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? Albuquerque drivers can tell if their tires are out of balance by vibrations at higher speeds on New Mexico interstates. 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 Jim’s Automotive, it is usually not perfectly balanced. So the tech 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 Albuquerque drivers are surprised at how smoothly their car rides after balancing all four wheels.

Most high-quality tires sold in Albuquerque hold their balance pretty well for motorists. 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 Jim’s Automotive in Albuquerque if you feel a vibration, change your rims or have a flat repaired. Putting off a needed balance job leads to excessive and dangerous 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 costly repair bills and possibly an accident. Additionally, you will get better gas mileage.

Some Bernalillo motorists have their tires balanced at every rotation. Others do it every other time. Check your owners’ manual for your requirements, or ask your knowledgeable Jim’s Automotive service advisor. Doing this will put you on the path to mechanical wheel balance.