Wheel Balance
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Tire Balancing
If you are experiencing a high speed vibration or some shaking in your steering wheel your tires may be out of
balance. Having your tires balance checked at least every two years is recommended.
We use the best balancer in the industry, that takes every tire for a test drive (so to speak)
before it ever goes on your car. This balancer is capable of
finding imperfections in tires and or rims.
 Often confused with wheel alignment, a properly balanced wheel is a
beautiful, perfectly tuned wheel-tire combination. This is
accomplished by placing measured lead weights on the opposite side
of the "heavy spot"—the noticeable tread wear on your unbalanced
tire.
Every time a wheel is first mounted onto the rim
with a new tire, it has to be balanced. The goal is to make sure the
weight is even around the wheel. |
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Often confused with wheel alignment, a properly balanced
wheel is a beautiful, perfectly tuned wheel-tire combination. This is
accomplished by placing measured lead weights on the opposite side of the
"heavy spot"—the noticeable tread wear on your unbalanced tire.
Request A Tire Quote
Click here to request
a quote on tires online
Jimyz Automotive
(330) 626-1198
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Wheel balance is checked on a wheel balancing machine that can sense
as little as 1/4 ounce difference in weight around the wheel. Why
worry about 1/4 ounce on a wheel that weighs many pounds? That tiny
amount of weight is traveling very fast around the axle: hundreds of
times a minute. It creates enough momentum to cause serious
vibration. And when you multiply by 4 wheels, the wobble really adds
up. Unbalanced tires put uneven pressure on the treads. Tires get
too hot and wear unevenly. Tire imbalance can also strain the wheel
bearings and suspension system.
To
balance the tires, our technicians places tiny offsetting weights at
specific points around the wheel.
Not "once and done"
The minute you pull away from the service station with your newly
balanced tires, they begin getting out of balance again. Every bump
and corner affects balance; so does tire wear. Over time, your tires
get out of balance again. That's why it's important to have tires
balanced regularly.
 What are the warning signs that my tires aren't balanced?
You're most likely to notice uneven wear on the tires. Many drivers also notice vibration over 40 mph, especially if
the imbalanced tires are on the front.
How often should my tires be balanced?
During typical use, it's a good idea to have your tires rotated and balanced every 4,000 to 6,000 miles. Have them
balanced any time a tire is replaced or patched.
How do I know if I need my wheels
balanced?
Is your vehicle vibrating at certain speeds, say, between 50 and 70 mph? If so, chances are your wheel is out
of balance.
 One
section of your tire is heavier than the other because it's endured more exposure to the friction and heat of the road. Most
people are very satisfied with the difference such a simple and inexpensive procedure makes.
Look for these signs, and if you find
either one, come see us:
● Scalloped, erratic wear pattern on tires.
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Vibration in steering
wheel, seat, or floorboard at certain speeds.
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TPMS - Tire Pressure Monitoring System
As part of the effort to increase awareness of the need to maintain proper
tire pressure, the U.S. government has taken steps to make it easier for drivers to
be aware of potentially unsafe low pressure in their tires. As of the 2008 model year, the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) now requires that all passenger cars and light trucks feature the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). In conjunction with the new requirements, the Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers (AAM) has initiated a consumer safety campaign focusing on the importance of maintaining proper
tire pressure.
We service Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
TPMS is an automated system that monitors the air pressure in a vehicle's tires.
 When
air pressure in one or more tires drops 25 percent or more below the correct pressure, a warning indicator
alerts the driver. TPMS typically delivers these alerts to the driver through one of two types of warning
lights on the dashboard.
1. The first uses the official TPMS symbol, which is a cross-section of a tire with an exclamation mark in
the center.
2. The second is a top-view graphic image of a car that indicates which tires are low.
Tire pressure is monitored through one of two methods: direct or indirect. Direct TPMS monitors the
actual air pressure inside each tire via a sensor mounted within the tire. Indirect TPMS measures tire
pressure by monitoring the speed and rotation of each individual wheel. When a significant variation in speed
and rotation is detected in one or more wheels when compared with the others, it is often an indication of
underinflation. This information is then transmitted to the vehicle's on-board computer, and the driver is
alerted.
However, while TPMS systems offer increased safety to drivers through low pressure warnings,
they are not meant to be a substitute for proper tire pressure maintenance.
We service Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Sources: NHTSA, AAM, Intelligent Tire Conference
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