Wheel balancing should not be confused with wheel alignment which refers to the direction all of the wheels face in relationship to each other and to the centre line of the wheel.

On a wheel that is perfectly balanced, every point on the wheel the wheel weighs the same, which minimises vibration and “Wheel Wobble”.

If there is unequal distribution of weight it creates an unequal centrifugal force, manifesting in vibration which varies with the wheel's rotational speed. If you have ever noticed a vibration through the steering wheel, or perhaps through the entire vehicle, that goes comes and goes at different speeds, you have probably experienced the effects of unbalanced wheels.

Wheels can be unbalanced in two planes; the rotational plane, which causes the wheel to bounce up and down, or the lateral plane, causing the wheel to move from side to side. Depending on the cause of the unequal weight distribution both conditions can usually be corrected by professional wheel balancing by your local Repco Authorised Service centre.