How to use race car scales?

In motorsports, proper vehicle weight distribution is one of the most important factors towards success. This means that you must balance and set up the chassis by accurately measuring the weight on each corner of the vehicle. The most effective way to do this is to use racing scales.

However, to receive the most accurate weighing results, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the principles of the technology operation. No less important is to choose the quality race car scales that ensure the best accuracy on the market.

In this guide, we will introduce you to the LABA7 wireless car scale system, and you will also learn how to use racing scales, including the assembling of the scales, the first launch, setting up the software, and weighing the vehicle.

Table of contents:

• How do race car scales work?
• Overview of LABA7 racing scales
• How to use race car scales?
  • Assembling the equipment
  • Launching the scales
  • Weighing a car
• Racing scales maintenance
• Bottom line

How do race car scales work?

In a nutshell, race car scales, also known as corner weight scales, work by measuring the weight distribution of a race car across its tires separately. Each weighing pad includes a load sensor that measures the force exerted by the vehicle’s weight on each tire.

There can be two types of racing scales – it’s either a wireless (works through Bluetooth) or a wired one. But no matter the type of device, the weight data from each load pad is sent to the central software panel where it gets analyzed. With the LABA7 car scale system, you receive data analytics in the Android or iOS application.

By using the weight distribution measurements, you can make adjustments to the suspension for corner balancing, and fine-tune ride height as well as other parameters to achieve the desired balance.

Overview of LABA7 racing scales

Award-winning LABA7 wireless racing scales have been built for somewhat any type of motorsports vehicle, including go-karts, heavy trucks, and drift cars, among others.
The technology includes four corner weighing pads, all constructed from billet aluminum to ensure minimal deflection of only 1 mm. Each weighing unit is equipped with an integrated load sensor that guarantees weighing results with an accuracy of 0.015%.

1. Leveling feet (1-4.)
2. Leveling bubble.
3. Carriage handle.
4. Load cell (1-4.)
5. Battery compartment.
6. Power ON button.
7. LED indicator.

Here, you can also find the technical specifications of the LABA7 wireless billet racing scales:

As you’ve figured, the LABA7 weighing technology works with an in-house-built application compatible with iOS and Android devices. The application ensures you can access required data even on the go, which is extremely beneficial for intense moments at the race. Keen to learn more about it? Continue to the LABA7 page for wireless race car scales.

How to use race car scales?

If you’re considering getting racing scales or already have them, it’s crucial to learn how to use them correctly. The LABA7 scales have been built with a focus on an intuitive device interface. Hence, the technology doesn’t require additional advanced technical preparation next to your already existing mechanical knowledge.

Below, you will find steps for the main stages of setting up and using the LABA7 car weight scaling system:

Assembling the equipment

For the sake of efficiency, modern LABA7 scales have been built in a way so that you can assemble them in no time. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Unpack the car scales. 
2. Mount the leveling feet by screwing them in from the bottom side of the pad.
3. Install the batteries into the scale pads.

Launching the scales

Before launching the scales, make sure to download the LABA7 Car Scales application from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Once the app is on your smartphone or tablet, you’re ready to move on to the following steps for launching the car scale system for the first time:

1. Place every pad on the ground.
2. Launch the LABA7 app.
3. Turn on all the pads using the button located near the battery compartment. The blue light indicates that the pad is in connection mode.
4. Head to the LABA7’s app settings menu and choose the “Setup devices” option. You will see that every wheel has its pad named (F – Front, R – Rear, L – Left, R – Right.) 
5. Tap on a desired pad, such as R-L, and then select the corresponding scale pad name to connect it to Bluetooth.
6. Repeat step 5 with the rest of the weighing units.

Note that you will need to use physical pads according to the way you set everything up in the app for the first time. For example, the R-R will always need to go under the rear right wheel.

Weighing a car

There are two ways you can weigh a vehicle using the LABA7 pads – it’s either measuring the total weight of the car or weighing out the car’s corner weight.

If you need to measure the total weight of a vehicle, you can choose between bubble leveling or laser leveling. The bubble leveling method uses a 3-point leveling system which is achieved by the three leveling feet located on the sides of the scale pads. And as for the car’s corner weight, laser leveling is the best option.

1. Unscrew two side feet (as shown in the image,) to the point they are not touching the ground. 
2. Adjust the scale pad by turning the rest of the three leveling feet with the Allen key until the bubble settles in the middle.
3. Hand-tighten the side leveling feet, which were previously unscrewed, until they touch the ground.
4. Unscrew the middle foot, previously used for leveling, until it no longer can reach the ground.

Weighing out corner weight (laser leveling)

1. closely as possible with the center of the scale pad.
2. Put the leveling figures on the scale pads as shown in the image.
3. Place the laser in front of the car and adjust it so that the laser beam points at the upper part of the leveling figures, as presented in the image.
4. Use an Allen key to adjust the pad, ensuring that the laser points to the same spot on every leveling pin. This adjustment involves turning the three leveling feet until the desired alignment is achieved.
5. Hand-tighten the previously unscrewed side feet until they touch the ground. Simultaneously, unscrew the middle foot used for leveling to the point where it no longer makes contact with the ground.
6. Repeat the process with each pad separately and then weigh a car.

In the long run, you may want to calibrate the pads for more accurate results. However, we recommend you take a look at our LABA7 car scales user manual before starting the process.

Racing scales maintenance

It is essential to perform regular maintenance on a device to ensure its continuous proper functioning. Therefore, make sure to complete these tasks regularly:

• Changing the sliding pad oil. If you’re using the sliding pad accessory, regular oil changes are essential. The frequency of oil changes depends on the working environment, with increased dust and dirt requiring more frequent changes. Using clean oil ensures in smooth sliding of the pad.
• Cleaning the threads of leveling feet. Regular cleaning of the pad’s leveling feet threads from dirt ensures long-lasting performance. You can clean them by unscrewing and blowing off the dust with compressed air or using a wipe.
• Changing the batteries. Dead batteries are inevitable. However, you can easily change them into new ones and continue your analysis. All you have to do is to remove the two screws securing the battery compartment lid, open it, and install the batteries according to the polarity instructions inside the compartment.

Is it worth getting race car scales?

Race car scales are worth considering for those deeply involved in motorsports or competitive racing, and those simply aiming to achieve precise chassis setups.

Below, you will find the main advantages that sum up why getting the vehicle weigh pads system can be a good idea:

• Precise tuning. Portable vehicle scales are unmatchable in ensuring precise weight distribution and optimal vehicle balance. The collected weight data allows you to find the engineering flaws quickly.
• Mastering the chassis setup. Balance is one of the key aspects of correct chassis setup, as it regulates how the car rotates and maintains traction during turns. You can use car weighing technology to get detailed insights, which will help you adjust suspension components, enhance wheel alignment, and optimize the car’s overall balance.
• Vehicle performance analysis. The weight distribution data collected from the portable scales helps you identify gaps for improvement and fine-tune the car’s setup for optimal track performance.
• Intuitive software. Unlike with cheap car scales, with LABA7 ones you receive user-friendly applications that enable you to access the weight distribution data of your car, whether you’re stationary or on the go. This feature allows you to address any balance issues that may arise in critical situations.

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