Wheel balance and rotation – feel the difference!

Wheel balancing and rotation are essential maintenance practices for modern Australian vehicles. Here’s why they are important:

1. Smooth Ride: Properly balanced wheels ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. When a wheel is out of balance, it can cause vibrations that are felt in the steering wheel or throughout the vehicle. Balancing the wheels minimizes these vibrations, improving overall ride quality.
2. Tyre Wear: Balancing wheels helps prevent uneven Tyre wear. When a wheel is imbalanced, certain areas of the Tyre experience excessive pressure and wear faster than others. By balancing the wheels, the weight distribution is optimized, allowing the Tyres to wear evenly and last longer.
3. Handling and Safety: Balanced wheels contribute to better handling and stability on the road. Imbalanced wheels can affect the vehicle’s ability to maintain proper traction and control, particularly at high speeds or during sudden manoeuvres. By ensuring the wheels are balanced, you enhance the vehicle’s overall safety.
4. Fuel Efficiency: When wheels are properly balanced, it reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel efficiency. Imbalanced wheels can cause unnecessary drag, forcing the engine to work harder to maintain speed. By balancing the wheels, you can maximize fuel economy and save on fuel costs.
5. Suspension and Component Longevity: Uneven Tyre wear caused by imbalanced wheels can put additional stress on suspension components such as shocks, struts, and bearings. By balancing the wheels, you help reduce unnecessary wear and tear on these parts, potentially extending their lifespan and saving you from costly repairs.

Wheel rotation is also important and complements wheel balancing. Here’s why:

1. Even Tyre Wear: Tyres on different positions of the vehicle experience varying levels of wear. By rotating the Tyres at regular intervals, you ensure that the wear is distributed evenly among all Tyres. This helps maximize the lifespan of your Tyres and improves overall performance.
2. Handling and Traction: As Tyres wear down, their grip and performance may degrade. By rotating the Tyres, you maintain consistent traction and handling characteristics across all four wheels, promoting safer driving conditions.
3. Stability: Regular Tyre rotation helps maintain balanced handling and stability, as Tyres tend to wear differently based on their position. By rotating the Tyres, you prevent any significant differences in Tyre wear that could affect the vehicle’s stability and performance.

It’s recommended to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a trusted Autobahn professional technician to determine the specific wheel balancing and rotation intervals suitable for your vehicle, as they may vary depending on the make, model, and driving conditions.