A wheel weight is used to balance a wheel and tire assembly. An out-of-balance tire can adversely affect ride quality and shorten the life of your tires, bearings, shocks and other suspension components. Balanced tires help save fuel, preserve tire life, and improve safety and comfort.

Originally, passenger vehicles were equipped with steel wheels and the corresponding wheel weights were uncoated lead. Alloy wheels are now used on modern passenger vehicles to conserve vehicle weight. When balancing alloy wheels, polymer-coated wheel weights should be used to prevent discoloration and pitting (damage). With the push towards reducing/eliminating the amount of lead in products, polymer-coated steel and zinc are becoming the only types of materials allowed to be used for wheel weights.

Wheel weights come in various sizes and styles and must be properly attached to the rim so they don’t move or fall off. Different style clips are available for various types of rims.

The type of wheel weight needed depends on the wheel rim profile shape.

Each vehicle manufacturer can have several different styles of rims on their vehicles. Use a rim gauge to determine the rim profile in order to identify the type of weight to use.