So you love your job, and your family life is great. Congratulations! You have achieved balance. But can you say the same for your wheels? Washington DC car owners can tell if their tires are out of balance by vibrations at higher speeds on Washington DC highways. If one of the front tires is out, you feel the vibration in the steering wheel. If it’s a back tire, you’ll feel the vibration in your seat.
Tires and wheels are pretty heavy. When a tire is mounted on a wheel at Metro Motor, it is usually not perfectly balanced. So the service advisor will spin the tire on a machine to determine where it’s too heavy. He will then place weights on the wheels in strategic locations to balance it out. When a tire is out of balance, it actually bounces down the road instead of rolling smoothly. Since the average size tire rotates at about 850 revolutions per minute at 60 MPH, it is actually slamming into the pavement 14 times a second. That’s where you get your vibration.
Most Washington DC drivers are surprised at how smoothly their car rides after balancing all four wheels.
Benefits of Balanced Wheels
Most high-quality tires sold in Washington DC hold their balance pretty well for motorists. They just get out of balance gradually with normal wear and tear. If you suddenly feel a vibration, it is probably because you lost a wheel balancing weight along the way. Definitely get a balance at Metro Motor in Washington DC, Northern Virginia, or Maryland if you feel a vibration, change your rims or have a flat repaired. Putting off a needed balance job leads to excessive and detrimental tire wear, wear to your shocks, struts, steering and suspension parts. Wheel balancing not only improves your ride and handling, but also can save you some expensive repair bills and possibly an accident. Additionally, you will get better fuel economy.
Some Washington DC auto owners have their tires balanced at every rotation. Others do it every other time. Check your owners’ manual for your requirements, or ask your helpful Metro Motor service professional. Doing this will put you on the path to mechanical wheel balance.
Vehicle care information made available by Metro Motor is presented as helpful advice for general maintenance and should not be construed as instructions for at-home vehicle service. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual and a licensed, professional mechanic for diagnostics and repair.