Tire balance is often confused with alignment, but they’re different—and both are important for tire health. Unbalanced tires cause vibrations, uneven tread wear, and extra stress on the tire and suspension. Over time, this leads to premature tire replacement.

Tires become unbalanced when the weight isn’t evenly distributed around the tire and wheel. This can happen after hitting a pothole, getting a flat tire fixed, or even normal wear. Signs of unbalanced tires include vibrations in the steering wheel (especially at speeds above 50 mph) or uneven tread wear (like “cupping”—worn spots that look like cups).

To check balance, you can do a simple visual test: lift the vehicle so the tire is off the ground, then spin the tire. If it wobbles or stops spinning unevenly, it’s unbalanced. But for an accurate check, take your vehicle to a professional. Technicians use computerized balancers to detect weight imbalances and add small weights to the wheel to correct them.

How often should you balance tires? It’s recommended every 5,000–7,500 miles, or whenever you notice vibrations. You should also balance tires after getting a new tire, fixing a puncture, or hitting a large pothole.

Balanced tires ride smoother, wear evenly, and last longer—saving you money in the long run.

Blog 18: Protec

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