Balance And Alignment

Having your tires balanced and your vehicle properly aligned is important not only to the longevity of the tire but also to the safety of the driver and to the performance of the car.

Unbalanced tires cause road vibration, which can lead to driver fatigue, premature tire wear (also known as cupping or dipping) and unnecessary wear to your vehicle's suspension. Tires should be balanced when they are mounted on wheels for the first time or when they are remounted after a repair. They should be rebalanced at the first sign of a vibration or shimmy and should be balanced at least once a year, regardless.

A vehicle is said to be properly aligned when all suspension and steering components are sound and when tire and wheel assemblies are running straight and true. Proper alignment is necessary for even treadwear and precise steering. Uneven front or rear tire wear, or changes in your vehicle's handling or steering, can indicate misalignment.

The cost of keeping your tires balanced and your vehicle properly aligned will more than pay for itself in tire mileage, performance and comfort.

View more Tire Safety topics.