I bought a winter set (wheels and tires) from a member here. He used them for a couple of winter so the set is balanced.

Question: Do I need to re-balance them again for my car? Aren't tires balanced per their specific position (i.e. FR, FL, RR, RL)?

If not, does it matter where I mount each wheel/tire (assuming rotational direction is correct)?

 

You probably want to have them balanced anyway.

I'm putting my stock wheel/winter tire combo from last winter back on the car. They were balanced at install last year, and have been in storage all summer, but I am getting the balance checked at install this year.

It's only a few bucks to make sure, rather than having a wobble on the road.

 

I guess you have a point.

I'll have them balanced.

Thanks.

 

IMHO if they were balanced previously I would just install them and see how they are. It does not matter where you install them (unless they are directional).

 

They are directional Wayne. So here is the question: If I were to adhere to the direction on the tire and mount it on the correct side. Would it matter which one I mount upfront and which one I put in the rear? - from a balancing standpoint?

 

No it will not hurt as long as they are all the same sizes. All of my tires are directional and I move them front to back every year with no balance problems.
I remember years ago some places would balance them right on the car, then it would be a problem.

 

Cool thanks.

I'm heading out to Sears to pick up a floor jack. I'll mount them and take the G for a spin. If I feel something, I'll take it for a balance.

Thanks again.

 

Well the set is mounted. I went out for a ride and it's surprisingly smooth.

I think I'll forego the balance. One interesting point is that my TPS alarm did not come on... I need to check with the seller. I don't recall him saying anything about sensors that were included with the set...

 

Good stuff .
Dan, sometimes you have to drive a fair distance and at speed before the light comes on when you are not running the sensors. Then the light stays on everytime you start it.

 

Daniel, yesterday my TPS alarm came on after about 20-30 minutes of driving.

 

I balance my Michelins at least every oil change [90 days]and find they are out of my spec. Some people don't feel vibrations.

The problem with snow/ice tires is as they wear they harden, even in storage the ozone attacks the tires and continues the degradation.

All depends on your personal standards of performance.

I would not think 3 seasons of use on an ice tire would be very satisfactory.

Depends on the periods when there is no ice or snow when the tires overheat.

 

Mine doesn't either with my winter setup, and there are no TPMS on them. I just take it as a blessing, as I don't have to stare at that TPMS light....

 

If you purchased wheels and tires second hand already mounted, I'd have them balanced just in case. It might help determine if the wheels are bent or not and also will result in a smoother ride afterwards. The TPS lights will come on after 30 mins of driving. It won't beep however since there's no low pressure warning without installed TPS. If you shut off the engine and start it up again, you'll have 30 mins until it comes on again.

 

Yeah, looks like a spoke too soon... the TPS alarm came on this morning on my way to work...