Imagine that you are driving your car or truck at high speed and suddenly the steering wheel starts to shake. You may think that the problem is in the road or the suspension system, but in fact the cause may be very simple, which is the lack of alignment of the tires.
Despite the simplicity of the idea, neglecting stacking can cost you a lot, from rapid tire wear, to higher fuel consumption, and even safety risks.
In this article, we will explain to you in easy and clear language what is tire stacking, when do you need it? Why is it so important for you, your safety and your wallet. We will present the latest studies and statistics, and we will conclude by talking about how Darbek makes this process an essential part of its quality standards.
What is tire alignment?
Tire alignment is the process of balancing the weight of the wheel and the tire in a way that ensures that they rotate smoothly when driving. This is done by installing small weights (lead or metal) on the rim to compensate for any imbalance in the weight distribution.
Fixed stacking:
It is used when the defect is in one direction.
Dynamic stacking:
Most commonly, the tire is rotated on a special device to detect all imbalances and distribute weights accurately.
It is important to distinguish between tire alignment (Balancing) and angle adjustment (Alignment). The first is concerned with the distribution of weight and the second is concerned with the parallelism and angles of tires relative to the road
Why is tire alignment important?
The driver may ask: What is the real benefit of tire-stacking? The idea is simply that stacking is not just an additional service provided by workshops, but is a key element in maintaining driving comfort, tire life, and fuel economy, Below we review the most prominent reasons why stacking is necessary for every vehicle:
- COMFORT AND CONTROL:
When the tires are not properly stacked, you feel vibration in the steering wheel, especially at high speeds. This vibration not only causes discomfort, but also affects your ability to control the vehicle.
- Extending the life of tires:
Studies show that non-stacked tires wear up to 20% faster than properly stacked tires, meaning you may have to change your tires prematurely.
- Saving fuel:
According to a report published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), well-stacked tires reduce rolling resistance, saving 2-3% of fuel consumption.
- Protection of suspension and steering systems:
The vibrations caused by the lack of alignment put additional pressure on the suspension and steering system, increasing the possibility of costly breakdowns.
Stacking is not a luxury, but a necessity to protect your money and safety at the same time.
When should I stack tires?
Some may think that stacking is a procedure performed only when installing new tires, but the fact is that it is required in many situations. Knowing these cases saves you a lot of sudden failures and gives you a safer and more comfortable ride. Here are a number of cases in which tires should be reset:
- When installing new tires.
- If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel at a speed of 80 km/h or more.
- After walking on strong bumps or a shock to the tire.
- Every 10,000-15,000 km as a preventive service.
- When repairing wheels or replacing a tire.
According to a report published by ContactCars, 60% of drivers who neglected tire alignment experienced irregular wear problems and had to change their tires early.
How is the stacking done?
The driver may ask: What actually happens when the tires are placed inside the workshop? The stacking process is not complicated, but it is very accurate and depends on modern equipment that detects weight imbalance and distributes it in a balanced manner. The following is a simple explanation of the steps that are usually performed in maintenance centers:
- The tire and rim are put on a special machine.
- The device rotates at a high speed to measure any imbalance in weight.
- The place that needs extra weight is determined.
- Small weights (usually 5—50 grams) are added to the rim to correct the defect.
The difference between static and dynamic stacking:
To fully understand alignment, it is important to know that there are two basic types: static and dynamic. Each type has its own function and is used depending on the nature of the defect in the tire or wheel.
- The constant:
It treats vertical vibrations.
- Dynamic:
It treats both lateral and vertical vibrations and gives higher accuracy.
A Bridgestone study showed that dynamic stacking reduces vibration problems by 70% compared to static stacking.
How often should tiling be performed?
Many drivers may ask: Is stacking a one-time process when buying tires? The fact is that stacking needs regular follow-up like any other part of maintenance, because over time and use wheel balances change due to roads, bumps and loads.
Therefore, it is important to know the ideal timing for repositioning. Ignoring stacking for long periods may lead to an increase in fuel consumption by up to 5% in addition to shortening the life of the tire. Therefore, experts recommend stacking tires in the following cases:
- At least once a year.
- Or every 10,000-15,000 km.
- After any strong shock or replacement of a tire.
The cost of stacking:
Before going to the workshop, the driver may ask: How much will it cost me to stack the tires? In fact, this service is not as expensive as some people think. Rather, it is a small investment that will save you significant expenses in the future. Here is an overview of the average prices depending on the type of vehicle.
The cost of stacking varies depending on the type of vehicle and the size of the tires:
- Passenger cars: From 50 to 150 Saudi Riyals.
- SUVs: 150 - 250 Saudi Riyals.
- Large trucks: It may reach 400 SAR or more due to special equipment.
According to Investopedia, it confirmed that the cost of stacking, whatever it may be, remains much lower than the cost of replacing tires or repairing the suspension system.
Tips for maintaining tires after stacking:
- Check air pressure periodically.
- Rotate the tires every 10,000 km.
- Check your tires after every long journey or after going on a rough road.
- Don't neglect any abnormal vibration or sound.
Remember... Prevention and regular maintenance are key to extending the life of your tires.
The role of your path in ensuring the perfect placement:
At Darbek, we do not only manufacture high-quality tires, but also ensure that every driver has a balanced and safe driving experience. Therefore, we always recommend that our customers stack tires regularly. We support this process by:
- Providing frames designed with high precision that reduces the repeated need for stacking.
- Partnerships with certified maintenance centers that provide stacking service with the latest equipment.
- Providing awareness tips to our customers about the signs of the need for stacking.
In conclusion...
Tire stacking is not just a technical procedure performed by the workshop. It is an investment in your safety, comfort and financial savings. It reduces vibrations, extends the life of tires, protects the suspension system, and saves fuel consumption.
With Darbek tires, you choose quality from the beginning and ensure your journey is safer and smoother.
The next time you notice a vibration or when you replace your tires, don't hesitate... Start lining your tires and trust that your coach is always with you on the road.
