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Vibration

Abnormal vibration, if not caused by a mechanical problem, will most often be the result of one or more unbalanced wheels.

Fig. 3-2. Effect of tire inflation pressure on wear pattern.
Condition A is normal.
Condition B is overinflation which increases wear in center of tire tread.
Condition C is underinflation which increases wear on outer edges of tire tread.
Dimension b is tire contact area.

Before spending the money for wheel balancing, look for an obvious cause of wheel imbalance. Caked-on mud or ice and snow can dramatically affect wheel balance. Clean the wheels and tires and road test the car before investigating more serious causes.

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