Tire Balancing: Keeping You and Your Tires Safe

Tire Balancing: What It Is and When to See a Mechanic

If your car vibrates while driving, it may be time to check your tire balance. Since tires naturally lose balance over time, having them balanced helps maintain a smooth ride and keeps your suspension in good shape. Whether you’re commuting through Lakewood or heading out on a weekend drive, tire balancing makes every trip safer and more comfortable.

At Meineke in Lakewood, our ASE-certified mechanics provide tire balancing, rotations, and full tire services to help extend the life of your tires. So, in this post, the experts at Meineke explain what tire balancing is, how it works, why it matters, how to maintain it, and when to see a mechanic.

So, What Is Tire Balancing and How Does It Work?

Tire balancing is the process of evenly distributing the weight of a tire and wheel assembly. Since even minor weight differences can cause vibration, balancing ensures that your tires spin smoothly at any speed. Using a specialized machine, mechanics identify where small counterweights need to be added to correct the imbalance.

If the tires aren’t balanced, then you may feel shaking in the steering wheel, floorboard, or seat—especially at highway speeds.

So, Why Is Tire Balancing Important?

Because your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, balance affects both comfort and safety.

Reduces vibration and shaking – If the tires are balanced, then your ride feels smoother and quieter.
Prevents uneven tire wear – If weight is distributed properly, then tires wear evenly and last longer.
Protects your suspension – If tires are unbalanced, then shocks, struts, and bearings may wear out faster.
Improves fuel efficiency – If tires rotate evenly, then the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you moving.

So, How Do You Maintain Tire Balance?

Good habits and routine maintenance keep your tires balanced and performing their best.

Have tires balanced every 5,000 to 7,000 miles – If you’re already getting a rotation or alignment, then it’s the perfect time to balance.
Drive cautiously over potholes and curbs – If you hit a hard bump, then your balance may be thrown off.
Inspect your tires regularly – If you notice uneven tread wear, then a balance check may be needed.
Check tire pressure monthly – If tires are over- or under-inflated, then balance can be affected.

So, When Should You See a Mechanic?

Unbalanced tires can show clear warning signs. Visit Meineke in Lakewood if:

When your car shakes at certain speeds, your tires may be out of balance.
If you see uneven tread wear, one or more wheels could be improperly balanced.
When your steering wheel vibrates, especially on the highway, balancing may fix the issue.
If you’ve recently installed new tires, they should always be balanced.
When it’s been over 6,000 miles since your last service, it’s smart to check balance and rotation.

So, Call Meineke in Lakewood Today for a Tire Balance Check

Since tire balancing protects your comfort, your tires, and your suspension, staying on top of this simple service saves time and money. But if your car shakes, tires wear unevenly, or your steering feels off, Meineke on South Tacoma Way in Lakewood is here to help. Whether you need a tire balance, rotation, or full inspection, our ASE-certified technicians will keep your ride smooth and safe. So, don’t wait for the shake to get worse—call Meineke in Lakewood today for a quick check-up.

If the Meineke in Lakewood is not convenient, also check out these other locally-owned Meineke locations in Washington:

Meineke Car Care Center – North Meridian
433 North Meridian
Puyallup, WA 98371
253-848-2532

Meineke Car Care Center – South Meridian
4021 South Meridian
Puyallup, WA 98373
253-845-2153

Meineke Car Care Center – State Ave
10501 State Ave
Marysville, WA 98271
360-658-4263

Meineke Car Care Center – Firdale Ave
23900 Firdale Ave
Edmonds, WA 98020
206-533-0072

Meineke Car Care Center – Logan Ave South
64 Logan Avenue South
Renton, WA 98057
425-255-8802

Meineke Car Care Center – Holgate Street
465 South Holgate Street
Seattle, WA 98134
206-324-4660

Meineke Car Care Center – 35th Avenue SW
9201 35th Avenue SW
West Seattle, WA
98126
206-759-3020

Meineke Car Care Center – 6th Avenue
3024 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
253-627-6168

Meineke Car Care Center – Pacific Avenue South
13101 Pacific Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98444
253-531-2200

Meineke Car Care Center – Bridgeport Way
2701 Bridgeport Way West
University Place, WA 98466
253-564-5110

Meineke Car Care Center – 4th Avenue East
517 4th Avenue East
Olympia, WA 98501
360-357-8995

Meineke Car Care Center – Tacoma Way
8724 South Tacoma Way
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-581-1226

Meineke Car Care in Lakewood, WA

Meineke Car Care

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