Wheel Balancing Service Video

Wheel balancing corrects the tiny weight differences around a tire and wheel assembly so it spins true at highway speed instead of shaking the steering column or seat. This video shows how an unbalanced wheel appears on a balancing machine and where small lead or steel weights are placed on the rim. It also explains why even a quarter-ounce imbalance can cause vibrations when the tire spins at 800 revolutions per minute. Most drivers notice it first between 55 and 70 mph, right after new tires or a rotation.

We spin the tire and wheel assembly on a computerized balancer to measure imbalances along the inner and outer edges of the rim. The machine then shows the technician where to place counterweights and how much weight each location needs. Static imbalance causes an up-and-down bounce, while dynamic imbalance creates a side-to-side wobble. The balancing machine identifies both types of imbalance so they can be corrected during the same service.

Depending on the wheel design, weights are either clipped to the rim edge on steel wheels or stuck to the inner barrel on alloys. A shaking steering wheel at highway speeds is a common sign of unbalanced tires. If you feel the vibration through your seat rather than the steering wheel, the imbalance may be coming from the rear tires instead of the front.

Tire imbalance often becomes noticeable while driving on I-55 near Cape Girardeau. At sustained speeds of 65 to 70 mph, even a small weight difference can cause noticeable vibrations and accelerate uneven tread wear. If the shake persists after balancing, the next step is usually a wheel alignment to check whether the tires are also wearing at an angle.

At Parks Automotive, we balance all four wheels after a tire rotation or new tire installation. Checking all four wheels helps us address vibrations that balancing just one wheel might not resolve. Our technician inspects each tire for cupping, scalloped edges, and bent rims before placing it on the balancer. A damaged wheel may continue to cause vibrations even after balancing weights are added.

Wheel balancing sits within our broader suspension, steering, and wheel services, which also cover the alignment, shock, and steering work that often accompanies a vibration complaint. 

Cupped tire tread or a wheel that repeatedly loses its balance may indicate a worn suspension component. We inspect the underlying cause and show you what we find rather than repeatedly balancing the same wheel without fixing the problem.

Call Parks Automotive at (573) 335-2599 to schedule wheel balancing, or find your trusted mechanic in Cape Girardeau, MO, online. Drivers from Jackson and Scott City have us handle balancing as part of their regular tire rotation.