What balancing method is used when mounting my tires?

When you order a wheel and tire package, the tires are mounted on the wheels and balanced before they ship so your setup arrives ready to install. Here is a breakdown of what that process involves, what balancing options are available, and why balance matters for your driving experience.

Standard Mount and Balance Included With Every Package

Every wheel and tire package comes with free mounting and balancing included, which is a value of approximately sixty dollars. This standard mount and balance is performed using stick-on weights applied to the inner barrel of the wheel to bring the assembly into balance. The process is carried out using state of the art balancing equipment to ensure each wheel and tire assembly is properly balanced before it leaves the facility.

Standard mount and balance also includes chrome valve stems, which are the small fittings through which air is added or released from the tire. Chrome valve stems are a clean, finished look that complements most wheel styles and are the default included with every mounted package.

What Are Stick-On Weights?

Stick-on weights, also known as adhesive weights, are small metal weights that are applied to the inner surface of the wheel barrel using an adhesive backing. They are placed at specific points determined by the balancing machine to offset any imbalance in the wheel and tire assembly. Stick-on weights are the industry standard for most modern alloy wheels because they do not require clamping to the wheel lip, which eliminates the risk of cosmetic damage to the wheel finish that can sometimes occur with clip-on style weights used on older steel wheels.

Balance Beads as an Alternative Option

In addition to the standard stick-on weight balancing, balance beads are available as an alternative balancing method at checkout for an additional cost. Balance beads are small ceramic or glass beads that are installed inside the tire before it is inflated. As the wheel and tire assembly rotates while driving, the beads distribute themselves dynamically around the inside of the tire to continuously counteract any imbalance in the assembly.

The primary advantage of balance beads is their dynamic nature. Because they redistribute themselves as the tire rotates, they can compensate for balance changes that occur as the tire wears over time, potentially maintaining a balanced assembly for longer than static stick-on weights without requiring periodic rebalancing. They are also a popular choice for off-road applications because they can help manage the balance disruptions that can occur when mud, dirt, or debris accumulates inside the tire during trail use.

An Important Note About Balance Beads

While balance beads are an effective balancing solution for many applications, it is important to understand that they are not guaranteed to work perfectly for every wheel and tire combination. While the most current and accurate weight charts are used to determine the correct bead quantity for each specific application, it is not always possible to account for every variable involved. In rare cases, some wheel and tire assemblies simply do not balance optimally with this balancing technique, and this cannot always be confirmed until the assembly is mounted on the vehicle and driven. If you experience any balancing issues after installation, reaching out to the customer support team is the recommended next step so the team can help work through a solution.

Why Wheel and Tire Balance Matters

Proper balance is important for several reasons that directly affect your driving experience and the longevity of your tires and vehicle components. An imbalanced wheel and tire assembly causes vibration that is typically felt through the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard at certain speeds, most commonly at highway speeds where the rotational frequency of the tire aligns with the natural frequency of the vehicle's suspension. Beyond the discomfort of vibration, imbalance causes uneven tire wear by creating a bouncing or hopping motion that concentrates contact with the road surface at certain points around the tire's circumference rather than distributing it evenly. This produces the cupping or scalloping wear pattern that is characteristic of balance-related tire wear. Imbalance also puts additional stress on wheel bearings, suspension components, and steering components over time.

When to Have Balance Checked After Installation

Even though your wheel and tire assemblies are balanced before shipping, it is worth having balance checked periodically over the life of the tires. Balance weights can shift or fall off over time, and off-road driving that involves significant impacts can knock an assembly out of balance more quickly than normal road use. If you begin to notice vibration developing at highway speeds after an extended period of driving on your new setup, having the balance checked by a qualified wheel and tire shop is a straightforward and typically inexpensive service that can quickly identify and correct any balance issues that have developed.

After any wheel rotation service, having balance checked at the same time is also a good practice since the tires are already being removed from the vehicle during rotation and the additional step adds minimal time and cost to the service.

TPMS and Valve Stem Options

If your wheel and tire package includes TPMS sensors, they are installed inside the tires before shipping as part of the standard package assembly process. TPMS sensors replace the standard valve stem and monitor tire pressure continuously while driving. After installation, TPMS sensors typically sync to your vehicle automatically after approximately 50 miles of driving, though some vehicles and sensor combinations may require a manual sync at a qualified wheel and tire shop.

If you prefer a different valve stem style beyond the standard chrome valve stems included with your package, there may be additional options available depending on your wheel selection. Reaching out to the team before placing your order is the best way to confirm what options are available for your specific setup.

Have Questions About Mounting, Balancing, or Your Package?

If you have questions about the mounting and balancing process, the balancing options available for your order, or anything else related to your wheel and tire package, the customer support team is happy to help. You can reach out through the Contact page on the website and a team member will be glad to assist.