Wheel balancers are a necessity in the automotive services industry. You need the newest, most advanced equipment to keep up with the competition, and that includes the right tire balancer to help your business remain state-of-the-art whether servicing cars, motorcycles or large trucks.

Wheel balancing involves adding weight to part of a wheel or tire to counter-balance an uneven distribution of rubber during the manufacturing process. There are various options for machines and devices for this service, and as a provider you need the most up-to-date wheel balancer information. Keep your business at the forefront of technology by:

1. Purchasing complementary equipment from tire balancer suppliers.

2. Deciding which wheel balancers will fit your business needs.

3. Considering alternatives to traditional automotive wheel balancers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase additional automotive equipment from tire balancer manufacturers

As a business owner, you like having more than one option when it comes to running your shop. Buying an auto wheel balancer is no different. Several companies also sell other automotive products in addition to balancers, such as lift, alignment and brake equipment; if you're in the market for other items, make your supply line more efficient by purchasing them at the same time.

I recommend: Centramatic has a selection of automatic wheel balancer types you can check out, including devices for Jeeps, large trucks and even military vehicles. In addition, start browsing options at Panther Lifts or McCourt Industries, where you can check out various wheel balancers.

Choose tire balancers for your service department niche

Think about whether you want a simpler, cheaper bubble wheel balancer or a high-tech computer wheel balancer. Is your work primarily with cars, or will you only need a motorcycle tire balancer? Many companies have competitive pricing and shipping policies, so inquire about those.

I recommend: America's Pride, Greg Smith Equipment Sales and SJ Discount Tools have various tire balancers available; Greg Smith also has combo packages for buyers looking for multiple products. Get a quote for specific wheel balancing equipment at Ammco Coats. You also have the option, if your work is primarily with motorcycles, to choose a simple motorcycle tire balancer at the Motorcycle Wheel Balancer's Guide.

Look into alternatives regarding tire balancers

Decide whether traditional wheel balancers are the right product for your needs. The right solution might be something you haven't thought of. If you're running a high-frequency service station, stick with what works, but if you do specialty work or are simply looking for alternatives for your personal automotive needs, see what's available. Technology is always moving forward--move forward with it.

I recommend: Balance Masters has products for trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles that are self-balancing. Innovative Balancing has a product called Dynabeads that it touts as a cheap, efficient alternative to traditional wheel balancers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some products on the market claim that you can inject them into tires and they act as tire balancers. Let the buyer beware on such products.