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Technologies for remotely tracking the movement of automobiles have existed for decades, but earlier versions were typically limited in range, efficiency, and/or lifespan. The advent of GPS technology, however, has led to the development of devices that enable the reliable tracking of a vehicle’s location, speed, and direction of travel from virtually anywhere on the globe. Since such tracking devices are no longer solely the province of spy films and literature, it's not so far-fetched that some people might be concerned whether any such gadgets have been furtively introduced to their own vehicles, a concept represented by the following meme: Of course, those in the know recognize this meme to be a joke, and a rather ridiculous one at that. But to whatever extent the meme works, it does so because it references an object that is common in the automotive world, yet many motorists remain unaware of what its actual function is. The object seen here is variously known as a wheel weight, a balance weight, or a wheel balance weight: These weights have nothing to do with tracking — they are used during the process of a wheel balance (or wheel rebalance), a procedure that ensures tires and wheels have equal weight distribution so as to eliminate vibration and excessive or uneven tire wear: If you see any of these on your car, leave them alone — they've been placed there for an important, non-governmental reason.
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