Tire Balancing Services

Premier Tire Balancing Services

Contact your local shop in the GreatWater network for all of your tire balancing needs. With the best balancing machines and equipment in every shop, we'll quickly and efficiently balance your tires so you can experience a smooth ride when you get back out on the road. 

Tire Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment

Many drivers think tire balancing and wheel alignment are the same, but they have some key differences. While both help with a smooth ride and even tire tread wear, here's a closer look at how these two practices differ:

• Tire balancing: This service corrects any weight imbalances within the tire and wheel assembly, helping tires rotate smoothly with minimal vibrations. Our GreatWater technicians use a special balancing machine to identify any irregularities and then add weights where appropriate to ensure proper balance.
• Wheel alignment: Wheel alignment helps adjust the angles of the tires so they're contacting the pavement properly. Wheel alignment may also slightly alter the suspension to enable proper road contact. The benefits of wheel alignment include better handling, smoother driving, and minimized vibrations.

The Benefits of Tire BalancingIt's suggested you have your tires balanced every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or about once every six months. Some of the key benefits of tire balancing include:

• Improved handling and minimized vibrations.
• Improved tire tread wear and extended tire life.
• Improved driving comfort.
• Improved safety. Unbalanced tires may increase the risk of a flat tire or a blowout.
• Improved fuel economy.

Signs You Need Your Tires BalancedHow do you know when you need your tires balanced? As we noted earlier, it's often best practice to have your tires balanced every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or once every six months. However, you should seek service promptly if you begin to experience any of the following:

• Frequent vibrations when driving. Vibrations will typically worsen at higher speeds.
• Uneven tire tread wear and poor fuel economy.
• Your vehicle pulling to one side, especially when you release the steering wheel.

Keep in mind that rotating your tires and balancing them are not the same thing. While you should be rotating your tires to promote even tire tread wear, it's important to have them balanced regularly as well.