What Is Wheel Balancing?
Wheel balancing is the process of equalising the weight distribution of a tyre and wheel assembly so it rotates evenly at speed. Even new tyres are not perfectly uniform in weight, and even small imbalances become significant forces at motorway speeds. A wheel that is out of balance by as little as 7 grams can cause noticeable vibration at 70mph.
Balancing is achieved by attaching small calibrated weights to the rim of the wheel at specific points identified by a computerised balancing machine. This process takes only a few minutes per wheel but has a significant impact on comfort, handling, and tyre wear.
Signs Your Wheels Need Balancing
The most common symptom of unbalanced wheels is vibration through the steering wheel, seat, or floor at certain speeds — typically 50–70mph. You may also notice uneven or patchy tyre wear, with scalloping or cupping patterns on the tread. Increased fuel consumption and wearing of suspension components are also signs of wheels that have been unbalanced for a prolonged period.
Wheels go out of balance over time due to normal driving. Hitting a kerb, driving through a pothole, or a tyre repair can all disturb the balance. As a general rule, wheels should be re-balanced every 6,000–8,000 miles or whenever a new tyre is fitted.
Our Mobile Wheel Balancing Service
Slick Mobile Tyres includes free wheel balancing with every tyre fitted. Our vans carry portable dynamic balancing machines so every fitting is completed to the same standard as a fixed garage. If you're experiencing steering vibration and suspect unbalanced wheels, call us — we can come to your location and balance your wheels without the need for a garage visit.
- Free with every tyre we fit
- Computerised dynamic balancing to 1g accuracy
- Cures steering vibration and uneven wear
- Available as a standalone service at your location