Do my wheels need balancing?
Yes, all wheels need regular balancing. Unbalanced wheels can result in tyres wearing unevenly, needing to be replaced more frequently. It is also dangerous to drive with unbalanced wheels.
Why is wheel balancing important?
- Properly balanced tyres and wheels rotate with all their weight distributed equally.
- When new tyres are fitted, balancing must be part of the fitting procedure.
- Unbalanced wheels can result in tyres wearing unevenly and needing to be replaced more frequently.
Regardless of how well or how little you drive, tyres do eventually wear down over time. It is unlikely that they’ll wear down evenly, and this can cause:
- Changes in the mass of rubber on your tyres.
- A weight imbalance.
- The steering wheel to shimmy and shake.
How do wheel balancers work?
A computer wheel balancer spins the wheel and determines the locations and amounts of vibration. The computer splits the tyre into two halves and measures both lateral and radial forces on each side of the tyre’s center. Weights are added to each side of the wheel to correct the imbalance.
Why is my steering wheel shaking?
Can be due to multiple reasons, most likely being unbalanced front wheels.
How do I know how to operate my wheel balancer?
Every wheel balancer comes with an owners/operation manual that provides the operator instructions. We have also compiled The top tips for wheel balancing to help out with the principles of wheel balancing and wheel balancing safety. A You Tube demonstration is available.
What balancer can I use for motorcycle tyres?
The SD12B has been the choice of motorcycle technicians for over twenty years, why? Because it’s the best! With four precision metal shielded bearings and a level adjustable frame, the Static Wheel Balancer will suit most motorcycle wheels. A motorcycle adaptor is available for electronic wheel balancers.
Do I need to calibrate my wheel balancer?
Our wheel balancers come factory calibrated, so there is no reason to calibrate once you purchase your machine. The main reason a balancer needs to be re-calibrated is because it begins to “chase weight”. “Chasing weight” means the balancer continues to ask for more weight once the first weight is applied. At this point, the machine needs to be calibrated.
Why is regular maintenance so important on a wheel balancer?
As a wheel balancer is one of the most important tools at a tyre bay, maintenance needs to be done on a regular basis to avoid any breakdowns. In a high-volume shop, a good balancer can last up to seven years or longer depending on how you look after your equipment. Maintenance is of the utmost importance together with safety. If you don’t maintain your equipment, any safety initiative you undertake will most likely be for naught.
What voltage do I need to operate a tyre changer?
Wheel balancers from Integrated Marketing are single phase (220V), we also have a mobile unit that operates using a battery. The XTB1200B is the ideal unit to use in a mobile shop or just take it on the road and use it on site.
Can I balance truck wheels?
Yes, balancing truck tyres can help increase tyre life, decrease driver fatigue and create an overall safer vehicle. A balanced tyre also provides less rolling resistance than an unbalanced tyre, which can translate to better fuel economy and more kilometres per litre.
What size can my wheel balancer do?
Passenger wheel balancers can handle up to 65kg wheel weight, where truck balancers can handle 200kg wheel weight.
Does my balancer need a laser pointer?
No, it does not need a laser pointer, however the laser pointer is a guided placement of the weight. This counts as a time saver.
What is the difference between manual, fully auto & semi auto balancers?
Manual balancer – no electricity needed; everything needs to be done by manual labour (using your hands)
Semi auto balancer – you have to enter all the information manually. 2 of the readings are taken automatically by the machine, only the wheel width needs to be entered manually.
Fully auto balancer – the parameters are read by the machine. This makes the work go much faster – you don’t need to worry about entering the data incorrectly and this eliminates human error.
Should the rear duals and trailers be balanced?
Yes absolutely! The largest investment you can make in preservation of tyres are on the rear. When loaded, duals carry less weight per tyre and are prone to bouncing. This causes heat build-up and extreme, unpredictable tyre wear.
What wheel balancer will work the best for my workshop?
The wheel balancer you put in your tyre shop is totally dependent on the type of vehicles you service. Products offers three units that reflect the different needs of tyre shops across the country. If you mainly service sports cars, sedans, light trucks and SUVs, then you probably don’t need the largest unit on offer. Likewise, if your tyre shop services commercial trucks on a regular basis, we have a wheel balancer to work around the clock on some of the largest commercial truck tyres on the market.
Can wheel balancing reduce fuel consumption?
Yes. Balanced wheels reduce rolling resistance and ensure the tyres make consistent contact with the road. This helps your vehicle move more efficiently, which in turn can lead to improved fuel economy — especially over long distances or in fleet operations.
How often should I balance my wheels?
Motorcycles: When fitting new tyres or after rim/tyre damage.
Passenger Vehicles: Every 10,000–12,000 km, or when rotating tyres.
Trucks: At regular service intervals or after fitting new tyres.
Also balance wheels if you notice vibration, uneven wear, or steering issues.
Can I balance alloy and steel rims?
Yes. All modern wheel balancers from Integrated Marketing accommodate both steel and alloy rims. Some machines include automatic programmes for specific rim materials to ensure accurate placement of adhesive or clip-on weights.
What’s the difference between static and dynamic balancing?
Static Balancing: Ideal for narrow motorcycle wheels or basic setups. Corrects vertical imbalance.
Dynamic Balancing: Required for cars and trucks. It balances the wheel on both vertical and lateral axes to prevent side-to-side shaking or wobbling.
Is wheel balancing the same as wheel alignment?
No, but both are crucial.
Balancing corrects uneven weight distribution around the wheel.
Alignment corrects the angle of the wheels relative to the vehicle and the road.
Unbalanced wheels cause vibration; misaligned wheels cause pulling, uneven wear, and poor handling.
What features should I look for in a high-quality wheel balancer?
Automatic data entry (width, diameter, offset)
Laser pointer or LED weight positioning
Split-weight mode for hiding weights behind spokes
Self-diagnosis and calibration functions
Adapters for motorcycles, light trucks, or larger rims
Heavy-duty support for commercial truck wheels
Can I use a car balancer for motorcycle wheels?
Only if the balancer is compatible with a motorcycle adapter kit. For accuracy and safety, a dedicated motorcycle balancer is recommended if you service bikes regularly.
What safety precautions should I follow when using a wheel balancer?
Ensure the machine is on level ground
Always use the correct cone and adapter
Do not exceed the max weight capacity
Wear safety gear (gloves and goggles)
Disconnect power before maintenance or calibration
Keep the area clear of debris and bystanders during operation
Can wheel balancing fix a “pulling” issue while driving?
Not usually. A vehicle that pulls to one side is more likely experiencing wheel alignment issues or tyre pressure differences, not a balancing problem. However, unbalanced wheels can make the pull feel more severe.
Do trailer wheels and caravan tyres need balancing?
Yes. Balanced trailer or caravan tyres reduce sway, vibration, and tyre wear. It also improves towing stability and reduces strain on the tow vehicle — making for a safer, more comfortable ride.