What happens when you drive with unbalanced wheels
What you need to know about driving with unbalanced wheels.
We recently published an article to do with the dangers of driving with worn or damaged tyres. According to the Automobile Association of South Africa, far too many motorists are driving with bad tyres, which has a negative impact on efforts to improve road safety.
Driving with unbalanced wheels is one way to wear down your tyres and cause problems later on.
Also read: Too many South Africans are driving with worn or damaged tyres!
As motorists we all understand the importance of wheel alignment. But, did you know that your wheel balance needs to be checked as well? Failure to do so could cause problems for you further down the road to such an extent that you may require roadside assistance.
What is wheel balancing?
Wheel balancing evenly distributes the weight of the tyre, and to make sure the rim and the tyre are in balance so that the wheel rotates perfectly. Once your wheels are balanced, they will spin without causing any vibrations. This will not only extend the life of your tyres, it will also increase your safety when driving on the road.
What are the effects of unbalanced wheels?
- Unbalanced wheels can cause vibrations, which can have a negative impact on the handling of the vehicle and make it uncomfortable to drive.
- Added strain is placed on the wheel bearings and suspension.
- It is possible that damage caused through lack of maintenance may haunt you later and could end up costing you more in the long run.
How do you know if your wheels are not balanced?
If your wheels have not been checked, some of the warning signs include:
- The steering wheel vibrates at certain speeds.
- You may notice a vibration in your seat or floorboard.
Even if your wheels are balanced, you never know what could happen down the road. As a result, always make sure you have roadside insurance and other roadside assistance plans in place so you are never left stranded.
Via AA