How Much Does It Cost to Mount and Balance 4 Tires?

The automotive industry is continually changing. Whether it is the cost of a service or product, the fluctuation of that cost is a result of current supply and demand or competition in the area. 

The cost of mounting and balancing tires can vary greatly based on several variables. 

How Much Does It Cost to Mount and Balance 4 Tires?

On average, the cost to mount and balance four tires is $30. This cost may fluctuate depending on the size, type, and design of the tire and rim. This price may also vary depending on the year, make, and model of the vehicle. 

When it’s time to mount and balance your new tires, ensure you remain aware of any underlying costs or issues with your vehicle. 

This will better prepare you to have the funding on hand to pay for the process. 

If you do not get your tires mounted and balanced properly or promptly, you can risk becoming a roadside hazard to yourself and others. 

Mounting and Balancing Tires

Mounting and balancing your tires is an essential part of new tire installation. 

If you are a hands-on type of car guru, you may want to mount and balance your tires. 

Balancing and mounting tires require special equipment that not everyone has access to. 

Therefore, it is common for individuals to take their vehicle to a mechanic shop to get tires mounted and balanced, which results in a fee.

The fee associated with this process is determined by several different factors. 

These factors include the year, make, and model of the vehicle, and the size, type, and style of the tire or rim. Ultimately, the cost to perform this process depends on the rates of your service provider.

Tire Mounting and Balancing Process

The tire mounting and balancing process is a smooth one if you have the right materials to perform the job. 

Whether you are performing the process on your own or taking it to a mechanic shop, the process is generally the same.

The process begins by mounting the new tire on the old rim. 

This process can take some time, depending on the experience of the one performing the process and the tools on hand. 

Once the tire is mounted on the rim, the tire is filled to its recommended psi before it moves to the balancing stage.

To properly balance a tire, the old weights must be removed from the rim.

After removing the weights and cleaning the wheels, place the wheel on a balancer and wait for the machine to diagnose. 

Based on the diagnostics, you will then add the necessary weights to the wheels. 

Continue to make adjustments to the weight of the wheels until it is properly aligned. 

Where to Get Tires Mounted and Balanced

As previously mentioned, mounting and balancing tires is not complicated, but requires special tools and equipment for a smooth completion process.

If you do not have a balancing machine or balancer, your best bet is to take your vehicle to a local mechanic for tire mounting and balancing. 

Taking your vehicle to a mechanic shop to get the tires mounted and balanced ensures the proper tools are in use, and you don’t have to spend time fighting with the rim and the tire. 

Importance of Balancing Tires

You may be wondering if you can skip balancing your tires after they are mounted. 

While your vehicle will still drive with unbalanced tires, it is not recommended you drive on them.

Driving on unbalanced tires can cause multiple issues including faster tire wear. 

Getting new tires mounted then turning around and driving on them unbalanced is counterproductive as you will be replacing your new tires before you know it. 

Several other issues resulting from unbalanced tires include uneven wear, vibration in the steering wheel, uncomfortable ride, drivetrain and vehicle suspension problems, and poor gas mileage. 

Uneven wear

Uneven tire wear is one of the most common issues people face when they drive with unbalanced tires.

When a vehicle has uneven wear on its tires, it causes a bumpy and uncomfortable ride.

Vibration in the steering wheel

Unbalanced tires cause vibration in the steering wheel, which can become annoying after some time. 

This vibration can ultimately cause your vehicle to become misaligned. 

Uncomfortable ride

The vibration throughout the vehicle mixed with uneven tire wear results in an uncomfortable riding position.

Unless you want to feel like you’re constantly being thrown around, it is vital to get your tires balanced if you desire to experience a smooth and comfortable ride.

Can affect the drivetrain and vehicle suspension

When a vehicle’s tires are worn unevenly due to unbalanced tires, it can become difficult to shift gears. 

When it happens, it can affect the drivetrain and suspension of your vehicle. 

Poor gas mileage

The uneven wear on the tires mixed with the vibration it causes can result in poor gas mileage. 

This is because, at higher speeds, traction is lost and results in the loss of fuel economy. 

Balancing your tires is a must when mounting if you want to get the most out of your new tires.

It is also a vital step to ensure your vehicle is driving properly and is road safe. 

Mounting and Balancing Tires FAQs

Is mounting and balancing tires the same as alignment?

No, mounting and balancing tires is not the same as getting an alignment. 

However, balancing tires is part of the alignment process. 

Mounting and balancing your tires is a process to replace worn tires and improve the wear on your new tires. 

An alignment focuses on repositioning the wheels themselves to ensure a smooth ride. 

How long does mounting and balancing take?

To mount and balance a set of four tires, you can expect to wait anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. 

The state of the tire and the equipment in use will affect how long it takes to complete the process.

Does wheel balance affect steering?

Balancing your tires helps them wear evenly and the vehicle to ride smoothly.

If tires are not balanced, you may experience a bumpy ride and vibration in the steering wheel, along with other vehicle damage.

Why is balancing wheels vital to performance?

Driving on balanced tires is vital if you want a smooth and comfortable ride while keeping your vehicle in good shape.

If you do not have balanced tires, you will experience a rough ride, vibration in the steering wheel, and poor gas mileage. 

Is it expensive to get your tires mounted and balanced?

Getting your tires mounted and balanced is a very cost-effective and vital part of vehicle maintenance. 

On average, it costs $30 to get a tire mounted and balanced, with an average of $120 to get all four tires mounted and balanced. 

How much does it cost to swap tires?

Swapping out four tires that are already mounted on the rim costs an average of $50, or $10 to $15 per wheel. 

This cost does not include balancing, which can add $10 to $15 to the end cost.