Essential tips for becoming master of your wheel weight domain

Sitting at just an ounce or two each, it’s easy to misunderstand the impact of wheel weights. After all, what harm could possibly come from a tire and wheel assembly being unbalanced by a single ounce? Despite their small size, wheel weights have a huge impact on avoiding the misalignment and potential damage of the vehicle. Yet, installing this seemingly simple product takes more care in the shop than one might think.

“A wheel weight is required to do two things very well; balance a wheel and not fall off,” says TJ Ford, general manager of BADA/Cascade Wheel Weights. “When weights dislodge, the imbalance can cause premature tire failure and suspension wear if not addressed.”

Let’s dive into what you need to know as well as a few common mistakes and best practices surrounding wheel weight technology to help tire dealers enhance their service quality.

There are two main styles of wheel weights in the marketplace – clip-on and adhesive stick-ons – and each has pros and cons. Knowing which style to use and when can mean the difference between a happy customer and a come-back.

Eric Dienethal, product manager at Wegmann Automotive, breaks down the difference:

“With clip-ons, it is important to know what type of lip flange the wheel has,” Dienethal says. “If the wrong clip type is used, there is a great chance for the clip to pop off the wheel, causing an imbalance, a bumpy ride, and an upset customer. Fortunately, there are training aids like a wheel weight rim gauge tool, which a technician can use to find the specific clip-on type that fits the wheel perfectly.

“With adhesives, there are no worries about choosing the correct lip type, as this wheel weight is placed directly onto the wheel with a high-stick adhesive,” he adds. “That said, preparation is still key to ensure proper adhesion. After determining the weight needed and location, the technician will need to remove any dirt and debris in the area to achieve a clean, dry surface. If not prepped correctly, adhesion may not occur, and the wheel weight may fall off at increased speeds.”

Wheel weights aren’t exactly a complicated technology, but there are a few best practices to follow to make the most out of them during installation:

Removing existing wheel weights can be a major chore without the right knowledge. Here are a few tips from the pros to turn the task into a piece of cake:

Here’s a bonus tip from Ford regarding your shop’s wheel weight stock: Opt to use a trusted, reputable product.

“There is an influx of import adhesive weights out there,” he says. “While many of these adhesive tapes perform adequately, they may not withstand extreme temperatures reliably. Selecting an adhesive weight with an all-season tape takes these concerns away.”

Believe it or not, the wheel weight industry has seen several recent technological advancements aimed at improving performance and compliance with environmental regulations.

Traditionally, Dienethal says, wheel balancing weights have been made with high-density lead because of its low cost, ease of manufacturing, and effortless installation. However, due to concerns by some, government agencies have started to ban lead wheel weights. In fact, there are nine states in the U.S. with lead laws, and Canada also recently enacted a lead wheel weight law in early 2024. This leaves consumers with wheel weights made with different types of metals. The two major alternatives are zinc and steel weights.

“Zinc can be molded and can replicate the ease of application of a lead wheel weight at the expense of a larger size,” Dienethal says. “Steel wheel weights are the next economical choice. They have a slightly higher density than zinc but are not nearly as malleable. Steel is also not resistant to corrosion, so it is critical to coat the entire weight, including the underside of an adhesive style weight, to protect it from the elements.”

When steel wheel weights were first introduced as a viable alternative to lead, the industry recognized an issue that had to be addressed: how could manufacturers achieve the softness of lead while keeping costs competitive? Dienethal has the answer.

“There have been advancements in manufacturing that can encapsulate a steel wheel weight in a rugged plastic shell. This plastic steel, Plasteel, increases corrosion resistance to an exceptional level and provides a soft, malleable material that ensures a secure yet easy installation process,” he says. “This lead-free alternative allows local shops in lead-banned areas to experience minimal disruption in services without the worry of carrying a banned substance.”

The adhesives themselves haven’t been forgotten during this wheel weight technological renaissance, Dienethal adds, as there has also been an increased focus on providing adhesive weights at various performance and tolerance levels. With advancements in a wider bonding range, manufacturers enhanced the likelihood of successful installations by increasing the adhesive tolerances in extreme weather applications. Not only does it offer quick adhesion in sub-freezing temperatures, but it can also withstand wheel temperatures exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit.