How do you balance a tire?

As an expert in automotive maintenance, I can guide you through the process of balancing a tire. Tire balancing is a critical aspect of vehicle safety and performance. It ensures that the tire and wheel spin smoothly and without vibration, which can lead to a more comfortable ride and extend the life of the tire. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to balance a tire:

### Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools
Before you begin, you'll need a few tools:
- Tire balancing machine
- Wheel weights (both lead and stick-on weights)
- Lug wrench or impact wrench
- Safety gloves
- Wheel rim protector (to prevent damage to the wheel during the process)

### Step 2: Mount the Tire and Wheel Assembly
Place the tire and wheel assembly on the balancing machine. Ensure that the wheel sits securely in the machine's clamps. The machine will then spin the wheel at high speed to detect any imbalances.

### Step 3: Identify the Imbalance
As the wheel spins, the balancing machine will identify the location of the imbalance. This is typically shown by a series of lights or a digital readout on the machine. The readout will indicate where the heavy spot is located on the wheel.

### Step 4: Apply Correction Weights
Based on the information provided by the balancing machine, you'll apply weights to the opposite side of the wheel to counteract the imbalance. There are two types of weights:
- Lead weights: These are the traditional type of wheel weights that are clipped onto the wheel's rim.
- Stick-on weights: These are applied using an adhesive and are a more modern, cleaner-looking alternative.

### Step 5: Recheck the Balance
After applying the weights, spin the wheel again on the balancing machine to ensure that the imbalance has been corrected. You may need to make additional small adjustments until the wheel is perfectly balanced.

### Step 6: Secure the Wheel
Once the wheel is balanced, remove it from the balancing machine and ensure that all weights are securely attached. Then, mount the wheel back onto the vehicle, tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.

### Step 7: Road Test
Finally, take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure that there is no residual vibration. If you still feel vibrations, you may need to return to the balancing machine for further adjustments.

### Important Considerations:
- Regular Maintenance: It's important to have your tires balanced regularly, especially after any tire or wheel service.
- Wheel Condition: Damaged or bent wheels can cause imbalances that are difficult to correct with weights alone.
- Weight Distribution: Ensure that the weights are evenly distributed around the wheel's rim to avoid creating new imbalances.

Balancing a tire is a precise process that requires the right tools and a good understanding of how the system works. By following these steps, you can ensure that your tires are balanced, leading to a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable driving experience.

When tires are fitted to wheels at the point of sale, they are measured again on a balancing machine, and correction weights are applied to counteract the combined effect of the tire and wheel unbalance. After sale, tires may be rebalanced if driver perceives excessive vibration.