Back to all

Wheel Balancing at Tuffy Joliet

December 30, 2014



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? Joliet auto owners can tell if their tires are out of balance by vibrations at higher speeds on Illinois freeways. 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 Joliet, it is usually not perfectly balanced. So the service advisor 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, it is actually slamming into the pavement 14 times a second. That's where you get your vibration.

Most Joliet auto owners are surprised at how smoothly their car rides after balancing all four wheels.

Most high-quality tires sold in Joliet hold their balance pretty well for auto owners. 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 Joliet in Joliet if you feel a vibration, change your rims or have a flat repaired. Putting off a needed balance job leads to excessive and harmful 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 expensive repair bills and possibly an accident. Additionally, you will get better fuel economy.

Some Joliet drivers have their tires balanced at every rotation. Others do it every other time. Check your owners' manual for your requirements, or ask your friendly Tuffy Joliet tech. Doing this will put you on the path to mechanical wheel balance.

More articles from Tuffy Joliet

Rumble from Down Under (Muffler Replacement)

January 25, 2026

Weve all noticed them at one time or another on the street: a car or truck that drives by and the deep roar from their exhaust system sounds like a drag racer on the line. But what happens when that rumble is coming from under YOUR vehicle? Well, it could be a sign your muffler needs attention. ... More

Gearing Up (Differential Fluid Service)

January 18, 2026

You may have never thought about it, but when you turn a corner, the wheels on one side of your vehicle turn at a different speed than the other side. What is this magic? The answer is something called the differential. A differential is a gear box placed between the drive wheels and needs lub... More

Not So Hot in Joliet

January 11, 2026

When the weather turns cold, it's nice to crank up the furnace and enjoy the heat. But if your home's furnace doesn't work, it's not too comfortable. Same goes with your vehicle. When the heater's not working, things can get miserable. It could also signal some major problems, which we'll discuss... More