Wheel Weights For Balancing Tires
While wheel weights may seem like an inconspicuous component in your vehicle, they play a vital role in maintaining a smooth and balanced ride. Now let’s take a deeper look at the world of wheel weights.
Why are wheel weights necessary?
Due to manufacturing variations, uneven tire wear, or the addition of aftermarket parts, tire-wheel assemblies can become unbalanced. Need more information on why balanced tires are so important? We’ve got you covered. Tap or click here for an explanation of balancing and alignment.
When wheels are unbalanced, vibrations can occur, which can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, impaired handling, and an uncomfortable ride.
Wheel weights have the following primary purposes:
Balance: By strategically adding or removing weight, wheel weights enable the tire-wheel assembly to rotate evenly. This balance minimizes vibrations, improves ride quality, and enhances vehicle performance.
Stability: A balanced wheel improves stability and traction, especially at high speeds. This ensures optimal handling and maneuverability, reduces the risk of accidents, and improves overall safety.
Characteristics of Wheel Weights
Wheel weights are typically small, rectangular, or curved pieces of metal. They are usually coated with corrosion-resistant materials such as zinc or lead-free plastic to withstand environmental factors.
They are attached to the inner or outer surface of the wheel rim. Their placement is carefully designed to offset imbalances caused by irregularities in tire or wheel assembly.
Importance of Wheel Weights
Regardless of the type of vehicle, whether it is a basic SUV or a high-performance sports car, it is important to balance the wheels to achieve optimal performance. Tire balancing can only be achieved through the use of weights.
The tires on your car are in constant contact with the road, so it is crucial to properly balance the rims and tires. Adding weights ensures balanced rotation and enhances braking and maneuverability, especially on rough terrain.
Vehicles equipped with wheel weights can also provide better road control. This is especially important when driving on slippery roads, as the presence of weights makes it easier to maintain control of the car.
Regardless of brand, most wheels are slightly unbalanced due to factors such as angular velocity, wheel mass, and distance from the axle. Adding weights to the wheel can help counteract this imbalance.
Whenever new wheels are installed, your auto repair shop will perform what is called a balance and alignment. If you feel vibrations in your vehicle immediately after installing new tires, the technician may not have adequately balanced the wheel. In this case, it is recommended that you return to the installer and have them check the weights on the wheel.
Where to Buy Wheel Weights
Wheel weights can be purchased from many places, including tire retailers. Local tire shops or retailers usually stock a variety of wheel weights suitable for different wheel types. They also have experts who can help you choose the right weight for your vehicle.
Another place to look is online retailers. Many online merchants offer wheel weights, allowing you to browse a comprehensive selection and compare prices. Websites that specialize in auto parts and accessories and e-commerce platforms can be reliable sources for purchases.
But this begs the question: should you install wheel weights yourself, or leave it to the professionals?
Should you install wheel weights yourself?
Unless you are a trained mechanic and have the correct equipment to check wheel and tire alignment, the answer is no, you should not install wheel weights yourself. There are many things you can learn about vehicle care and maintenance, but wheel weights are not on that list.
While it may be tempting to try to install wheel weights yourself, it is recommended to leave this task to the professionals. Proper wheel balancing requires specialized equipment, such as a dynamic balancing machine, to achieve accurate results.
In addition, professionals have the knowledge and experience to identify potential problems and ensure that weights are properly placed.
Improper installation or improper distribution of weights can lead to imbalance, which can cause further problems and can compromise safety. Therefore, we recommend consulting a trusted tire shop or automotive service center for professional wheel balancing and weight installation.
When you purchase tires and aftermarket wheels from a tire dealer, we can recommend a tire shop near you for installation.