When it comes to maintaining your car’s tires, you’re likely familiar with the importance of rotation and alignment. However, the wheels also need to be balanced so they provide a smooth ride and avoid carrying too much weight. Below are three signs you need to head to a mechanic to balance the wheels.

How to Tell Your Wheels Aren’t Balanced Correctly

1. Tire Weights Fall Off

Each wheel has weights that keep it balanced. These are only a few ounces each, and a mechanic will use a machine to determine if they should be moved around, added, or take off during tire balancing. If your tires weren’t assembled correctly, a weight may fall off. This issue means one or more of your tires are no longer balanced, which can lead to suspension wear.

2. Vibrations

Since the goal of tire balancing is to ensure the weight of a vehicle is evenly distributed, your tires should move forward smoothly. However, when they’re out of balance, you’ll feel vibrations. If these seem to be coming from your steering wheel, the front wheels probably need to be balanced. If the vibrations are coming from your seat or the floor, the rear ones need work. 

3. Uneven Tire Wear

Since unbalanced wheels will vibrate or wobble up and down, there are parts of the tires that will come into contact with the road more frequently than others. As a result, you’ll notice uneven tire wear. With balancing, each wheel will receive the same amount of weight, which will stop the wobbling. Your tires will last longer, and you’ll save money by not having to replace them sooner than expected. To prevent uneven wear, schedule balancing every two years and each time your tires are rotated, which is usually every 5,000 miles.

Are your tires showing signs of improper balancing? Mullanphy Tire & Automotive has been providing a wide range of auto repair services to drivers in Florissant, MO, for over 28 years. They’re known for their honesty and integrity. Whether you need an oil change, brake service, or an engine repair, they’ll work efficiently so you get your car back in a timely manner. Give them a call at (314) 921-4961 or visit their website to view their list of services.