Do All Four Tires Need Wheel Weights?

Short answer: Yes, usually.
All four tires should have wheel weights (if needed) to ensure proper balance, unless a tire is already perfectly balanced—which is rare. Here’s why:

1. Why All Four Tires Need Balancing

Each tire/wheel is unique – Manufacturing variations mean no two tires or wheels have identical weight distribution.

Dynamic imbalance affects ride quality – Even one unbalanced tire can cause:

• Steering wheel shake (front tires).
• Body vibrations (rear tires).
• Uneven tread wear (leading to early replacement).

Safety & component longevity – Unbalanced wheels stress suspension, bearings, and drivetrain parts.

2. When a Tire Might Not Need Weights

• Factory-perfect balance(very rare, but some high-end wheels/tires may need minimal or no weights).
• Using alternative balancing methods(e.g., balancing beads inside the tire).
• Temporary spare tires(non-full-size spares typically don’t require balancing).

3. Risks of Skipping Wheel Weights on Any Tire

• Vibrations at highway speeds(often felt in the seat, steering wheel, or floor).
• Premature tire wear(cupping, scalloping, or edge wear).
• Suspension damage(excessive load on shocks, struts, or wheel bearings).

4. How to Know if a Tire Needs Weights

Professional spin balancing – A tire machine detects imbalance and calculates required weight.

DIY check (manual method):

• Jack up the wheel and spin it.
• Let it stop naturally—the heaviest spot will settle at the bottom.
• Repeat; if it consistently stops in the same position, weights are needed.

5. Best Practices

• Always balance new tires– Even if the old weights seem adequate, new tires have different weight distributions.
• Recheck after repairs– Patching or plugging a tire can alter its balance.
• Use adhesive weights for alloy wheels– They’re hidden and won’t damage the rim.

Final Verdict

Unless a tire is confirmed balanced by a machine (showing "0g" correction needed), all four tires should have wheel weights when mounted. Skipping balancing risks vibrations, uneven wear, and costly long-term damage.

Pro Tip: If you dislike visible clip-on weights, ask for stick-on weights (placed on the wheel’s inner barrel) or consider balancing beads for a hidden solution.