What you get
- Wheel balancer carried on the van, not booked in
- Each wheel spun and weighted to spec
- Done at your home, workplace or the roadside
- Included as standard with every tyre we fit
- Pressures checked and reset at the same time
- Usually a few minutes per wheel
Balancing is not alignment, and the symptoms differ
They get confused constantly, so here is the short version. Balance is about weight distribution around the wheel: the symptom is a vibration that comes in at a particular speed band and eases off above or below it, felt through the steering wheel or the seat. Alignment is about the angles the wheels point at: the symptom is the car pulling to one side, or tyres wearing unevenly across their width.
We do balancing. We do not do alignment, and we will tell you plainly if what you are describing sounds like alignment rather than sell you a balance that will not fix it.
When a wheel goes out of balance
Most often after a new tyre is fitted, which is why balancing is part of every fitting we do rather than an upsell. Also after a pothole, after a weight is thrown off, or as mud and snow build up unevenly in winter.
Left alone it is not just uncomfortable. An unbalanced wheel scallops the tread, wears the shock absorbers and the wheel bearing, and shortens the life of a tyre you have just paid for.
How it works
Describe the wobble
A vibration that arrives around 50 to 70mph and fades again is balance. A constant pull to one side is alignment, which is a different job we do not do.
Each wheel spun on the van
The balancer comes to you. Every wheel is measured and weighted to spec rather than eyeballed.
Pressures reset too
Balance and pressure both affect how a car rides. We set them to the plate before we leave, at no extra charge.
Wheel Balancing Near Me: frequently asked
Usually yes. A vibration that arrives in a speed band and eases off outside it is the classic balance symptom. A constant pull to one side is alignment instead, which is a different job.
Yes, as a standalone visit. The balancer is on the van either way.
Always, on every wheel we touch. It is part of doing the job properly rather than a line on the invoice.
No. Alignment needs fixed equipment we do not carry. If your symptoms point that way we will say so rather than take the booking.