Balancing Time, Money and Wheels!

Balancing wheels is one of the most over-looked aspects of changing a tyre. Despite looking round, all tyres have heavy spots due to the manufacturing process where the rubber needs to stick back on itself. When we install a tyre or fixed a puncture repair, a tyre must be re-balanced to ensure the weight is the same all round ensure little to no vibration whilst the customer is driving!

Sadly, as our roads start to degrade with each batch of snow and cold-snap, potholes are becoming increasing apparent. In addition to possible tyre and alloy damage, throwing weights off the wheel is also a ‘feature’ found when hitting a hole. More often found on steel wheels for their clip-on weights, it can happen to any car regardless of it being a clip on or stick-on weight.

There are two main types of balancing, Dynamic and Static. See below for more details!

Static Balancing;

Often associated as being the ‘out-dated’ method to balancing wheels, this balancing method only measures the one side of the wheel. If you installed the wheel onto the balancer, clamped it down and gave it a spin, it might not register the whopping great dent in the one side of the wheel. To counter this, Dynamic balancing machines were created.

Dynamic Balancing;

Dynamic balancing measures both sides of the wheel and then provides areas in which the weights need to be fitted.

In addition to ‘static’ and ‘dynamic’ balancing, we also offer centreless wheel balancing. Centreless wheels are commonly found on older Citroen and Peugeot models. There is sadly no performance benefit to having centreless wheels, it is just these two French companies decided to experiment! Most mobile tyre services don’t offer this. However, we do!

Every Hometyre van contains a balancing machine converted to 12v to ensure no transmission of error whilst balancing your wheels and tyres.

If you’re encountering shaking at high speed, tyres wearing on the inside edges or have a puncture, why not call us to book an appointment on 0333 444 5454 or send an enquiry to info@hometyre.co.uk!