If a tire is not properly balanced it will wobble, causing a vibration that the driver and passengers can feel. Wheel balancing is the process of placing weights on the rim of the wheel so the tire rotates evenly. This improves traction and steering control, and extends the life of the tire.
Typical costs:
Wheel balancing can cost $6-$20 per wheel ($24-$80 for all four wheels), but it typically is about $10-$12 a wheel ($40-$40 total) depending on local labor rates, and the make and model of vehicle. This service is usually slightly more expensive at a car dealership than at a tire store or automotive repair shop. CostHelper readers report paying $24-$75 to have all four wheels balanced at a shop for an average of $50 ($12 per wheel) and $44-$70 at a dealership for an average of $53 ($13.32 per wheel).
A complete wheel balancing may include tire mounting (putting the tire on the wheel) and tire rotation (changing where an individual wheel-and-tire is located on the vehicle, because tires in front wear down faster than those in back) or these may be done separately for about $2-$10 per wheel. For example, the automotive centers at Walmart[1] charge $8 per wheel for balancing, $5 per tire for mounting and $2.50 per tire for rotation, or $11 per tire for a complete tire installation package with mounting, a new valve stem and both rotation and balancing every 7,500 miles.
Goodyear outlines a typical complete wheel-balancing service[2] : removing each tire and wheel; putting each one on a balancing machine; spinning each one to make sure the weight of the wheel and tire are balanced evenly around the axle; detecting and locating any imbalance; attaching a lead weight on the opposite side of the tire to compensate for the weight difference; and remounting the wheels on the vehicle.
Wheel balancing is typically done anytime a tire is mounted on a wheel, or if the tire is dismounted for repair and then remounted. Although a tire will gradually wear down and eventually need to be rebalanced, car experts Tom and Ray Magliozzi of the Car Talk[3] radio show say this is a slow process, and tires that are in balance tend to stay in balance; they suggest having the wheels rebalanced only if there is a shimmy or vibration, or if the tires are remounted on different rims.
Additional costs:
If needed to make sure the wheels are running parallel to each other, wheel alignment can cost $20-$100 at a repair shop or $75-$400 or more at a dealership, depending on the make and model of vehicle.
Discounts:
Mounting and balancing may be included in the cost of buying a set of new tires. Some tire sellers also include lifetime rotations, balancing and flat repairs.
Shopping for wheel balancing:
Wheel balancing is done at most car dealerships; tire dealers like Big O Tires[4] , Firestone[5] or Goodyear[6] ; car repair shops like Meineke[7] or Pep Boys[8] ; and automotive departments at retailers like Costco[9] or Sears[10] .
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence provides a searchable directory[11] of certified shops.
Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[12] .
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Last minute decision and they weren't that busy. Very nice crew, took the time and care to for my lowered car to fit on the rack without breaking anything. Price seems average for this area, not a deal or a rip.
They busted 1 of my wheel studs, didn't tell me, and replaced it with a really crappy looking lugnut. Oh, and the ride quality is worse. I paid them to do this. They looked at me straight in the face, told me the total, and sent me on my way.
If you rotate ur tires every 6000 miles at $30 a pop, then you spend $300 overt the life of the tires. My tires couldn't of cost more than $600. So why bother with the rotation?
This price was after a 10% military discount. Everyone was super nice, and seemed to appreciate my business. The technician also did a check on my clutch and shifting mechanism at no charge.
I purchased tires at firestone last year and had lifetime alignment. This year I took it for a balance of wheels whereby, It cost me $64. I was offered a one time wheel balance at $44 but i opted for the life time wheel balance so that i dont have to pay any bucks in the future.
Felt it was a littler on the high end of what it should cost but since it's next door from where I work I wouldn't have to sit at a tires plus for 2 hours like I did last time for a simple oil change.
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