So, you have finally made the decision to replace the old dry rotted, and unsafe tires on your car? You found a good brand of tires at a good price and now you are asking yourself how much will cost to mount and balance tires.
- Why Changing Tires Matter
- When Should I Replace Them
- What Is The Cost?
- Tire Mounting Process
- Tire Balancing Process
- Tire Facts
- Conclusion
- FAQs
The cost to mount and balance tires may vary. Depending on the shop where you are getting this service done. Some shops are more expensive and some are less expensive. Many shops do balancing for free if you buy the tires from them.
Balancing your tires will improve the overall stability of your vehicle. When tires are balanced it means that the thread lies evenly on the road and your tires would not be eaten from the inside or the outside. There are some cases with people that run their cars on unbalanced tires and change them prematurely.
In addition to this, your car will be safer and the chance of getting into an accident caused by worn-out or unbalanced tires will be minimal. Also, the other participants in the traffic will benefit. Because with new tires your car will brake easier in emergencies.
New tires also offer better handling in low-grip situations like rain or black ice. In these conditions by running your car with worn tires, you are probably going to cause a major accident. So, change and balance your tires regularly.
In this article, we are going to discuss prices, and some tips and tricks when it comes to doing your tires properly, so follow along.
Cost To Mount And Balance Tires: Why Change Your Tires
Changing your tires on-time matters because the tires keep you on the road. They are made out of rubber, and this rubber over time starts to degrade and dissolve. You can easily spot worn-out tires.
There is minimum or even no thread left on them. You can also notice cracks are starting to appear and the tire starting to look very sketchy. These tires are not safe anymore and need proper replacement.
If you do not replace them on time some issues may appear. Your brake distance will hugely increase, causing your ABS system to engage all the time. Because your tires don’t grip at all and are starting to slip when you apply the brake.
This may involve you in accidents. I’m saying this to you because I was one of those people that do not change their tires very often. And I have experienced these things first hand.
Cost To Mount And Balance Tires: When To Replace Tires
Replacing the tires is a smart thing to do every three to five years. It doesn’t matter if the tire looks good and has low miles on it. That doesn’t mean that the tire kept its driving characteristics.
You can touch them and you will see that they don’t feel very rubbery anymore, and the feel is more like you are touching a hard plastic. And this “plastic” would not work well in the conditions when you are out in traffic or on the highway.
When you see that you are closing to that 5-year mark. It’s better to save some money and plan on your next tire purchase. Look online for tire reviews and study the market and see which tires are the best performers for your budget. And also look for a shop and their cost to mount and balance tires.
Cost To Mount And Balance Tires: Choosing The Right Shop
Choosing the right shop for this process is a very tricky thing to do. Because there are plenty of shops that are doing sketchy work.
Ask a friend to give you a recommendation if you have one that is into cars. Or look online and find some shop that has a decent number of positive reviews. This is probably a good sign when it comes to this type of work.
After you get there, you can also talk to the people and see how they work. And if you don’t like it, you can just go away and look for a new shop to do your tire job properly.
Mount And Balance Tires
This is the most important part of every tire change, the price. Here in the US, the cheapest places where you can get these things done are Company, BJ’s, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sears, and Walmart.
If you own a regular car, it can cost you anywhere from $50 up to $200 per tire if you purchase it new. And if you own an SUV it can go from $100 to a couple of hundred dollars. SUV tires are bigger and that’s why they are more expensive to buy.
Mounting is going to cost you anywhere from $13 to $45 per single tire. Balancing on the other hand starts at a price of $36 for all four tires. Think of an average price of $20 per tire for mounting and balancing.
Prices may look expensive, but there are many shops that offer discounts on these services if you buy the tires from them.
If you own an exotic, you will probably pay some more money for this job. Because not every shop does these expensive vehicles and you will probably have to go with the most expensive option out there. But that are the downsides of owning exotics.
SUVs are similar, the complete tire change, mounting, and balancing of the tires may set you back a grand or two depending on your model and the tires you are getting.
So before getting a vehicle you need to make these calculations first. To be on the safe side when it comes to regular maintenance and to have a clear understanding of the cost to operate these vehicles. So, if you are low on budget, it is a better idea to get a regular Camry.
How To Mount Tires
Mounting tires is a fairly easy process. Nowadays there are machines that are doing this with little human assistance. The worker is placing your tire on the machine and the machine is doing everything by itself.
