Any time your steering wheel is shaking or vibrating, take it as a sign to get your tires and wheels checked. Stop by your local Discount Tire for a free tire safety inspection—an appointment is recommended but not required.
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Tires are the first place to look. When a vehicle’s tires are out of balance, they can cause shaking and vibration that varies with speed and severity.
We cover the details in our guide to tire balancing, but here are the two common types of imbalance: - Static imbalance: up-and-down wobble as the tire rotates. - Dynamic imbalance: side-to-side shake as the tire spins.
These issues can add up to noticeable vibration and driver discomfort.
Unbalanced tires typically show up at speeds above 45 mph and may cause: - Vibration in the steering wheel, floorboard, or seat that increases with speed - Poor fuel economy - Uneven or accelerated treadwear - Difficulty steering smoothly - Premature wear of shocks, springs, bearings, and other components - Loud tire noise while driving
Off-road mud or winter slush can also cake inside your wheels, throwing weight off balance. A quick rinse with a high-pressure hose usually clears it. If you regularly face deep mud, snow, or ice, specialized tread can help move debris out of the contact patch.
Even minor vibrations should be addressed promptly—driving on unbalanced tires can lead to uneven wear, poor fuel economy, and even tire damage.
Note: Discount Tire does not offer brake or suspension repair, and we do not perform wheel alignments. Your local store can refer you to a trusted auto shop for those services. Learn more: Services not offered.
Impacts with curbs, potholes, or speed bumps can bend a rim and mimic the feel of unbalanced tires. Signs include: - Vibration in the steering wheel or seat (depending on which wheel is affected) - Uneven tire treadwear - Increased road noise (droning or thumping in the cabin) - Decreased fuel efficiency - Poor handling
We offer wheel and rim repair and refinishing. Some steel wheels can be straightened; aluminum wheels typically cannot be reshaped and may require dedicated wheel-repair specialists. If we can’t complete the repair in-store, we’ll recommend a qualified shop.
At most tire centers, a tire purchase typically includes: - Professional mounting and computer balancing - New valve stems or TPMS service kits (as needed) - Old tire disposal - Tire rotation and balance service at recommended intervals - Flat repair (where repairable) and routine safety checks - Mileage and workmanship warranties from the manufacturer - Optional road-hazard protection
At Discount Tire, you also get free lifetime rotation and rebalancing with your tire purchase, plus free air checks and free tire safety inspections. We also offer free flat repair for most repairable tires, whether you bought them from us or not. See all we can help with: Wheel and tire services.
Discount Tire does not perform alignments, brake work, or suspension repair. Your local store can refer you to a trusted nearby shop for alignment service. Contact your nearest location via the store locator for recommendations.
If you’re near Florence, SC, your local Discount Tire is at 102 Woody Jones Blvd (29501). The team can inspect your tires and wheels, rotate and balance them, repair flats, service TPMS components, and help with wheel and rim repair/refinishing as available. Prefer to plan ahead? Book an appointment or find another store.
Ready to address vibration or upgrade your look? Explore our selection of wheels and current promotions.