speed humps and pesky curbs are notorious culprits for dislodging the small weights used to balance tyres. Also, frequent braking and acceleration in city driving create uneven pressure on the tyre tread, which can exacerbate existing imbalances.
“But no matter what your driving style – highway commuter, urban navigator or a spirited driver with a need for speed – regular tyre checks and balancing are non-negotiable. Proper tyre balancing restores harmony, allowing you to focus on enjoying the drive instead of wrestling with your car,” he says.
“Tyre balancing is like the unsung hero of your vehicle’s performance. It works quietly behind the scenes to ensure every drive feels smooth, stable and secure.”
How do I know whether my tyres are out of balance?
The first indication is vibration, typically felt through the steering wheel, floorboard or seat when driving at higher speeds (usually above 50 km/h). If you notice this shaking sensation intensifying as you accelerate, it’s likely due to imbalance. Other signs include uneven tyre wear, steering wheel side-to-side wobble and excessive noise, like humming or thumping sounds while driving.
Petzer explains that it’s all about weight distribution when it comes to tyre balancing.
“Tyre balancing focuses on ensuring that the weight of the wheel-tyre assembly is evenly distributed around its axis. This cuts out vibrations caused by uneven weight distribution. Sometimes a manufacturing fault can be the cause but wear and tear and external impacts, like our infamous potholes, also mess with tyre balancing.
“To fix the problem, the wheel-tyre assembly is mounted onto a balancing machine, which spins it at high speeds to detect heavy or light spots. Technicians then attach small weights, usually made of steel or zinc, to the rim to counteract these imbalances. These weights restore balance, ensuring smooth rotation and reducing strain on your vehicle.
‘When a balancing weight falls off or the rim gets bent, the tyre’s weight distribution becomes uneven. As the tyre rotates, heavier sections exert more force on the road, creating vibrations. These vibrations not only reduce comfort but also increase friction and heat, accelerating tyre wear.”
Taking care of your tyres also has benefits at the pump. Balanced tyres reduce rolling resistance – the force required to move the vehicle forward -which means the engine doesn’t need to work as hard. Lower rolling resistance translates to improved fuel consumption. Unbalanced tyres, on the other hand, create drag and instability, forcing the engine to burn more fuel just to maintain speed.
Tyre balancing isn’t something you need to do weekly, but it’s also not a “set it and forget it” kind of deal. As a general rule, tyres should be balanced every 8 000 to 12 000 kilos (or roughly every six to eight months, depending on your driving habits). However, there are exceptions:
· After installing new tyres: Always balance new tyres to ensure they’re ready for optimal performance.
· Following significant impacts: If you hit a pothole, curb or other road hazards, it’s wise to check the balance.
· When symptoms arise: If you notice vibrations or uneven wear, don’t wait, get them balanced ASAP.
“Think of tyre balancing like brushing your teeth – regular maintenance prevents bigger problems down the line. Skipping it might save time now, but eventually you’ll pay the price – in this case, with worn-out tyres or costly repairs,” says Petzer.
“It’s not normal for a steering wheel to do the shimmy or for your commute to the shop to feel like you’re riding a bucking bronco … something’s up! Your tyres need balancing!”