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.

Related articles: Tires, Wheel Alignment, Brakes, Chrome Wheels

What should be included:

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] .

Post

Comments (37)

CostHelper News

7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013

7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013



	‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Page 2 of 2 - << Previous 1 2

Wheel Balancing for all four tires

Amount: $69.23

Posted by: a user in Rockville, MD.	Posted: August 14th, 2017 10:08AM
Car Make: Nissan	Car Model: Altima
Auto Shop: Goodyear Rockville

Steering wheel was shaking at speeds over 60 MPH, needed wheel balancing to fix.

Was this post helpful to you? yes no