Yes. Balance the tire and wheel assembly after mounting a new tire or remounting a tire that was removed for service. Michelin says tires should be balanced when first mounted and when removed and remounted; Continental also recommends rebalancing whenever a tire is refitted to a wheel.
Changing a tire, balancing the completed assembly, and aligning the vehicle are three different jobs. A tire changer helps remove and install the tire. A wheel balancer measures uneven weight distribution in the tire-and-wheel assembly so corrective weights can be placed. Alignment adjusts the wheel angles on the vehicle.
Why balancing is needed after a tire change
Neither a tire nor a wheel is perfectly uniform. The valve, wheel construction, tire materials, and small manufacturing variations can make one part of the assembled wheel slightly heavier than another. Once a different tire is installed—or the same tire is remounted—the assembly's weight distribution can change.
Balancing measures that assembled unit, not the tire by itself. A balancing machine spins the wheel and identifies where and how much correction is required. The technician then installs suitable weights and verifies the result.
This is why old weight positions should not simply be copied onto a newly mounted assembly. The completed tire-and-wheel combination must be measured again.
Mounting, balancing, and alignment are different
- Mounting installs the tire on the wheel and seats the beads correctly.
- Balancing corrects uneven weight distribution as the tire and wheel rotate.
- Alignment adjusts the direction and angles of the wheels relative to the vehicle and road.
If the steering wheel or vehicle vibrates as speed increases, imbalance is one possible cause. Pulling to one side or steering that will not stay centered more often points toward alignment, tire-pressure, suspension, or other issues. Symptoms can overlap, so persistent vibration or handling changes deserve a professional inspection rather than a guess.
When should a tire and wheel be balanced?
Have the assembly balanced:
- after installing a new tire;
- after removing and remounting a tire for repair or inspection;
- after a wheel or tire is replaced;
- when a balance weight is missing, loose, or moved;
- when new vibration appears, especially at road speed; or
- after a hard pothole or curb impact if vibration or wheel damage is suspected.
Balancing cannot repair a bent or cracked wheel, damaged tire, incorrect bead seating, worn suspension, or alignment fault. If the assembly needs unusually large correction or will not balance, stop and inspect for a root cause.
What to do after using a tire changer
- Inspect the assembly. Confirm the tire and wheel are compatible and free of visible damage.
- Check bead seating. The tire's molded reference line should appear even around the rim. Follow the tire and wheel manufacturers' inflation procedures.
- Set the correct cold pressure. Use the vehicle placard or vehicle manufacturer's specification—not the maximum pressure molded on the tire sidewall.
- Balance the complete tire-and-wheel assembly. Use appropriate balancing equipment and weights for the wheel.
- Install the wheel correctly. Clean mating surfaces where required and tighten fasteners to the vehicle manufacturer's specification with a calibrated torque wrench.
- Road-check safely. If vibration remains, have the tire, wheel, hub, alignment, and suspension inspected.
For mounting fundamentals, read Understanding Tire Bead Seating. If you are checking whether a wheel falls within the current machine range, see How to Read Tire Sizes.
Can you balance a wheel without a balancing machine?
Static balancing tools can identify a heavy spot on one plane, but modern passenger-vehicle assemblies are commonly checked dynamically because imbalance can occur across both sides of the wheel. A dedicated balancer also provides a repeatable measurement and weight-placement guidance.
If you do not have appropriate balancing equipment or training, take the mounted assembly to a qualified tire professional. Do not treat a vibration-free slow drive as proof that the assembly is correctly balanced.
Does the EZ Tire Changer balance wheels?
The current EZ Tire Changer Gen 2 and EZ Tire Changer 3rd Gen are tire-changing tools for 12–21 inch wheels. Balancing is a separate post-mounting step and requires suitable balancing equipment or a tire service provider.
The Gen 2 is pneumatic and requires a compressor. The 3rd Gen is fully manual and requires neither electricity nor a compressor. Those power-source differences do not change the need to balance the finished tire-and-wheel assembly.
Safety notes
Tire mounting, inflation, balancing, and wheel installation can cause serious injury when performed with improper tools or procedures. Follow the tire, wheel, vehicle, tire-changer, and balancing-equipment instructions. Wear appropriate eye and hand protection, keep clear of rotating equipment, and never attempt to balance a visibly damaged assembly.
Completely deflate a tire before demounting. Never use flammable substances to seat a bead. If the tire or wheel is damaged, the bead will not seat evenly, or you are unsure of the correct procedure, stop and consult a qualified tire professional.
Frequently asked questions
Do brand-new tires need balancing?
Yes. A new tire should be balanced after it is mounted to the wheel. The balancer measures the complete tire-and-wheel assembly.
If I remount the same tire, do I need to balance it again?
Yes. Michelin and Continental both recommend balancing when a tire is remounted or refitted. Its position relative to the wheel can change, and a repair or service step can change the assembly's weight distribution.
Is wheel alignment required every time tires are changed?
Balancing and alignment are separate. New tires should be balanced when mounted. Alignment should be checked when the vehicle pulls, the steering is off-center, wear suggests an alignment issue, or the vehicle manufacturer or service inspection calls for it.
Can tire pressure fix an imbalance?
No. Correct pressure is essential, but it does not redistribute weight around the assembly. Check pressure first, then diagnose vibration properly.
Why does the car still vibrate after balancing?
Possible causes include incorrect mounting, bead-seating problems, a damaged tire or wheel, hub-centering issues, alignment, or worn steering and suspension parts. Have the complete assembly and vehicle inspected.
Bottom line
After a tire is mounted or remounted, balance the complete tire-and-wheel assembly before normal road use. Tire changing gets the tire onto the wheel; balancing makes the rotating assembly run evenly; alignment controls how the wheel points on the vehicle.