When adjusting the balance of a customer’s tires, wheel weights are used to correct any imbalances. The right weight placed in the correct spot helps ensure proper tire performance.

McGee Company stocks all sizes and styles of wheel weights for passenger vehicles and trucks. We have original equipment weights manufactured by Perfect, Bada, and Plombco.  We carry lead, zinc, and steel weights coated or noncoated.  With increased concern for our environment, the industry has shifted from lead weights.

By applying the weights to the wheel in a specific, precise location, that added counterbalance weight causes the wheel’s mass to be distributed more evenly around the axis of rotation.

This ensures the wheel will rotate without vibration. Weight placement location and amount of counterbalance needed is made easy with modern wheel-balancing equipment.

Two main types of wheel weights are used: clip-on weights; and adhesive weights. The “right” wheel weight depends on both technician preference and wheel application.

Both clip-on and adhesive wheel weights are available in a variety of different materials. Most common are coated steel (to avoid rust), lead, zinc and even types of plastic, but there are also uncoated varieties as well.

Clip-on weights, an industry standard, are fastest to use in the balancing process. It’s important the profile of the clip-on weight used matches the profile of the rim flange. Failure to match the weight design to the rim properly can result in weights moving on the rim, coming off the wheel or scratching up the rim.

If the wheel does not have a flange, adhesive weights — also referred to as “stick-on” or “tape-on” weights –- are the best choice. Adhesive wheel weights are an excellent choice for customers who want their wheels to have a certain aesthetics, as weights can be placed behind spokes or integrated into elements of the wheel design. Tape-on weights come in boxes or rolls.

For adhesive weights, proper surface preparation takes more time, but helps to ensure quality balancing. Be sure the surface of the inside of the rim is clean. That includes carefully removing any existing weights and remaining adhesive residue.

It’s important to clean the wheel before applying new weights, especially with tape weights. Red shop rags usually have oil or grease on them that will prevent proper adhesion of stick-ons.  Make sure to use a scraper to get off as much as possible or an automatic adhesive removal tool then apply a spray cleaner and wipe off with a rag that doesn’t have other stains on it or let air dry.

No matter what balancing solution you use like clip on weights, stick on weights, or balancing compounds.  McGee Company has the right solution for your needs.  This includes the balancing equipment to make sure you have them in the right spot.  Check out or Wheel Service Equipment section for more info.