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What is Road Force Balancing? | 3-minute read

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What is Road Force Balancing? | 3-minute read

 

 

What is Road Force Balancing? 

When it comes to tire balancing, advances in technology have made getting the perfect ride a little easier. Surpassing traditional balancers, road force balancers can simulate real road conditions and offer a more precise balance. 

 

 

What Causes Vibration? 

What is Road Force Balancing? 

How Does a Road Force Balance Machine Work? 

What Is the Difference Between Road Force Balance and Regular Tire Balance?

Road Force Balancing Near Me

 

What Causes Vibration? 

Because manufacturing a perfectly round tire is nearly impossible, all tires and wheels have slight inconsistencies in stiffness, runout, and balance. Even small differences can cause noticeable ride vibrations or pulling in one direction. Wheels also have these inconsistencies and are almost never perfectly round and in balance.

Tire Runouts & Variations

Some of the most common causes of unbalanced tires are lateral runout, radial runout, and force variation. A road force balancer is often the only machine that can measure and correct these problems.

What is Lateral Runout? 

Lateral runout is when a tire has excessive variations in width that cause sideways wobbles and vibrations while driving.  

What is Radial Runout? 

Radial runout is when a tire has low and high points in its construction that cause up-and-down vibrations or hopping while driving.

What is Force Variation? 

Force variation is when a tire’s rubber has varied stiffness from splices in the belt plies that cause vibrations while driving.

 

What is Road Force Balancing? 

Road force balancing technology applies pressure to your tire and wheel assembly using a load roller to simulate real on-the-road conditions. This provides a better diagnosis for inconsistencies, detecting stiff spots and bulges that traditional balancers typically miss.

The Hunter Road Force Balancer spins a tire and applies force to test and record the balance.

 

How Does a Road Force Balance Machine Work? 

Road force balance machines are computerized to find the exact points of discrepancy on your tires. This process includes installing the wheel assembly on the machine, spinning it, and applying proper pressures to simulate driving. The machine then tests and records the balance, telling a technician exactly where inconsistencies are located. This allows technicians to either add weights where needed or match the low point of the wheel to the high point of the tire to eliminate vibrations caused by excessive runout. 

If your ride does not feel as smooth as it should, take your vehicle to a Wonderland Tire location near you. We use road-force wheel balancers, like the Hunter Road-Force Elite, to eliminate any vibrations, ​​tire squealing, or pulling in one direction!

 

Benefits of Hunter Road-Force Elite Balancers:

• Get fast solutions - The machine balances and measures Road Force in as little as 70 seconds.

• Reduce operator error - The technology automatically measures wheel dimensions, selects weight mode, and measures rim runout.

• Higher-quality balance - The patented algorithms enhance precision, solving wheel vibrations without error.

• Enjoy improved handling and a smooth ride - Say goodbye to vibrations and pulling!

 

What Is the Difference Between a Road Force Balance and a Regular Tire Balance?

Standard wheel balancing may evenly distribute the weight of a tire and wheel assembly to reduce vibrations and prevent uneven wear. However, road force balancing measures the force variation and runout of the tire and wheel assembly as it spins. This allows the balancer to find any minor inconsistencies standard wheel balancing may not be able to catch. Road force balancing is especially ideal for new tires (especially on higher-end vehicles) where the distance between the rim and tread is often minimal.

 

A Wonderland Tire employee balances a car tire using the Hunter Road Force Balancing Machine.

 

Road Force Balancing Near Me

Are your new tires causing pesky vibrations while driving? You may want to consider road-force optimization. At Wonderland Tire, we use Hunter Road-Force Balancers to pinpoint any inconsistencies your tire and wheel assembly may have. Just give us a call or schedule an appointment online to get started!

Wonderland Tire is committed to providing a level of service and care beyond what you would expect from your average tire center. From our friendly, customer-driven employees to our specialized services, we want to make sure you get the care you deserve so that you stay safe on the road.

 

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