Wheel balancing is an important procedure that affects the safety and driving comfort of your car. It becomes especially relevant in the cold season, when snow and ice appear on the roads. In this article we will look at when and why it is necessary to balance winter tires size 225/60 R18.
When to do balancing?
- When changing tires. If you have just installed new winter tires, then balancing is a must. This will help prevent wheel vibrations and imbalances, which can affect handling and wheel wear.
- When vibrations occur. If vibrations appear in the steering wheel or inside the car while driving, this may be a sign of unbalanced wheels. In this case, balancing is necessary.
- When the tires are heavily worn. If your tires have uneven wear, especially on the inner or outer edges, this may also indicate a need for balancing.
Why is balancing important?
Balancing tires allows you to evenly distribute the weight of the wheel and avoid imbalance. This is important for maintaining traction, tire wear and driving comfort. Uneven tire wear can lead to reduced tire life and poor vehicle handling.
Important. You should not put off seasonal tire replacement until later, because this is a direct threat to road safety. For a competent selection, contact the Ascania Tire online store, including 225/60 R18 tires at the link: https://ascania-shina.com/shiny/zimnie/w225/h60/r18.
What is the danger of unbalanced winter tires 225/60 R18?
Unbalanced wheels can be a serious problem in winter. Winter roads themselves require maximum safety, and even a slight imbalance can lead to negative consequences.
Dangers of unbalanced wheels:
- Loss of traction. Uneven weight distribution on the wheel can lead to loss of traction, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Tire wear. Wheel imbalance can cause uneven tire wear. This will reduce their service life and require additional replacement costs.
- Vibrations and discomfort. The driver and passengers may feel vibrations in the steering wheel and vehicle interior, which will make the trip less comfortable.
- Decline in handling. Unbalanced wheels can affect the vehicle's handling, especially at high speeds.
Is balancing necessary after running in winter tires?
Running in new winter tires is an important stage in their operation. During break-in, the tires can take on the optimal shape and also “get comfortable” on the rims. However, even after running in, it is recommended to balance the wheels.
Why? After break-in, any imbalance that was present but less noticeable may become more apparent. Balancing after break-in will help ensure that your winter tires perform optimally and provide maximum safety on the road.
What problems can uneven tire wear indicate?
Uneven tread wear on your car tires can indicate a variety of problems with your vehicle or driving style. This symptom not only reduces the life of your tires, but can also significantly affect your safety on the road. Here's what uneven tread wear may indicate:
- Incorrect tire pressure. If the tires are underinflated or, conversely, overloaded, this can lead to uneven wear. This can often be seen by more wear on one side of the tire.
- Suspension problems. Uneven wear can be the result of suspension problems such as worn shock absorbers, improper installation, or faulty bearings.
- Incorrect wheel balancing. If the wheels are not balanced correctly, it can cause vibrations and therefore uneven wear.
- Incorrect wheel alignment. Missing or improperly aligned tires can result in uneven wear on the inside or outside of the tread.
- Malfunctions in the brake system. Brake problems, such as sticking calipers or poor brake system performance, can cause uneven wear.
- Malfunctions in the control system. Control system problems such as worn tie rods can also cause uneven wear.
It is important to regularly check the condition of the tread and, if uneven wear is detected, find and correct the cause. This will not only extend the life of your tires, but also make driving safer.