Often confused with wheel alignment, a properly balanced wheel is a beautiful, perfectly tuned wheel-tire combination. This is accomplished by placing measured lead weights on the opposite side of the “heavy spot”—the noticeable tread wear on your unbalanced tire.

How do I know if I need my wheels balanced?

Is your vehicle vibrating at certain speeds, say, between 50 and 70 mph? If so, chances are your wheel is out of balance. One section of your tire is heavier than the other because it’s endured more exposure to the friction and heat of the road. Come in for prompt, professional service—most people are very satisfied with the difference such a simple and inexpensive procedure makes. Look for these signs, and if you find either one, come see us:

• Scalloped, erratic wear pattern on tires.
• Vibration in steering wheel, seat, or floorboard at certain speeds.

Today's cars and light trucks are designed to ride smoothly and handle safely. Unchecked, excessive wheel vibration can result in:

• Excessive tire wear
• Damage to suspension and steering parts
• Unsafe steering and handling
• Unsafe driving conditions

Tires Inc. can balance your tires using the Hunter GSP 9700 Vibration Control System. This GSP 9700 uses a "road roller" to perform a computer simulated road test, isolating and measuring the exact cause of wheel-related vibration.

Champion Tire & Wheel, Inc. utilizes the Hunter GSP9700 Road Force Measurement® System exclusively to measure and evaluate virtually every racing wheel used in NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series races. After the information is gathered using a GSP9700, it is saved to bar code labels, which are attached to each wheel identifying its specific measurements. Champion then delivers the wheels to the teams on race day, where they are match-mounted with Goodyear racing tires using the wheel data provided by Champion and the tires’ force variation data provided by Goodyear.

What's the difference between Wheel Balance and Force Variation?
An unbalanced wheel causes vibration when spinning because of a heavy spot in the wheel. Force Variation causes vibration because of uneven stiffness in the tire sidewall or tread, or because the wheel is out of round when rolling. Balance and force variation can affect one another. Balance is measured by spinning the tire. Force Variation is measured by by placing it under load to simulate actual road force. This can only be done using a computer simulated road test. Bring your vehicle into Tires Inc. to have this tire service performed.

How often should I have my wheels checked for excessive vibration?
Follow your vehicle manufacturers recommendation noted in your owner's manual. But, whenever you notice excessive vibration you should bring your car into Tires Inc. Gradual worsening of wheel vibration can be difficult to notice, so as a general rule have your tires checked every 10,000 miles, or at least once a year.

We also have a brand new HUNTER GSP9200 Wheel balancer.