In the past, things were different and it was an extremely difficult and painstaking process of removing a tire from a steel rim. But now everything has changed. And also, the prices are fairly cheap and affordable for everyone.
One thing that the worker needs to be aware of, is to take care of your rims properly. If you go to some shop where they do not care about customers’ rims. You are probably going to find them all scratched when you check them at home.
In order to prevent this issue. It is smart to see how they work and even warn them to take care of your wheels when they are doing the process. After the mounting process. The first thing to do is inspect the rims carefully and check if there are any scratches. If there are scratches you should notice them and ask the shop to fix that for you. Because you didn’t give them the rims for them to destroy.
How To Balance Tires
The balancing process is fairly simple and straightforward. The worker at the shop will put your newly mounted tire on a special machine that will spin the tire at high speed.
This machine will look for imperfections in the rim and will find the sweet spot where some counterweight needs to be installed. In order to deliver a proper rotation without any hiccups.
This will guarantee that your tire will work evenly and you will not get uneven wear. Uneven wear may cause you to waste your tires prematurely. If the tires not laying flat on the road will wear on the right or on the left side. This will cause the tires to go bad after a few thousand miles.
If not addressed this may take you into trouble and possibly some life-threatening situations. Especially if your tire goes pop on the highway while you are going a hundred miles per hour.
In this situation, you may cause a bigger accident and also hurt yourself and also hurt other motorists. So, do your balancing properly in order to protect your tires and also keep yourself and the ones around you safe and sound.
How To Balance Tires Yourself
Personally, I always support and encourage doing DIY stuff on your car. But when it comes to tires, I would recommend you to leave this job to professionals. They know what they are doing and they have the proper equipment to do this job properly without mistakes and also without causing damage to your wheels.
But let’s explain why I’m claiming this. If you are doing all the process by yourself with common tools you will likely nick and damage your alloys. Modern rims are made out of aluminum, a metal that is easy to scratch or nick because it is so soft and you need to be very gentle with it.
The second thing is balancing. This requires a special machine that you need to put the tire on. Then the machine will decide on which point of the rim you need to put some counterweight. In order for the wheel to spin perfectly. That process cannot be done without proper equipment.
So, as we said. Leave this job to professionals who know what they are doing, and have the right equipment to perform this task.
Some Fun Facts About Cost To Mount And Balance Tires
Before we dive into explaining what tire balancing is, first let’s discuss some basic frequently asked questions. Questions that beginners are asking themselves before they need to do their first tire change.
What Tire Size Do I Need To Get For My Vehicle
The tire size you need to get is written on the sidewall on your existing tires that you want to replace. You will find the dimensions written like this, 205/55/16. And now let’s explain what these numbers mean.
- 205 is the width of the tire, the wider the tire the more surface it covers which in other words translates to better contact with the asphalt and better grip in the process. This is measured in metric units, so your tire is 205 millimeters wide.
- 55 is the height of the sidewall of your tire. This is important because if you want a comfortable drive you need to get tires that have a bigger sidewall. 50+ is recommended to have in order to get comfort on the road. Especially if there are a lot of potholes. The higher sidewall will also keep your rims safe from cracking. For example, if you run on a pothole at high speed. A tire with a small sidewall will likely take a bigger hit and break your rim. This may be a pain to fix and if it’s too far gone you will need a new rim. So, if you don’t drive a fast sports car get tires with decent sidewall height.
- The third important aspect is the rim size. They are measured in inches. So, in our example, the rim size is 16 inches. The bigger the rim the bigger the tire you will need to put on. So, keep that in mind. The best option is to drive with the factory spec rims and wheels. Remember that, with this wheel size your car was tested out. And that’s why they picked this specific tire. If you install anything above the recommended size, the car will behave differently and also will burn more fuel than usual. And finally, the engine will take a bigger hit because it will need more energy to move these bigger tires.
What Brand Should I Choose
When getting a new set of tires try to choose the brand wisely. Not every tire is good for you and your car. Some brands make better quality tires than others. And the performance of each tire brand varies. So, choosing good tires for your budget is a must.
If you do not have a lot of money to spend on tires, the best idea is to go for a tier 2 brand. We call them this because they are owned by companies who make premium tires and these brands are their cheaper options.
These tires are priced accordingly and their prices are very similar to the competition. So before getting a new pair of tires open up google and search for reviews of the specific tires and also search for the cost to mount and balance tires.
There are many first-hand reviews that will come in handy for you and will help you out when choosing. Go with the tires that have the best reviews. You will probably make the right choice because most of the reviews are sincere and transparent.
