Choosing Auto Parts

Tire Balancing Beads 101: Faqs

There are few things more frustrating than tires on your vehicle that are out of balance. You will feel a difference in your vehicle as you travel down a roadway and you will see a noticeable difference in how your tires are wearing. It is not uncommon for unbalanced tires to lead to having to replace the tires sooner than usual. Tire balancing beads are a rather modern alternative to traditional tire balancing methods. Here is a look at some of what you will want to know. 

Do tire balancing beads work as well as traditional methods?

Balancing beads can work really well for most vehicles. It is also important to note that there are certain advantages that come along with balancing beads instead of opting for traditional balancing, which include: 

Are there certain types of tires that respond best to balancing beads?

Balancing beads work well for most types of tires. Some beads are designed to work specifically with larger tires and some are created for smaller tires with less space. Just make sure you pick up beads that are best for your type of tire to achieve the best results. 

What are the beads made of?

Tire balancing beads can be made out of a lot fo different materials depending on the manufacturer. Some companies create beads that are created out of glass and coated with polymers or plastics to keep them from bursting when they collide. There are some beads that are made out of solid metals as well, but almost all will have an agent added to them to keep them freely moving and not clumping inside the tire once they have been added. 

Do tire companies use balancing beads?

The majority of tire centers will use actual weights inside of a tire to balance it, but some will also offer to use beads if you prefer. One of the greatest things about tire balancing beads is that they are not all that hard to use on your own and you can find them at most auto parts stores. It is oftentimes much less expensive to pick up some beads than what it is to take your vehicle to a tire center.