With the tyres and wheels of your vehicle the only part that makes constant contact with the road surface, it follows that keeping these components in good, working order is essential. For drivers, that means not only regularly inspecting their tyres for any signs of damage and excessive wear but also noticing the signs of a deeper issue and knowing what to do next.
Wheel runout is one of those issues that drivers may not necessarily be able to identify and diagnose themselves, though the signs and symptoms will be obvious. In this blog, we’re looking at the signs of wheel runout, what it means, and what you need to do to fix the issue.
What is Wheel Runout
Wheel runout is an underlying issue with the formation and shape of the wheel, in which the shape doesn’t form a perfect circle.
While most of us take the smooth run of our vehicle for granted, this is only possible because of the uniform shape of the wheels. When this shape is knocked or imperfectly finished, even the most minor deviation in shape can have a huge impact on the driving experience and lifespan of the tyres.
There are two main types of wheel runout – one caused by a variation in the measurement from the wheel rim to the outer edge of the tyre, and one caused by the incorrect seating of the tyre which allows it to wobble from side to side.
Most Common Signs of Wheel Runout
Before we dive into the causes of wheel runout and what drivers can do to rectify the issue, let’s first consider the signs that you should look out for.
If when driving you experience vibration throughout the vehicle, you notice the steering wheel pulling towards one particular side or direction, or you notice uneven tyre wear, these are all common signs of wheel runout. You may also find that the brakes start to rub and create a whining sound, or that the tyres are not running smoothly on the road.
Of course, there are other potential issues at play that could be causing these signs – however, noticing these is a good starting point for diagnosing wheel runout.
