Shaking Steering Wheels Point to Unbalanced Tires

Wheel Balancing in Plainwell

You're driving on the highway near Plainwell and feel a vibration in the steering wheel or seat that gets worse as your speed increases. The shaking smooths out when you slow down, then returns when you accelerate again. Lynch Tire and Service balances wheels to reduce vibration, prevent uneven tire wear, and improve ride comfort at city and highway speeds.

Wheel balancing corrects weight imbalances in the tire and wheel assembly. A balancing machine spins each wheel to identify heavy spots, then small weights are attached to the rim to distribute mass evenly. This service is especially helpful for vehicles driven long distances between towns in the Plainwell area, where unbalanced wheels cause noticeable shaking on open roads.

If your steering wheel shakes or your ride feels rough at higher speeds around Plainwell, contact Lynch Tire and Service to have your wheels balanced.

How Balancing Corrects Vibration and Protects Your Tires

When you bring your vehicle to the shop in Plainwell, each wheel is removed and mounted on a balancing machine. The machine spins the wheel and measures where weight is unevenly distributed. Small metal weights are clipped or adhered to the rim to counterbalance heavy spots. Each wheel is tested until it spins smoothly without wobbling.

After balancing, the vibration disappears. Your steering wheel stops shaking, and the ride feels smooth and stable at highway speeds. Tires wear more evenly because they're no longer bouncing or hopping against the road surface. Suspension and steering components also experience less stress.

Wheel balancing is commonly performed with new tire installation or rotation, but it's also needed when you hit a pothole, curb, or large bump that knocks a weight loose. The service does not fix bent rims, out-of-round tires, or alignment problems, but it does address the most common cause of vibration at speed.

The Shaking Is Annoying Until You Realize It's Damaging

Drivers around Plainwell often have similar questions about wheel balancing before they schedule the service.

What causes wheels to become unbalanced?
Hitting potholes or curbs can knock balance weights off the rim. Tires also wear unevenly over time, which shifts weight distribution and creates imbalance.
How do I know if my wheels need balancing?
You'll feel vibration in the steering wheel, floorboard, or seat at speeds above 50 mph. The vibration usually gets worse as speed increases and smooths out when you slow down.
Why does wheel balancing improve tire lifespan?
Unbalanced wheels cause tires to bounce against the road, which creates flat spots and accelerates tread wear. Balanced wheels keep tires in full contact with the pavement, so they wear evenly and last longer.
What's the difference between balancing and alignment?
Balancing corrects weight distribution in the wheel and tire assembly. Alignment adjusts the angle of the wheels relative to the road and vehicle frame. Both affect ride quality, but they fix different problems.
When should I have my wheels balanced in Plainwell?
You should schedule balancing when you install new tires, rotate tires, or notice vibration at highway speeds. It's also a good idea to check balance if you've hit a large pothole or curb recently.

Vibration doesn't stop on its own, and unbalanced wheels wear out tires faster than they should. If you're driving around Plainwell and feel shaking in your steering wheel or seat, call Lynch Tire and Service at (269) 501-0920.