If that happens to a front wheel, you may feel vibrations through the steering wheel that typically become more pronounced as vehicle speed increases. Over time, though, the wheel weights can fall off. Small weights are attached to the rims with adhesives or clips to counteract the heavy spots and provide a smooth ride. Some vibrations can be eliminated by rotating the tire on the wheel so the heavy or high spot is in a different location that better matches up with the wheel.

That is why when new tires are mounted on wheels, mechanics spin-balance them to detect and eliminate vibrations before mounting them on the car. Out-of-balance tires can also cause rapid tire or suspension wear, so it’s not just about ride comfort. What’s more, their weight often isn’t evenly distributed, so they’re heavier in some spots than others.Įither issue can cause annoying vibrations. That’s not a slam dunk a dirty little secret about car wheels and tires is that they usually aren’t perfectly round, even when brand new. CARS.COM - Smooth driving is a balancing act that requires getting the wheels and tires to spin at high speeds without vibrations.

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