I wouldn’t recommend going for tier 3 or 4 tires. They are usually plasticky and offer poor grip. Your ride quality could be terrible and also the stopping distance will put you at risk of an accident.
Can I Replace Only One Tire
It is not recommended to replace a single tire. This is because the tread pattern is not the same on every tire. You can do this job and fix it for a small period of time. But if you plan on running the tires for a long time. It is recommended to replace them in a pair or all four at once.
Changing only one tire may cause your vehicle to get unstable at high speed because the tread wear is uneven and also the thread pattern is not the same. This may cause vibrations and all sorts of unpleasant things while you are driving. So, don’t do this unless you are in a tight situation where you need your car as soon as possible.
My Tire Is Flat, Do I Need To Buy A New One
That depends. If you have a gigantic hole in your tire, you will probably need to get a new tire at the tire shop. Holes or damage on the sidewalls is also a challenge to fix. But if you have a pinhole caused by a nail or a screw, it is easily repairable. You just need a repair kit.
These kits are cheap and easy to find at every parts store. Just get a decent brand and you will be good to go. If you want to repair the tire by yourself you first need to find the hole. Then follow the instructions that come with the kit. Spread the hole for the repair process to commence and then apply the patch.
I will also attach a video on the full process of repairing these holes for you to learn.
If you are not mechanically inclined or you are not interested in fixing your flat tires. You can always take your car to a tire repair shop (unless you’re willing to learn how to plug a tire). They will charge you for this and it’s not a very expensive process.
After that, you are ready to go for another 10 thousand miles.
Do I Need To Balance My Tires
Balancing your tires is a must if you want the thread to be even. If you leave them unbalanced the thread will wear unevenly and cause premature failure of the tire. This may take you to accidents and other very dangerous situations. So, it is smart to balance your tires.
This process is a bit pricey but it is worth it. So, if your tires are not balanced go to your local tire shop and balance your tires before they wear unevenly. If they are not laying flat and if you let them wear unevenly. They will be junk after two thousand miles or so.
In this case, you will pay twice for your actions, and you do not want that to happen.
Is It Fine If I Run Winter Tires In Summer And Vice Versa
It’s not ok to run your winter tires in the summer and your summer tires in the winter. Namely, because these types of tires are made for a specific purpose. One is made to be soft and gentle with its big thread intended to tackle the snow and stick on the ice. And the summer tire is made to be harder in order to tackle the high temperatures on the asphalt in the hot summer months with ease.
Driving your winter tires in summer is going to cause a reduction on the thread by a huge margin. And after two years of use, you may throw your tires in the trash can. This is the case because winter tires are extremely soft and will melt on the boiling tarmac. These temperatures will eat the thread quicker than usual and that will result in premature wear.
In the second case. If you drive your summer tires in the winter it may cause some incidents. Namely, your car will eventually get stuck in the snow and you will not be able to drive it out without help.
This can be bad, especially if you are in a terrain that is far away from any roadside assistance available. This may become a huge headache for you. Also, in addition to that, if you run your summer tires in the winter it will cause the car to slide on the ice. Especially if it’s black ice and you cannot spot it. This can be very dangerous for you and your car. In the worst-case scenario, you may hurt yourself and other people around you, because your braking distance will be really far.
So, go with your winter tires in the winter and take your summer tires out in the warm weather.
When Is Recommended To Change Tires
It is recommended to change after 3-5 years of usage, or 15,000 miles. Depending on the tire and the manufacturer. Some tires last longer, some don’t. So, before you purchase a new set of tires you can do a little research and find one which will last the longest.
They are changed after 3 years of usage because the rubber becomes hard and it loses its ability to do its job properly. So, although your tires may look good and have meat on them. If you press them hard you will feel that they are hard as a rock. It will not stick to the road and lose traction in some situations when you need that extra braking power.
Facts: How Much Does It Cost to Mount and Balance Tires?
- Balancing is part of regular car maintenance to ensure better drive train performance, a smooth ride, and reduced tire wear.
- The exact cost of mounting and balancing tires will depend on many factors, such as tire size, location, and the company doing the job.
- The cost of mounting and balancing tires is higher for larger vehicles with bigger tires.
- As of writing, you can expect to pay from $13 to $45 to mount one tire or $52 to $180 for four tires.
- The cost of balancing would be around $10 to $15 for each tire or approximately $40 to $60 for all tires.
