How to Balance Your Car Tires By Hand

PDF download Download Article
Learn to get your car's wheels and tires in working order on your own
PDF download Download Article

Balancing your wheels after the tires have just been mounted is a must, and you should do it regularly every time you do a tire rotation. Balancing your wheel can increases the life of the tires, and save your money in the long run. Unbalanced wheels can cause static vibration to the vehicle, dynamic vibration to the steering wheel, uneven tread wear on the tires, poor fuel mileage, and possibly unsafe driving.

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

wH
Hi there! Do you have a question about how to diagnose or fix a problem with your car? I’ve read the manual so you don’t have to. Select your make, model, and year, then ask away!
*
*

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Before you can begin to do anything, make sure you are protected by wearing some safety equipment. Make sure you are wearing steel toes boots, long pants, safety glasses or goggles, and gloves.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make sure the tires that you have on the rims are good for the road. No cracks on the sidewall, and to have at least 4/32nd (50%) of tread depth.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Before mounting the wheel onto the machine, make sure you have your center caps off (if you have them), and the old wheel weights from the previous balancing off. This is to ensure that you get the most accurate results from the machine.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After you have done all the previous steps, you can now safely mount your wheel onto the machine. Once it is on, double check to make sure that the wheel is snug tight.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once the wheel is on, the machine will want to know the size of the rim. You will have to measure the height of the rim, as well as the width
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Depending on the machine you're using, it may have a feature which allows you to choose what type of vehicle this wheel will be going on so it can put the proper amount of road force when it’s being tested.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you don’t do this before closing down the hood, it will ask you if you have done it or not to be a reminder.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you have measure your rims and have chosen the proper type of vehicle, you can simply presses start or close the hood.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once the machine has finished testing the road force and balance the wheel, it will tell you how much weight it wants and what side of the wheel.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you have install the wheel weights, you want to rebalance the wheel to make sure you added the proper amount of the wheel weights, and at the proper spot of the rim it has asked.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Balance-Your-Tires-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Balance-Your-Tires-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After rebalancing your wheel and it says “ok”, you are now done and can take the wheel off the machine. The wheel is now ready to be install on the vehicle.
    12. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can a car front end be balanced properly with a new tire and old one?
    Derek Murrain
    Community Answer
    No. Due to difference in tread height, wear and shape, the car will not be able to balanced or aligned properly.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
  • Question
    Can you take your tires to get balanced without the car?
    CageyCat
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can. Tires are removed from the car and put on a machine to do the balancing. So they could be brought in car-less.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6
  • Question
    do the tires have to be taken off the car to check tire balance
    Community Answer
    No, they have to stay on. If they're not on the car, they can't possibly be balanced.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 27 Helpful 2
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Always make sure to tighten the wheel down.
        Thanks
      • Always wear safety equipment such as safety glasses, steel toes, long pants and gloves.
        Thanks
      • Do not stand in front of the wheel, just in case it might be wet or has little rocks that might be flying out when it is being spun.
        Thanks
      • No jewelry, such as rings, loose bracelets, loose watches, and if you’re wearing a necklace tuck it under your shirt, but preferably not to be worn.
        Thanks
      • Always read the safety operating machine procedure.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Loosen Lug Nuts
      How to
      Change Wheel Bearings
      How to
      Replace Tie Rod Ends
      How to
      Let Air Out of a Tire
      How to
      Put Tires on Rims
      How to Put a Spare Tire on Your Vehicle: 11 Simple Steps
      How to Remove a Stuck Wheel & Prevent It From Happening Again
      How to
      Change a CV Axle
      How to
      Cut a Tire
      Why Does Your Car Make a Noise when Turning Right but Not Left?
      How to
      Replace Shocks
      How to
      Measure Wheel Offset
      How Old Are Your Tires? Reading the DOT Code & Replacing Old Tires
      How to
      Identify Run Flat Tires
      Advertisement

      References

      1. https://www.goodyear.ca/en-CA/services/tire-balancing
      2. https://www.ntb.com/tires/Wheel-Balancing-Education.j
      3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdkThA3x_uU
      4. https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/bangalore/82772-wheel-alignment-balancing-madhus-enterprises-langford-rd-bangalore-33.html
      5. https://www.mysafetysign.com/safety-glasses-steel-toe-shoes-required-sign/sku-s-9758

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 118,686 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement