Importance of balancing-A film about the effects of imbalance

HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT presents on DVD the results of a series of tests on the effects of imbalance.

What happens exactly in a vehicle that is driven with wheel imbalance? How does the driver recognise an imbalance and what are the effects? After conducting a comprehensive series of tests, HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT now answers these questions in a short film.

After almost 17,000 test kilometres, the results are convincing. Imbalance has a considerable effect on vehicles. The effects are most pronounced in three main areas: comfort, safety and wear.

For the driver, the effect of imbalance is most noticeable by the deterioration in comfort. Wheel imbalance causes vibration throughout the vehicle. The vibration can be felt to a greater or lesser extent depending on the size of the imbalance and the type of vehicle. The steering wheel and the interior can be felt to shake as from a speed of approx. 80 km/h. This shaking is accompanied by a monotone rumbling sound. The maximum resonance range is reached at approx. 125 km/h and the shaking begins to subside at higher speeds.

The influence on the vehicle, however, can be felt in all speed ranges. As proven by braking tests, the effects on safety are also alarming. While imbalance has no effect on the braking distance when driving slowly, our test Golf needed 6 m more to stop when braking from a speed of 140 km/h. This equates to the length of two cars - a distance that could prove decisive in an emergency situation.

In addition, driving with imbalance over a longer period of time has an adverse effect on the wear of various components. For instance, distinct tyre abrasion is noticeable already after 2,000 km, resulting in heel and toe wear. Furthermore, increased wear of the wishbones and bearings is measured that may lead to premature repairs.

Balancing is important! A fact proven by HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT with this endurance test. Therefore, the next time your wheels are changed make sure they are correctly balanced.

The DVD "Why Balancing?" can be obtained directly from WEGMANN automotive and is available in German, English, Spanish, Italian and French.