How to Minimize Tire Vibration Problems

Many of today's lighter cars and trucks have increased fuel efficiency, which is great. But these improvements in design have also caused another somewhat annoying problem of tire vibration. Tire vibration can be minimized however, by taking proper care of your tires. Here is how to maintain your tires properly and minimize tire vibration problems.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Check all tires for wear. Tires that have bulging sidewalls, broken belts or treads worn below the tread-wear line should be replaced as soon as possible. All of these imperfections can cause tire vibration.

2. Make sure your wheel weights are still intact. A wheel weight is placed on the rim to balance the wheel. The balancing machine at the tire shop calculates where this weight should be placed. If you hit a curb or pot hole, this weight could get dislodged and will need to be replaced.

3. Get an alignment. If your tires are toe in or toe out, they can "scoot" down the road instead of rolling. This causes tire vibration and uneven wear on your tires which reduces the tire life.

4. Examine all the mechanical parts of the wheel and axle assembly. Lug nuts and bolts should have no damage or stripping. If the wheel hub is bent or damaged you could loose your wheel running down the road, so have a technician check it. Also check to make sure the rotors or drums are in balance to minimize tire vibration.

5. Remove studded tires when not needed. Also examine tire studs for radial run-out. Excessive run-out can also cause tire vibration.