How to spot tyre imbalance

MOTORING 

Most drivers cannot tell if their tyres are balanced or not. Yet, balanced tyres are essential in keeping a vehicle in the desired shape.

When you drive with unbalanced tyres, you are putting your life in danger as well as comprising your car's performance.

There are consequences for driving with unbalanced tyres, which should be avoided.

Steven Akello, a mechanic at Auto Engineering Services Najjera in Kampala, says it is quite easy to detect unbalanced car tyres.

A motorist does not have to wait to be told about the unbalanced tyres so as to maintain the car's stability and performance.

Vibrations

The vibrations from the steering wheel are one of the signs of unbalanced tyres.

Initially, these vibrations are limited to the steering wheel but can spread and affect the entire front cabinet.

After some time, passengers in the front back seats will start feeling the vibrations.

Letting your car get to this level poses a great danger.

Problems with steering

The unbalanced tyres can cause challenges for the driver in having control of the steering wheel, especially when negotiating corners.

The unbalanced tyres will also reduce the smoothness in turning the tyres.

It can also increase the possibility of accidents as the response time of your car's steering will increase.

All this can be managed if you realise the signs of unbalanced tyres early.

Uneven wear

The uneven wear of your car's tyres is actually a sign that they are not at the same level.

Many mechanics would suggest having a visual inspection of your car's tyres often.

If you see that some tyre threads are more worn out than others, it indicates that the tyres are not balanced.

Replacing these tyres would be the best solution and do not forget to balance the tyres as soon as you put the new ones on.

Engine damage 

Unbalanced tyres damage the car engine because of the extra pressure exerted on it. This affects the functioning and performance.

Bearings and bad shocks

Bearings and bad shocks are indicators of unbalanced car tyres.

These bearings and shocks usually occur under extreme conditions or when the car is under a lot of pressure.

The sudden shocks hinder the performance of the car and decrease its mileage.

If you do not resolve this issue early, you might end up spending a lot of money on replacing different parts of your car.

This will also cause more wear and tear of the tyres, which reduces its performance.

What people say

Sarah Kirabo, a resident of Bweyogerere in Wakiso district, says she survived a fatal accident on Jinja Road after a tyre bust.

It was later discovered that her car tyres were not balanced. A mechanic told her that the engine was damaged.

Amuza Balugaba, a mechanic at ISSA Auto Engineering, Nakawa in Kampala, says after buying a secondhand car, people should replace the tyres for safety on the road.