With a wide range of options on the market, seeking out the best wheel balancer for a car repair shop may seem challenging, but considering specific criteria can make it all the easier to select the right one for you.
Read this article to find out what a wheel balancer is and how this piece of equipment can improve your service.
What is a Wheel Balancer?
A wheel balancer is a piece of equipment that allows you to place small weights on a vehicle’s tyres to distribute the weight of the wheels evenly over each axle.
The goal is to render the experience of driving the vehicle comfortable, smooth, and safe.
What is the Purpose of a Wheel Balancer?
Balancing a vehicle’s wheels prevents annoying vibrations that cause tyre and suspension wear and tear.
If your garage has the best wheel balancer, the most common cause of wheel vibrations – unbalanced tyres – can be resolved in a matter of minutes.
What Types of Wheel Balancer are there?
There are several types of wheel balancer, the most common of which are:
- Manual wheel balancers;
- Digital wheel balancers;
- Automatic wheel balancers.
While a manual wheel balancer requires the operator to use their physical force to spin the wheel, an electronic wheel balancer is controlled by a computer and requires minimal manual effort.
How Does a Wheel Balancer Work?
The scale measures the weight distribution of the set of wheels and indicates where weights should be added or removed to be balanced.
When Should You Balance a Vehicle’s Wheels?
Wheels should be balanced every 20 thousand kilometres or when putting new tyres on the rims.
Anyone who drives a little more than average should check whether their tyres need balancing every year.
How do you Balance Wheels?
Before starting the balancing process, you should start by checking the tyre pressure. Ensure the tyres are cold for this process. To check the tyre pressure, use a tyre inflator gauge. Next, and taking into account the pressure recommended by the manufacturer, you should:
- Remove the tyre valve caps;
- Connect the pressure gauge to read the current pressure;
- Compare the pressure displayed on the gauge with the recommended pressure.
If the pressure is lower than indicated, add air to the tyres until you reach the correct pressure. If it is above, you should release the air until it reaches the correct pressure.
Why Should Tyres only be Calibrated When They are Cold?
If you calibrate tyres while they are warm, the pressure read by the gauge will be higher than the pressure given when cold, which may mean that if you calibrate them while warm, they’ll have insufficient pressure when cold.
The consequences include compromised driving and increased fuel consumption. In addition, driving with a tyre pressure that is too low reduces a tyre’s useful life.
What is the Difference Between a Digital and Analogue Calibrator?
Digital calibrators provide more accurate readings and a clearer display, while analogue calibrators are simpler and do not rely on batteries.
Is There a Standard Pressure For All tyres?
The ideal pressure varies depending on the vehicle, the type of tyre, and the load the vehicle is carrying, along with other variables.
The recommended tyre pressure for a car can be found in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or on a label on the driver’s door, fuel cap, or engine compartment.
What are the Advantages of Using a Wheel Balancer?
Wheel balancers provide advantages such as:
- Protecting tyres from unnecessary, accelerated wear;
- Providing the driver and passengers with additional safety and comfort;
- Ensuring higher fuel savings, saving money in the long run.
Are there Specific Wheel Balancers for Different Types of Vehicles (Cars, Motorbikes, Lorries)?
While the basic principle of checking and adjusting tyre pressure is the same, wheel balancers can vary in size, accuracy, readability, and pressure range.
For example, a portable wheel balancer can be used on motorbikes, as they are more compact and have a more specific pressure range.
In contrast, trucks wheel balancer can be more robust, handle higher pressures and provide readings in specific pressure units for larger vehicles.
However, many pressure gauges are universal and can be used on different types of vehicles.
How Can You Buy a Wheel Balancer?
You should choose a reliable equipment supplier to equip your car garage with guaranteed quality.
As such, you should seek out an official KROFtools dealer to buy the best tyre gauge for your workshop.
Which Wheel Balancers are available in the KROFtools catalogue?
If your primary concern is providing your customers with the best service, you’re sure to find the right wheel balancer for your needs in the KROFtools catalogue.
Keep reading to find out the models available.
Automatic Wheel Balancer 10″ -24″ With Laser
This automatic balancer can be used on wheels with a maximum weight of 65kg. It operates with a 220W motor and has a positioning accuracy of 1.5°.
Click on the image to find out more about our Automatic Wheel Balancer 10″ -24″ With Laser (ref. 9006).
Automatic Wheel Balancer 10″ -24″
This machine operates at a speed of 200 RPM and supports tyres weighing up to 67kg. In addition, it has an accuracy of 1g and a noise level ≤ 65 dB.
Click on the image to find out more about our Automatic Wheel Balancer 10″-24″ (ref. 9012).
Semi-Automatic Wheel Balancer 10″ -24″
This semi-automatic wheel balancer has an IMD key panel, allowing you to input data and measurements manually.
If you want this machine for your motorbike repair garage, simply purchase our Motorcycle Adaptor of Wheel Balancer (ref. 9028).
Click on the image to find out more about our Semi Automatic Wheel Balancer 10″ -24″ (ref. 9022).
Automatic Wheel Balancer 10″ -24″
This balancer operates at a speed of 200 revolutions per minute, has a cycle time of 8 seconds, and can withstand a maximum weight of 65kg per wheel.
Click on the image to find out more about our Automatic Wheel Balancer 10″ -24″ (ref. 9031).
There is no shortage of options if you are looking for the best wheel balancer.
How Much Does a Wheel Balancer Cost?
The price of this piece of garage equipment is thousands of euros. However, the price varies depending on the functions or brand of the device.
Like with any other equipment, you need to look after your wheel balancing machine to ensure the best results.
Want some Tips on how to Maintain your Wheel Balancer Machine?
Make sure you clean and lubricate it regularly (wiping dust off the screen if it is automatic) and calibrate it when necessary.
This will keep your machine in tip-top condition, allowing you to take better care of the cars you’re working on.
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