Back to all

Wheel Balancing at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Tampa (Gunn Hwy)

November 5, 2023

So you love your job, and your family life is great. Congratulations! You have achieved balance. But can you say the same for your wheels? Tampa drivers can tell if their tires are out of balance by vibrations at higher speeds on FL roads. If one of the front tires is out, you feel the vibration in the steering wheel. If it's a back tire, you'll feel the vibration in your seat.

Tires and wheels are pretty heavy. When a tire is mounted on a wheel at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Tampa (Gunn Hwy), it is usually not perfectly balanced. So the technician will spin the tire on a machine to determine where it's too heavy. He will then place weights on the wheels in strategic locations to balance it out. When a tire is out of balance, it actually bounces down the road instead of rolling smoothly. Since the average size tire rotates at about 850 revolutions per minute at 60 mph/97 kph, it is actually slamming into the pavement 14 times a second. That's where you get your vibration.

Most people in Tampa are surprised at how smoothly their car rides after balancing all four wheels.

Most high-quality tires sold in Tampa hold their balance pretty well. They just get out of balance gradually with normal wear and tear. If you suddenly feel a vibration, it is probably because you lost a wheel balancing weight along the way. Definitely get a balance at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Tampa (Gunn Hwy) in Tampa if you feel a vibration, change your rims or have a flat repaired. Putting off a needed balance job leads to excessive and tire wear, wear to your shocks, struts, steering and suspension parts. Wheel balancing not only improves your ride and handling, but also can save you some repair bills and possibly an accident. Additionally, you will get better fuel economy.

Some Tampa area drivers have their tires balanced at every rotation. Others do it every other time. Check your owner's manual for your requirements, or ask your friendly service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Tampa (Gunn Hwy). Doing this will put you on the path to mechanical wheel balance.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Tampa (Gunn Hwy)
4353 Gunn Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
813-908-0438
http://www.tuffygunn.com

 

More articles from Tuffy Gunn

The Light Nobody Wants to See (Check Engine Light)

March 9, 2025

You've probably had your Check Engine Light go on. Then it goes off and you figure, hey, whatever the problem was, it's gone now and I don't have to worry about it. Well, the problem may have gone away and it may not have. Your vehicle likely has one of these warning lights on the instrument pa... More

Good Service at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Tampa (Gunn Hwy) Equals Good Fuel Economy in Tampa

March 2, 2025

Whether we're trying to save money, save gas or save the environment, most of us Tampa drivers have an interest in decreasing fuel consumption. We've all heard about ways to save money on gas in FL, but does it really add up to much? How much can we boost our fuel economy through preventive maint... More

What is a TPS? (Throttle Position Sensor)

February 23, 2025

You know you have an accelerator pedal; step on it and your vehicle is supposed to go. But did you know there is a part in your vehicle that keeps track of where the throttle is? It's called the Throttle Position Sensor, or TPS. The TPS is a sensor that helps your vehicle figure out the right mi... More