Vibrations, balancing and alignment: the answers
Vibrations and pulling to one side have different causes. How to tell them apart and when you need balancing, alignment or other checks.
Why does the steering wheel vibrate when I drive fast?
The most frequent cause is wheel imbalance: Michelin indicates vibrations while driving as the main sign, often at specific speeds, and it is solved by balancing. If the vibration remains, there may be deformed or damaged tyres, bent rims, play in the suspension or steering, to be checked in the workshop. Ignoring it speeds up tyre wear and strains mechanical parts.
Sources: middle-east.michelin.com
Vibration in the steering wheel or body: is it balancing or alignment?
A vibration that appears at certain speeds points mainly to wheel imbalance. Alignment and camber out of tolerance instead show up as uneven wear, the car pulling to one side or a crooked steering wheel, as Michelin indicates. They are two separate jobs: balancing corrects the distribution of the wheel's mass, alignment adjusts the wheel angles. A tyre shop can check both and work out which is needed.
Sources: middle-east.michelin.com
What is wheel balancing?
Balancing corrects the distribution of mass of the wheel assembly (rim plus tyre) by applying small counterweights on the rim, because a zone that is heavier or lighter than the others creates an imbalance. An unbalanced wheel causes vibrations, often at specific speeds, and speeds up wear. Michelin states that balancing is always needed when a tyre is fitted and must be redone if the rim suffers an impact. It is done with a balancing machine.
Sources: middle-east.michelin.com
When does balancing need to be redone?
Michelin states that it must always be done when a tyre is fitted and again if the rim suffers an impact, for example against a kerb. It is also worth redoing when vibrations appear, when the wheel has been removed from a tyre (for example for a repair) or if a counterweight has come off. There is no fixed interval valid for all cars: these events and the vehicle's behaviour indicate it.
Sources: middle-east.michelin.com
Adhesive or clip-on weights: which is better?
It depends on the rim. Clip-on weights attach to the rim edge and are typical of steel rims and of those alloy rims with a suitable edge. Adhesive ones are stuck on the inner part of the rim and are often used on alloy rims, when the clip would spoil the finish or does not fit the profile. The tyre fitter chooses based on the rim; position and weight are shown by the balancing machine.
Can I have my tyres balanced at Pneumatici SuperStore?
Yes: the Pneumatici SuperStore centre in Milan carries out tyre changes and balancing for cars, SUVs and vans, also with run-flat tyres and with steel or alloy rims. Balancing is included in the quote we send via WhatsApp, together with fitting and disposal. We are open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:30, Saturday from 08:30 to 13:00; closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Why does my car pull to one side?
The most common causes are different pressure between the two sides, alignment out of tolerance, uneven wear or dragging brakes. Michelin lists a car pulling to one side among the signs of an alignment that needs checking and recommends a check at the tyre shop. The first, quick test is to measure the pressure of all the tyres; if it is correct and the drift persists, alignment, suspension and brakes must be checked. Don't neglect it, because it wears tyres unevenly.
Sources: michelinman.com
Why is the steering wheel crooked when I drive straight?
Usually the alignment is out of tolerance, in particular the toe, or the steering alignment has been altered by hitting a kerb or pothole, by suspension work or by incorrect fitting of a component. It is solved by adjusting the alignment on an alignment rig. If the crooked steering wheel appeared after an impact, also have the tyres and rim checked for bulges or deformations.
Sources: tyresafe.org, michelinman.com
What are toe and camber?
Toe is the angle at which the wheels point inwards or outwards seen from above; camber is the tilt of the wheel from the vertical, seen from the front. Together with caster and other parameters they make up the alignment. If outside the manufacturer's values they cause uneven wear, the car pulling to one side and a crooked steering wheel. The correct values for each model are those given by the car manufacturer.
Sources: middle-east.michelin.com
When should alignment be checked?
When you notice uneven wear, the car pulling to one side, an off-centre steering wheel or changes in the steering; after a hard impact against a kerb or pothole; after work on suspension and steering. Michelin recommends a check also when new tyres are fitted, and TyreSafe gives the same moments: impacts, new tyres and replacement of suspension components. A preventive check avoids wearing out new tyres quickly.
Sources: middle-east.michelin.com, tyresafe.org
Can I get wheel alignment at Pneumatici SuperStore?
Yes, wheel alignment is among the services of the Pneumatici SuperStore centre in Milan. It is worth having it checked when the tyre wears unevenly, the car pulls to one side or after hitting a kerb. You can ask for a quote via WhatsApp or drop by the workshop during opening hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-12:30 and 14:30-18:30, Saturday 08:30-13:00; closed on Sundays and public holidays.
What abnormal noises can come from tyres?
A hum that increases with speed can come from uneven tread wear, but also from a worn wheel bearing. A rhythmic thumping can indicate an embedded foreign object, a bulge or a deformation of the tyre. Since different causes produce similar noises, it is hard to tell them apart by ear: tyres, alignment and bearings should be checked in the workshop, especially if the noise appeared suddenly.
Questions reviewed on October 5, 2026 by Pneumatici SuperStore, Via Enrico Cosenz 63/1, Milano.