5 Unbalanced Tires Symptoms: How To Tell Which Tire Is Out Of Balance

Last updated on June 6th, 2020 at 07:19 am

Wheel balancing remains a very important car maintenance service that cannot be overlooked. If you are having an unbalanced tires symptoms read this post. In this article, we will be discussing symptoms of an unbalanced tire, the sound of unbalanced tires, front and rear tire out of balance symptoms, and how to tell which tire is out of balance, we will rap it up with how much it costs to balance your tires, and How To Fix Unbalanced Tires. So if your car tire is wobbling or unstable then this is the article for you to read.

Unbalanced Tires Symptoms: Front And Rear Tire Out Of Balance Symptoms

Usually, both unbalanced front tires and unbalanced rear tires have similar symptoms and therefore a bit difficult to distinguish between both. However, the basic difference between the two unbalanced situations is that the effect of an unbalanced front tire is usually felt through vibration in the steering wheel, while the symptom of an unbalanced rear tire is mostly noticed in the vibrations of the back seats and/or floor. Below are the general symptoms of unbalanced tires.

These Are 5 Indications on how to tell which tire is out of balance

1. Unusual Vibrations

Definitely, the most observable symptom of unbalanced tires is unusual vibration from your steering wheel. When you begin to experience an unusual vibrating effect coming from your steering wheel as you drive, then you should know you most likely have an unbalanced tire situation on your hands. Usually, these vibrating effect begins with your steering wheel, but then if the unbalanced situation of your tires is getting worse as you increase speed, then you would begin to feel the vibration increasing towards the whole of your front cabinet, and then to your front seats (for unbalanced front tires) and eventually, to your back seats (for unbalanced rear tires).

2. Difficulty in Steering Properly

Another unbalanced tire symptom is when you are struggling to maintain a firm control over your steering wheel. Since unbalanced tires reduce the smoothness in turning a car, you won’t be able to effectively steer your vehicle in comfort and convenience. By implication, this situation would increase the response time of your vehicle’s steering wheel thereby, increasing the chances of road accident. This is why you need to quickly manage and fix an unbalanced tire symptom the moment you notice it.

3. Unequal Wearing of Tires

It is normal for tires to wear out over a specific duration of time. However, if you check your car tires for uneven wearing and you actually notice it, then it is a sign that you have an unbalanced tire situation. In addition, if you observe that some of your tire threads are getting worn off so quickly than the others, then it a symptom that your car tires are already out of balance. When you notice this, it becomes necessary for you to quickly visit an auto maintenance shop for the balancing of your tires. If you can balance out your tires, then it’s also good if you do it yourself too.

4. Consumption of More Fuel

Do you know that unbalanced tires also consume extra fuel than you ought to use? This is because unbalanced tires tend to add more pressure upon the engine and the effect of this is that the engine would begin to consume more fuel in order to perform up to par. Unbalanced tires create a sort of resistance, while driving. This affects the performance of the engine, and consequently makes it to consume extra fuel for its average performance.

5. Problems With Bearing and Bad Shocks

Unbalanced tires make a car work under stress and this in effect, causes sudden shocks that usually reduce the mileage of the car. The bearing issue and shocks signify that you have an unbalanced tire(s) at hand.

Tire Out Of Balance Sound

Usually, when a tire is out of balance, it makes certain unusual and disturbing noises. The sound is usually a kind of humming or buzzing sound. In general, a tire out of balance sound is simply unusual, weird, and disturbing while you drive.

Tire Balancing And Alignment: Car Tire Balancing Cost

The cost for a tire balancing varies, based on factors such as geographical location, the kind of auto repair shop, and more importantly, the model of car. In the United States, a tire balancing goes for an average cost of $40 for all four tires. In the United Kingdom, the cost for tire balancing is about £5 to £10, while in Canada, the cost for tire balancing service goes for $10 to $12 per tire. In all, the cost varies from place to place and from car to car.

Do Tires Need To Be Balanced When Rotated

This is a frequently asked question and the response to it is straightforward. No, you do not necessarily need to balance your tires when rotating them. However, it is a nice idea but then if you do not experience any of the symptoms described above, you can let go of the idea of balancing your tires as it would be unnecessary extra costs.

How To Fix Unbalanced Tires symptoms

One of the best ways to fix an unbalanced tire is by simply taking it to a professional auto maintenance shop. However, if you are the DIY kind of person, then here are the steps you need to follow in order to fix your unbalanced tires:

You would need a balancer and wheel weights to make things easier for you, as well as a jack and wrench to remove the car tires.
Remove all weights on the tires and clean any dirt that may have accumulated in the wheels and tires.
Thereafter, put the assembly onto your balancer and then follow the instructions on the manual.
Make a mark of all the points where the balancer indicates that you need to add weights to.
Add the weights and then recheck the tire balance
Depending on the kind of balancer you have, continue to adjust the weights until the tire is moving perfectly as it ought to.
Fix the tire back and tighten the nuts
Repeat this process for all your tires until they have all been well balanced.

Concluding On How To Tell Which Tire Is Out Of Balance

Now that you know the basic things about tire balancing, do not hesitate to fix your unbalanced tires either at an auto repair shop or by doing it yourself.