You and your car have had plenty of fun adventures together, and you can look forward to tons more down the road. Proper maintenance is the key to keeping your vehicle in good working order, preparing you for more epic journeys in the future. As you get ready to explore more around Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, Illinois, you should pay attention to that which connects you to the pavement-your tires.
Our service team is here to help if you've ever found yourself asking: What is tire balance? Our team will help ensure your wheels are good to go with proper care and attention. The certified auto technicians at Watermark Ford of Marion are happy to help you get out on the road toward fun new adventures!Â
Defining Tire Balance
Tire balance is occasionally confused with wheel alignment (which is adjusting the angles of the wheels in relation to the ground). By contrast, tire balance involves correcting weight distribution among your wheels. The process is done by first testing the tire's performance in terms of weight on a specialized machine, spinning the tires in search of vibrations.
If the tire spins normally with minimal shaking, then it's in good working order. If there are vibrations during the test, then the technician will work to correct the issue. This is done by adjusting the weights within the tire, potentially adding more. If there's an overly heavy part of the tire and it lines up with a similarly out-of-balance spot on the wheel, then the imbalance will become more noticeable quickly.
How Tires Get Out of Balance
Like the reason behind many typical automotive maintenance services, natural wear and tear from regular driving and use will lead to a tire imbalance. Tires and wheels need to be heavier in some spots and lighter in others, so there's no one ideal weight distribution.
As you hit the road and head off to new destinations, your wheels and tires will go through some heavy-duty work. While they're rotating, speeding up, slowing down, and turning, your tires will go through some intense changes. Over all those miles, there's bound to be an eventual imbalance.
If you start to feel a vibration while you're driving, either in the steering wheel or your seat, it could be because of the tire imbalance. Schedule a visit to a local service center to have your wheels looked at.
When to Get My Tires Balanced
Routine checks will help catch any issue before it develops into a larger issue. Whenever you get your tires rotated (every 5,000 miles or so) is also a good opportunity for a balance check. If you end up getting a new tire due to a flat, you should get all your wheels re-balanced as well.
If you drive on rough roads, make tire balance an annual service, if not more often.Â
Get Your Tires Balanced Today
Assure your future smooth drives around Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, IL, with proper maintenance for your tires. Contact our service team at Watermark Ford of Marian and schedule your next service appointment today!
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Contact
Watermark Ford of Marion
1910 W. Coolidge Ave.
Marion, IL 62959
- Sales: (618) 993-2161
- Service: (618) 993-2161
- Parts: (618) 993-2161
Hours
- Monday 8am-6pm
- Tuesday 8am-6pm
- Wednesday 8am-6pm
- Thursday 8am-6pm
- Friday 8am-6pm
- Saturday 9am-5pm
- Sunday Closed