When you think about your tires and them being balanced, consider the explanation that it's a tune-up for them and the wheels they depend on. This tune-up is designed to ensure that the weight is evenly spread out among the wheels and the tires. Not having your tires and wheels balanced on a regular basis can result in undesirable side effects including the following:
Uneven Tread Wear
If the weight of the car is not being evenly distributed over each of the tires and the wheels, it could result in uneven tread wear. These patches of uneven wear mean that the entire tire wears more quickly. You likely won't be able to get the maximum amount of miles out of the tires.
Poor Fuel Economy
Because the tires are not making contact with the road evenly and they aren't able to work in conjunction with one another, your vehicle's fuel economy suffers. Having your tires and wheels balanced helps to redistribute the car's weight, leading to better and more efficient use of its fuel.
Vibrations
Uneven weight distribution means that your car is not riding smoothly on its wheels. This leads to wobble or hop with vibrations that can be felt in the steering wheel, seat or floorboard. A front tire that is unbalanced results in vibrations felt in the steering wheel. Rear tires that are not properly balanced typically result in a vibration in the floor or seat. You might also notice that these vibrations become worse as you speed up. Not only are these vibrations bothersome and make the ride in your car less comfortable, they can also make it difficult for you to control and stop your car.
Unbalanced Wheels
There are several different ways that tires can become unbalanced. Just normal driving on a daily basis can cause the tires to become unbalanced over time. Environmental factors, such as driving over rough terrain on a regular basis, can also contribute to a balance problem. Minor manufacturing imperfections can make a tire unbalanced. This is why it's recommended that you have your tires rebalanced when you get new tires. Tires and wheels also are exact in their weight dimensions. This can lead to them being unbalanced.
Ace Auto Parts has the equipment and expertise to tell you if your car is out of balance. We also have the equipment needed to balance them and address any issues. Call us at 651-717-4299 or stop by today on Rice Street in St. Paul, MN!