What Is Tire Mounting?

Tire mounting is just a fancy way of saying, “putting tires back on wheels and then putting those wheels back on the car.” Mechanics will first pop off the wheels using a breaker bar and socket, then they’ll use a tire changer to get rid of the old tires.

They’ll leverage the new tire onto the wheel using a roller and pry bar, making sure to install a fresh valve while they’re at it. After that, the tire gets pumped up to the recommended pressure, and then it’s time for balancing.

What Is Tire Balancing?

Tire balancing is all about making sure that the wheel spins evenly. Think of it like rolling a tape across a table—it shouldn’t wobble side to side. To keep things steady, mechanics attach tiny weights (ranging from 5g to 50g) to the wheel.

Using a specialized tool known as a wheel balancer, they’ll figure out exactly where those weights need to go. For steel wheels, weights get hammered on, while alloy wheels get the sticky treatment. Once the machine shows that the wheel is balanced (with only a slight wobble), it’s good to go back on the car.

Cost of Mounting and Balancing Tires

Prices for mounting and balancing can vary from shop to shop, but generally, it shouldn’t cost more than $30 per tire. Most of the expenses come from labor, as materials like wheel weights are pretty cheap. A skilled mechanic can usually handle a tire in about 15 minutes, so if they’re working together, a full car can be done in about half an hour.

Do Tires Really Need Balancing?

Absolutely! Not balancing tires can lead to faster wear and tear. Plus, a shaky steering wheel at high speeds isn’t just annoying—it’s bad for the steering system too. Even though all car parts are made to tight specs, imperfections happen. A mechanic might not force a balance on anyone, but it’s a small price to pay to avoid costly tire replacements down the line.

Breaking Down the Costs

Pricing can depend on the shop. Some include mounting and balancing with a tire purchase, while others might charge extra. Looking at the time it takes for each task can help understand the costs involved.

How Long Does Tire Mounting Take?

If a tire’s already bought, here’s a rough breakdown of how long it takes to mount:

• 2 minutes: Remove the old tire
• 3 minutes: Take the tire off the wheel
• 1 minute: Swap in a new valve
• 3 minutes: Attach the new tire
• 2 minutes: Inflate the tire
• 2 minutes: Put the wheel back on the car
• 1 minute: Clean up

All in all, expect around 14 minutes for a tire change without balancing, but some tires can take longer.

How Long Does Tire Balancing Take?

If balancing is the only task, here’s how it typically breaks down:

• 2 minutes: Remove the wheel
• 2 minutes: Take off old weights
• 1 minute: Set up the balancer
• 3 minutes: Attach new weights
• 2 minutes: Replace the wheel
• 1 minute: Clean the wheel

So, about 11 minutes for balancing a tire, including all the prep work.

Why This Matters for Costs

Both mounting and balancing take a similar amount of time, usually around 10 to 15 minutes each. When done together, it’s more efficient, so expect to pay around $25 to $30 per tire. While some shops might charge a bit more, it’s generally not over $40 per tire.

Where to Get Tires Mounted and Balanced

Tire shops, mechanics, and dealerships all offer mounting and balancing services. Dealerships might charge a bit more, but they can be important for maintaining warranties on new cars. For added convenience, mobile mechanics can come to the location of choice, often at similar prices.

DIY Tire Mounting and Balancing: A No-Go

Trying to mount and balance tires at home? Not a great idea unless there’s a tire changer and balancer in the garage. Watching a YouTube video won’t cut it, and DIY attempts can lead to more harm than good. Leave it to the pros to avoid damaging tires or wheels.