TIRE AND WHEEL

Tire and wheel assemblies provide the only connection between the road and the vehicle.
WHEELS
Wheels are made of either stamped or pressed steel discs riveted or welded together. They
are also available in the form of aluminum or magnesium rims that are die-cast or forged
Magnesium wheels are commonly referred to as mag wheels, although they are usually made
of an aluminum alloy.
Aluminum wheels are lighter in weight when compared with the stamped steel type. This
weight savings is important because the wheels and tires on a vehicle are un sprung weight.
Sprung weight represents the weight of the vehicle that is supported by the suspension. The
suspension and wheels are unsprung weight. Lower amounts of unsprung weight make the
vehicle handle better, primarily on irregular surfaces.
It also gives a better ride. This is because when a tire hits a bump, the shock is moved
through the tire and wheel to the suspension. The shock that is not absorbed by the
suspension then moves to the rest of the vehicle. When the unsprung weight is high, that
weight and the shock from the road must be absorbed by the suspension. This means more
shock will be passed to the rest of the vehicle.

How to Tell Tires Are Out of Balance

The main signs of an imbalanced tire or tires are:
 Vibration
 Uneven wear
 Increased fuel usage
 Suspension issues
 Tire/wheel runout
 Vehicle sensors (ABS, brake control module).
TIRES
The primary purpose of tires is to provide traction. Tires also help the suspension absorb road shocks,
but this is a side benefit.
There are a number of reasons
Why you should be checking the balance of the tires/wheels on your customers’ vehicles. The three
basic times when balancing should be done include:
 When a tire is replaced or repaired
 When a balance weight is moved or falls off
 When new tires are purchase

Tire technicians know that balancing tire/wheel assemblies can eliminate vibration and wobbling.
This will improve tire wear, increase fuel mileage and remove stress from a vehicle. Vibration
caused by out-of-balance tires usually occurs at speeds of 50 mph to 70 mph. Consumers who only
drive around town and not on expressways may never notice their tires are unbalanced, but
damage is still being done.