How are tires balanced?

Tire balancing involves the proper adjustment of imbalance in the weight distribution around the tire. It is done by attaching the tires and wheels to a tire balancing machine and then spinning the tire and wheel assembly to check for an imbalance in weight distribution. The benefits of having tires balanced include a smoother ride as well as decreased tire wear that improves tire lifespan. Balanced tires also play a role in lowering strain put on the drivetrain. Hitting a curb or pothole can trigger your tires to be unbalanced. Parking your car in one place for an extended period can also cause flat spots on your tires, resulting in imbalances.

Tire alignment can be done by correcting the tires’ angle to make sure they contact the road in the way you want. Properly aligned tires can lead to a smooth ride, reduced tire wear, and better car handling. A car accident or bumping into a curb or pothole may cause your car to be misaligned.

The wheels on Kia cars are carefully aligned and balanced when manufactured at the factory to enable a longer tire life and the best overall performance. In most cases, you will not need to have your wheels aligned again. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, your tires need to be re-balanced or re-aligned.

• Tire balancing:
  Symptoms of unbalanced tires include (1) uneven tire wear, and (2) unusual vibration felt in the steering wheel, floorboard, or seat. The shaking part shows which wheels, either in the front or in the back, need to be balanced.
  
  
• Tire alignment:
  An inaccurate alignment can result in (1) uneven and rapid tire tread wear, (2) the vehicle pulling to one side, (3) vibration in the steering wheel, (4) tire noises, and (5) the steering wheel becoming off-center when driving straight.