The quality of a vehicle’s ride is a huge priority for drivers and car owners all over the world, and other than the driver, the vehicle’s current state has a lot to do with it. One issue that people commonly face is unbalanced wheels. This can cause problems in the ride and the handling of the vehicle, which is why it’s vital to deal with the issue as soon as possible.
Here are some ways unbalanced wheels can affect your experience on the road:
1. Uneven Tire Wear
If your vehicle suffers from unbalanced wheels, you’ll also see uneven tire wear. When this happens, your vehicle will begin to veer to the right or left, depending on which wheel is wearing flat. This will give your car a force to fight against when trying to keep it straight on the road resulting in uneven weight distribution and ultimately uneven tire tread.
2. Long-Term Vehicle Problems
If your vehicle is suffering from unbalanced wheels and you ignore the problem, you risk putting your vehicle in a state of disrepair as you continue to drive it. Unbalanced wheels will make it harder for your vehicle to accelerate, brake, and turn. These problems have the potential to cause long-term damage to your vehicle.
3. Unnecessary Vibration
You may feel vibrations on the steering wheel, pedals, and other areas of the car if your wheels are out of sorts. With unbalanced wheels, you’ll experience a lot of vibration from your vehicle. This vibration can be quite uncomfortable and lead to an uncomfortable ride, an overall sense of irritation, as well as causing nausea or even headaches in some people. While it can be shrugged off, it can lead to inefficient handling that can turn into accidents.
4. Decreased Fuel Efficiency
One of the unfortunate by-products of unbalanced wheels is less efficient fuel economy. It’s because there will be opposing forces to driving in a straight line, causing your vehicle’s engine to work harder when you try to keep it straight. When your vehicle’s wheels are straight, it manages traction better and provides better overall performance.
5. Damage to Suspension
If your wheels and tires suffer from uneven wear and tear, your vehicle’s suspension may also be put under a lot of stress. If the problem isn’t addressed in a timely fashion, your suspension may also get damaged. This will result in more costly repairs that you could’ve prevented early on.
6. Issues with Steering
Eventually, steering will not only be demanding and strenuous, but it may also become ineffective. The wheels won’t be able to turn smoothly, as there will be an uneven amount of torque being applied to each wheel. This will make it hard for you to make turns and keep your vehicle going in a straight line.
Conclusion
Unbalanced wheels can affect the quality of your vehicle’s ride and its performance. While the effects of the problem may not be immediate, the longer you let it go, the more damage it will cause. Deal with any issues with an unbalanced wheel as soon as possible to prevent more damage from happening, and keep your car in the best shape possible.
If you’re in need of wheel and tire alignment in Calgary, AB, head down to our shop, and we’ll give it a look. Our expert mechanics will ensure a safe ride and bring out the best performance from your vehicle. Schedule an appointment today!