Wheel Balancing

Tyre vibrations aren’t all the same. As a workshop owner or lead mechanic, choosing the right balancing method saves time, reduces comebacks, and keeps customers happy. This guide explains the three core approaches—static, dynamic, and road-force—plus when to deploy each one in the bay.

Quick definitions

• Static balancing – Corrects a single heavy spot on the assembly (one plane). Best for narrow rims and smaller diameters.
• Dynamic balancing – Corrects imbalance across two planes (inner and outer). Essential for modern wider wheels and higher speeds.
• Road-force balancing – Measures tyre/wheel uniformity under a simulated load to diagnose issues that persist after a standard balance.

If you’re reviewing equipment for your bay, see our range of wheel balancing machine options suitable for everything from retail fitment to high-volume workshops.

When to choose static balancing

Use static balancing for narrow tyres, classic vehicles, and applications where space for weights is limited. It’s

Consistent wheel balancing is one of the fastest ways to reduce customer comebacks, improve ride quality and protect profit in a busy tyre bay. This guide sets out a practical, step-by-step workflow your team can follow on every job.

Why wheel balancing matters

• Prevents vibration through the steering wheel, seat and floorpan.
• Reduces uneven tyre wear and protects suspension components.
• Improves customer satisfaction and cuts free rework.
• Supports higher bay throughput with fewer repeat visits.

If you need an overview of equipment options, see our category page for a wheel balancing machine that suits your workflow and volume.

Common symptoms of imbalance

• Speed-dependent vibration that peaks at specific road speeds.
• Feathered or cupped tread wear patterns.
• Customer complaints after recent tyre replacement.
• Steering wheel shimmy despite correct alignment.

Root causes you can control

1. Poor centring on the shaft — wrong cone/collet or front-coning on wheels that require back-coning.
2. Contamination