On this page
- Which tyre problems cause steering wheel vibration?
- Why does the car pull to one side?
- How can you tell the cause from the type of symptom?
- What can you check straight away yourself?
- When are vibrations a warning sign of danger?
- Could the wheel be the cause?
- Tyre going down or damaged in Milan?
- Frequently asked questions
Which tyre problems cause steering wheel vibration?
Tyre-related steering wheel vibration almost always has one of these causes:
- balancing: a lost balance weight or a wheel never balanced after fitting;
- bent wheel after hitting a pothole or kerb;
- bulge or deformation of the tyre;
- uneven wear of the tread;
- wheel bolts not tightened properly after a wheel change.
Vibration can also have causes unrelated to the tyres, such as the brakes or suspension: if the tyres turn out to be fine, have the rest checked by a garage.
Why does the car pull to one side?
The car pulls to one side mainly when one tyre has lower pressure than the others. It may be the start of a slow puncture, so it is the first thing to check.
Other causes are very different tyres on the same axle, uneven wear or wheel alignment (toe) that needs adjusting. If the pressure warning light is on, read the guide on the tyre pressure warning light.
How can you tell the cause from the type of symptom?
The type of symptom helps point you in the right direction, although the diagnosis needs confirming with a check.
| Symptom | Possible tyre-related cause |
|---|---|
| Vibration that increases with speed | Balancing, bent wheel |
| Vibration that started after an impact | Deformed wheel, bulge in the tyre |
| Car suddenly pulling to one side | Tyre going down |
| Car pulling for some time, always to the same side | Alignment, different pressures, uneven wear |
| Rhythmic noise and vibration at low speed | Embedded object, tyre deformation |
What can you check straight away yourself?
You can carry out a few simple checks yourself, with the vehicle stopped somewhere safe:
- see whether one tyre looks flatter than the others;
- check the pressure of all the wheels when cold;
- look at the sidewalls for bulges or cuts;
- look for nails, screws or objects in the tread;
- look at the edges of the wheel rims, including the inner side if you can.
When are vibrations a warning sign of danger?
Vibrations are a warning sign of danger when they appear suddenly, increase quickly or come with loud noises and the car swerving. They may indicate a tyre going down, a bulge about to give way or a wheel that is not properly secured.
In these cases slow down gradually and stop as soon as you find a safe spot, without carrying on to reach your destination. What to do is explained in how to get safe after a puncture.
Could the wheel be the cause?
Yes, a bent or dented wheel is a common cause of vibration, especially after hitting a pothole. It can also make the tyre slowly lose air.
Find out how to spot it in the guide on the damaged wheel rim.
Tyre going down or damaged in Milan?
If your check turns up a tyre that is going down, punctured or bulging, SOS Tyre comes out 24/7 across Milan and its province, in 30 minutes on average, to wherever the vehicle is. Call +39 377 326 0999 or use the request for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Is vibration at 100 km/h caused by the tyres?
Often, yes: vibration that appears at a certain speed and gets worse as you go faster is typical of an unbalanced wheel or a slightly bent rim. It is not the only possible cause, though; if the balancing is fine, other components need checking too.
I feel vibrations after changing my tyres: is that normal?
No. After new tyres are fitted, the car should not vibrate. The most common causes are balancing that needs redoing, a tyre not properly seated on the wheel or wheel bolts not tightened correctly. Have whoever fitted them check as soon as possible.
Is an off-centre steering wheel with the car going straight caused by the tyres?
A steering wheel that is off-centre when the car is going straight usually indicates an alignment problem, often after hitting a kerb or pothole. The tyres can suffer as a result, with uneven wear. Have the wheel alignment checked by a garage.
Is it normal for the car to handle differently on a space-saver?
Yes, the space-saver is narrower and different from the original tyre, so the car may pull slightly or handle less precisely. It is designed for temporary use at reduced speed: stick to the limit shown on the space-saver, typically 80 km/h.