Wheels explained

Wheel balancing: what it is and why it matters after an alloy wheel repair

Wheel balancing corrects uneven weight around a wheel and tyre so the pair spins smoothly, and any wheel that has been repaired or refinished should be rebalanced before it goes back on the car. A damaged alloy wheel can also cause vibration, which is why the wheel gets checked first.

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What balancing does

No wheel and tyre is perfectly even all the way round. A small heavy spot makes the assembly wobble as it spins, and the effect grows with speed. Balancing finds the heavy spot and adds small weights opposite it so the weight is spread evenly. Left uncorrected, an out-of-balance wheel tends to show up as a shake through the steering wheel or the seat at certain speeds. It can also wear tyres unevenly and put extra load on suspension parts.
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What balancing does
Signs your wheels need balancing

Signs your wheels need balancing

  • The steering wheel shakes at certain speeds, often on the motorway.
  • Your tyres are wearing unevenly.
  • A new tyre has just been fitted, or a tyre has been taken off the wheel.
  • A wheel has been repaired, straightened or refinished.
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Can a damaged alloy wheel cause vibration?

Can a damaged alloy wheel cause vibration?

Yes. A bent rim, a flat spot on the lip or a crack can all make a wheel run out of true, and balance weights cannot cancel out a wheel that is physically out of shape. Corrosion building up on the inside of the rim can also upset the balance. If you notice a new vibration after hitting a kerb or pothole, treat the wheel as a suspect. Our guide on whether a bent wheel can be repaired explains what the damage usually looks like. Vibration also comes from tyres, suspension and brakes, so a balance alone will not always cure it. If the shake stays after a rebalance, get the wheel and the car checked.
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What to check after a repair

If a vibration returns within the first few days, tell the workshop straight away so the wheel can be looked at again.
  • The car runs smoothly at the speeds where it vibrated before.
  • The steering wheel stays still when you let it find its own line.
  • Small weights are stuck neatly to the inside of the rim, or clipped to the lip.
  • The tyre pressure matches the figure for your car.
  • Wheel nuts or bolts are tightened to the manufacturer's setting.
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What to check after a repair

How a refurbishment with us works

Standard refurbishment takes 36 to 48 hours. Free loan wheels are available subject to stock, so call to check for your make. See alloy wheel refurbishment, or read our alloy wheel refurbishment guide for the full process.

You send a photo and

You send a photo and we reply with a free quote within 24 hours.

The wheels come off, the

The wheels come off, the tyres are removed and the wheels are stripped to bare metal.

Any damage is repaired and

Any damage is repaired and the wheel is refinished.

The tyres are refitted and

The tyres are refitted and the wheels balanced.

Frequently asked questions

Can damaged alloy wheels cause vibration?
Yes. A bent rim, a cracked wheel or heavy corrosion can all cause a shake, and balance weights will not fix a wheel that is out of shape. Have the wheel checked if the vibration started after an impact.
How often should wheels be balanced?
There is no single interval. Balance wheels whenever a tyre is fitted or refitted, after a wheel repair or refinish, and whenever a new vibration appears.
Is balancing included when you refurbish my wheels?
Yes. There is no extra charge for tyre removal, balancing or secure storage while the wheels are with us.
Why does my car shake at certain speeds?
A shake that appears in a narrow speed range is often a balance problem, though bent wheels, worn tyres and brake or suspension faults can feel similar. A wheel check narrows it down.
Can you balance wheels without a refurbishment?
Balancing is included with our refurbishment work. For balancing on its own, call us on 0207 060 3666 and we'll confirm whether we can help.
Heavy kerb rash along the rim and spokes of a silver alloy wheel

Get a quote

Send a photo of your wheels and we will quote within 24 hours. Call or send a photo first so we can book a time for the work. Or call us on 0207 060 3666 Unit 1, 38 Crown Road, Enfield, EN1 1TH · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Sat 8am-1pm
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Contact

Get a free photo quote

Email info@whoopswheelfixit.com
Phone 020 7060 3666
WhatsApp +447512308716
Address
Unit 1, 38 Crown Road
Enfield
EN1 1TH

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