It is very important that tyres are balanced correctly.
If wheels are not balanced it can cause vibration and make the vehicle uncomfortable to drive.
This can also cause wear in the suspension, meaning more expensive visits to the garage.
The first signs of incorrect balance is the steering wobbles on the car when driving at speed.
The best way to do this correctly is to use a wheel balancer machine.
The machine rotates the tyre and wheel assembly and automatically calculates the weight and location of the balance counter weight.
There are many types of machine out there suited for different purposes.
Smaller machines are suitable for smaller cars and motorcycles.
These are controlled by hand spin and are suitable for bike shops for a low cost solution.
There are slightly more advanced machines that rotate automatically at hand speed, so there is no need for a guard and is more compact for those with little space.
The more expensive and advanced machines are all automated.
Pre-programmed weights can be selected so the wheel is automatically balanced perfectly.
These are more suited to tyre shops.
These wheel balancers can be even more advanced with colour VDU displays and printers to show results.
Some of these have a weight placement arm for better control and testing.
Of course there are even bigger machines that are for heavy goods vehicles.
Only specialised tyre fitters usually have these for commercial vehicles.
They have pneumatic lifts for raising the shaft height, so it is not only easier but safer.