Tire balancing in 3 questions

Of all the car maintenance tasks required to ensure safe driving, tire balancing is misunderstood by many drivers.

Do you know how it works? Test your knowledge by answering these three questions.

1.    What phenomenon explains the need to balance a car’s tires?

      a)     Seasonal changes alter tire pressure

      b)     New tires are always slightly heavier on one side than the other

      c)     The loads supported by a vehicle cause uneven weight distribution

2.    Which of the following is NOT a sign of tire imbalance?

      a)     You feel vibration while holding the steering wheel

      b)     The tires show uneven wear

      c)     The steering wheel feels off-centre

3.    How do mechanics typically correct a tire imbalance?

      a)     They place weights inside the rim at specific locations identified by a machine with sensors

      b)     They use a special inflation technique to correct imbalances using air pressure

      c)     They rotate the tires to ensure the weight is better distributed on the wheels

Answers

1.    b) Despite precise manufacturing techniques, tires still have a slight imbalance. A mechanic will then have to balance them to ensure they rotate evenly. This helps the vehicle maintain firm traction on the road, and the steering wheel responds properly.

2.    c) Unbalanced tires tend to wear unevenly, cause vibrations, and sometimes even pull to one side. A steering wheel that feels off-centre, however, indicates poor wheel alignment, an issue that also requires professional attention.

3.    a) A balancing machine spins the wheel and identifies irregularities, indicating to the mechanic where to attach small weights to restore the tire’s balance. Some machines can also automate this process.

Based on this quiz, do you think your tires are properly balanced? To find out for sure, make an appointment at your local M 360 Mechanic repair shop.