What does "balancing" a tire involve?

Balancing a tire involves equalizing the weight distribution around the tire and wheel assembly. This process is crucial because an uneven weight distribution can lead to vibrations during driving, which can affect handling, comfort, and the overall performance of the vehicle. When a tire is properly balanced, it ensures that the weight is distributed evenly, allowing for smooth rotation. This contributes to better tire wear and extends the life of both the tires and the vehicle's suspension components.

Inflating the tire to the correct pressure is important for safety and performance, but it is not part of the balancing process. Checking the tread depth is essential to assess tire wear and safety but does not relate to the balancing procedure. Rotating the tire position is a maintenance task that helps ensure even tire wear but is also distinct from balancing. Each of these actions serves different purposes, but for balancing, the key focus is on achieving an even weight distribution to prevent vibrations and enhance ride quality.