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What does a tire balancer do?

A tire balancer is a machine used to balance the weight of a tire and wheel assembly, ensuring even distribution of weight around the wheel's circumference. This is done to reduce vibrations and improve vehicle stability, ride comfort, and tire wear.

Here's how a tire balancer works:

1. Wheel and Tire Mounting: The tire and wheel assembly is mounted onto the balancer's spindle, which is attached to the machine's main shaft.

2. Rotation and Weight Detection: The balancer spins the wheel and tire assembly at high speed. As it rotates, sensors on the machine measure any imbalances in weight distribution.

3. Imbalance Identification: The balancer identifies the precise location and amount of imbalance. It determines where weight needs to be added or removed to achieve balance.

4. Weight Placement: The machine operator places small weights to the appropriate areas on the wheel rim. These weights can be either clip-on or adhesive. The weights are positioned to offset the detected imbalances.

5. Rechecking and Adjustment: The balancer re-spins the assembly to verify if the desired balance has been achieved. If necessary, adjustments are made by adding or repositioning the weights until the wheel is properly balanced.

6. Balancing Completion: Once the wheel and tire assembly is balanced, the balancer will display a "0" or "OK" indication, indicating that the wheel is ready to be reinstalled onto the vehicle.

Tire balancing is crucial for ensuring smooth rides, minimizing premature tire wear, and enhancing the overall performance and safety of a vehicle. It is generally recommended to have tires balanced every time a tire is changed or repaired or if you experience any symptoms of an unbalanced wheel, such as vibrations or uneven tire wear.