- Some companies charge lower than others, and some offer packages wherein balancing is already included in the installation or mounting price.
- Walmart, Discount Tire, BJs, NTB, and Costco are reliable companies that can mount and balance your off-road vehicle tires at a cost-efficient price.
- The cost of mounting and balancing tires at Walmart ranges from $90 to $106, depending on the tires and services availed.
- Some tire servicing companies offer road hazard coverage or warranties that cost around 15% or 16% of the tire’s price tag, valid for a specific period.
- Professionals recommend replacing four tires at the same time, and tire balancing should be done every 24 months or every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Cost To Mount And Balance Tires: In Conclusion…
When you are about to reach 5-year-old tires you can go online and find some new tires to buy and find out about the cost to mount and balance tires locally. But before you do that you can read and learn some of the tips that we shared with you here.
We went deep into this problematics with the tire mounting and balancing process. We also shared some very useful facts about the tires and their characteristics. Now we come to the conclusion, and that is to ensure that you change your tires frequently and drive safely on the road. Be an example that other people will follow.
FAQs On Cost To Mount And Balance Tires
If you’re still curious to learn more about how much does it cost to mount and balance tires, our FAQs here might help…
How Much Do Tires Cost
The cost of a new set of tires will vary depending on several key factors. Mainly, it’ll differ depending on what brand, style, and size of tires you’re planning to get. For example, a bigger tire, with robust or heavy-duty construction, and one made by a reputable brand, will cost more. As a rough estimate, lower-end or cheaper tires would cost around $50 to $150 per tire. Meanwhile, your more run-of-the-mill and average-spec tire would likely cost around $100 to $300 per tire. On the other hand, higher-spec or high-end tires, such as those used for performance cars or off-roading, could cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per tire. It’s crucial to ensure that you pick the right tire to not only get more for your money but also ensure that you’re making the most out of your car.
How Much Does Walmart Charge To Install Tires
Here in the US, one of the most popular destinations to get new tires is, surprisingly, Walmart. They have a huge selection of tires and they also have auto-related services where they can help you to install those tires on your car. However, a tire installation at Walmart isn’t free. Their most basic installation package will see you paying them $15 per tire to have them installed on your car. This means that for all four tires, you’ll be paying Walmart $60 for an all-around tire installation. Although, this is only if you purchase those tires from Walmart, too. If you bought tires elsewhere and bring them to Walmart for installation, you’ll have to pay another $10 on top of that. Walmart also has a costlier $25-per-tire installation package, if you want additional perks like a warranty.
How Much To Mount And Balance Tires
On average, mounting and balancing your tires will cost around $20 per tire. Specifically, mounting a tire will set you back between $15 to $45 per tire. Therefore, mounting four tires would cost you between $60 to $180, on average. Meanwhile, balancing is likely to cost you around $36 for all four tires. There are several factors that determine just how much it may cost to mount and balance tires. Mainly, it’ll differ based on your tire size – i.e. larger tires are costlier to mount and balance compared to smaller ones. On top of that, the location of where you’re mounting and balancing tires, as well as the shop that you’re working with, will also affect the price. Moreover, the type of tires that you’re mounting and balancing, like winter tires, may impact the final tally, too.
How Long Does It Take To Balance Tires
Tire balancing is oftentimes a pretty simple and straightforward service for your car to undergo. In most cases, a tire balancing job would take only 45 minutes to complete. This is so, as most of the time, the tire balancing machine would do most of the work, alongside a trained technician. This is unlike the old days, where tire balancing would require doing a test drive by a technician, where balance is determined by feel. However, tire balancing might sometimes take upwards of 2 hours to complete. Usually, a new tire that’s not been too severely unbalanced won’t take as long to work on. On the other hand, older tires that have taken quite a lot of beating while on the road will take more time, effort, and work to re-balance.
How To Put A Tire On A Rim
To save yourself the elbow grease, installing a tire on a rim is best done at a shop, using a special machine. This machine would essentially stretch the tire slightly around the rim, and would slowly move around the rim to slot the tires in. However, it’s more than possible to do this by hand, as well. Before you do that though, it’s crucial that you pair a tire and rim of the right size. In other words, if you’re fitting in a 17-inch alloy rim, make sure that the tire isn’t designed for 16-inch or 18-inch rims. To put a tire on a rim, have the front side of the rim facing up, on flat ground. Then, lubricate the beads around the tire using something like dishwashing soap. Now, put the tire on the rim and slowly start pushing the back of the beads into the rim.