Wheel Balance & Tyre Rotation

Wheel balancing, rotating the tyres. Perhaps you’ve heard of these terms before but are unsure of what exactly they mean and how to tell if your car needs one. Rest assured you’re not alone. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know to keep your tyres in prime condition. ​​

What Do They Mean?

A wheel balance (also known as ‘Tyre balance’) is a common process done when servicing a vehicle that balances the weight of your tyres/wheels and their assembly. When all tyres are correctly balanced your vehicle will drive evenly.

A tyre rotation is also a common process done when serving a vehicle that switches the position of the tyres to either the left or right and front or back side of the vehicle. Depending on where the wear is on the tyre will depend on which side you switch it to. If your vehicle is Front Wheel Drive you may also take into account that the front two tyres will absorb most of the impact of braking and steering. 

Why Do You Need It?

If a wheel balance is avoided for too long the tyres will show signs of uneven tyre wear, vibrations and quite possibly mechanical problems in the suspension and steering system.Balancing your tyres helps to improve not only their lifespan but also the overall smoothness of your drive.

If a tyre rotation is avoided for too long the tyre’s tread will wear out quicker and the general wear and tear of the tyres will increase at a faster rate. Rotating the tyres helps to stretch their life-span and save you from forking out your well earned money more regularly than you should.​

The Tell-tale signs

It’s time for Wheel Balance if:

- You can feel a strong and consistent vibration in your steering wheel.

- You can see fast and uneven wear of the tyre’s tread.

- You’re experiencing poorer than usual fuel economy.

- You’re experiencing an uneven driving experience.​

It’s time for a Tyre Rotation if:

- Your vehicle has driven roughly 10,000 Kms.

- The tread on one side of the tyre has worn away worse than the other side.

- One tyre is losing air pressure faster than others.

- You can feel a vibration in the vehicle when driving at high speeds.

We Can Help

BigBoxCars Service & Tyres can help with both of these common maintenance issues. We can advise you on the best tyre rotation schedule for your vehicle and ensure that your tyres are evenly balanced. Balancing your wheels should be carried out every time you rotate your tyres or put new tyres on so that unnecessary wear and tear is prevented. If you drive a Four Wheel Drive or take your vehicle off-road regularly, this process is particularly important to you. 

The next time you need to have your vehicle serviced, visit BigBoxCars Service & Tyres and put your mind at ease whilst our professional technicians take the time to ensure your tyres are well-cared for, and that you’ll be traveling smoothly and safely.