Do rim protectors affect tire pressure or balance?
Do they change tire pressure?
AlloyGator says that if their ring is fitted correctly, it will not affect the inflation of the tire. Rimblades and RimSavers don't say whether a stick-on strip changes tire pressure.
After you fit an AlloyGator, check the pressure one hour later, then at the intervals in your owner's manual.
Which pressure should you use?
NHTSA says the greatest air pressure marked on the tire is not the pressure the vehicle maker recommends. Use the door label or the owner's manual for that pressure.
NHTSA doesn't mention rim protectors.
Do they change wheel balance?
Rimblades says no, because the weight is equal around the wheel. RimBlades in the US says the pieces are lightweight and the weight is even along the wheel, so they will not cause a balancing issue.
Does AlloyGator say the ring changes balance?
AlloyGator's balancing article doesn't say whether the ring changes the balance. It says to balance the wheel again when you fit a new tire, and typically every 5,000 to 6,000 miles, or follow the vehicle maker.
Where should the wheel weights sit?
RimSavers says balance weights need to be fitted inside the wheels and removed from the lip. Rimblades doesn't say where the weights should sit.
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Sources
- AlloyGator: if fitted correctly, the ring does not affect tire inflation, and you should check the pressure one hour after fitting
- NHTSA TireWise: use the door label or the owner's manual for pressure, not the maximum on the tire
- Rimblades: the weight is equal around the wheel, so balance is not affected
- RimBlades US: the pieces are lightweight and the weight is even, so they will not cause a balancing issue
- AlloyGator wheel balancing guide: balance again with a new tire, and about every 5,000 to 6,000 miles
- RimSavers fitting: fit balance weights inside the wheel and remove them from the lip