Tires are balanced; wheels are aligned.
Some drivers are confused when purchasing new tires, or when attempting to address a vibration issue at certain speeds, and they believe balancing and alignment are the same service.
But, since you are reading From The Tires Up, you will soon understand the need and purpose of each.
When new tires are purchased and installed, a tire installer, utilizing a computerized wheel balancer, places select weights onto the wheels to keep the wheels from vibrating while driving.
Tire manufacturers are aware there is a “lighter spot” on the tires, so they place a colored dot on that spot. The installer should place the dot next to the valve stem, so the heavier side of the tire is opposite of the valve stem, requiring less weight to achieve a smooth ride. An improperly mounted tire will use more weights and may not roll as smoothly.
When purchasing new tires, try this approach: “I read in From The Tires Up that there is a colored dot on the tire. Do you make sure the dot is lined up with the valve stem?” Those dots are there for a reason, and a good tire installer will know why.
In my experience, many tire installers do not take the extra seconds it requires to line up the light spot on the tire, and seeing all the extra weights it required to balance means the tire was never properly balanced. Skipping this step is never recommended. As you drive down the road, there should be little or no vibration from the wheels on smooth pavement. An improperly balanced tire will vibrate (through the steering wheel) from 35 to 45 miles per hour, and/or between 65 and 75 miles per hour. If this occurs with new tires, return to have them re-balanced.
Older tires should also roll smoothly. If you feel a vibration from the steering wheel at the same MPH, a wheel balance and tire rotation may solve that concern. Some higher-performance vehicles are equipped with different-sized front and rear tires— called a staggered fitment— and cannot be rotated. Once the tires are rolling smoothly, periodic rotations and balancing will optimize their mileage. Any uneven tire wear could be the results of alignment concerns, which we will address in an upcoming column.
Next time: From The Tires Up will balance out your automotive IQ about alignments.
Questions? Comments? Email me at mark.fttu@yahoo.com .
McCormick has invested his skills in the automotive-repair industry for over 30 years, beginning as a full-service gas attendant and soon after learning how to service tires, brake and suspensions. He has worked for the past 20 years as a service manager.
