New Tire Installation
Tire Balancing with New Tires
Every new tire must be balanced when mounted. No tire is perfectly uniform from the factory , there are always slight weight variations that need correcting. Here is what to expect and what to ask for.
Balancing is always included in the installation fee
Reputable tire shops include balancing as part of the standard installation price ($15–$30 per tire). If a shop quotes installation without balancing, ask why, or go elsewhere. Unbalanced new tires will vibrate immediately.
New Tire Installation Packages
| Provider | Install Fee | What’s Included | Lifetime Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | $18.99/tire | Mounting, balancing, valve stems, lifetime balance, lifetime rotation, flat repair, nitrogen fills | |
| Discount Tire | $20/tire | Mounting, balancing, valve stems, TPMS reset, free lifetime rebalancing | |
| Walmart | $15–$20/tire | Mounting, balancing, valve stems, TPMS reset, lifetime balance with road hazard warranty | |
| Firestone | $25–$35/tire | Mounting, balancing, valve stems, TPMS reset | , |
| Pep Boys | $22–$30/tire | Mounting, balancing, valve stems, TPMS reset | , |
| Dealership | $30–$50/tire | Mounting, balancing, valve stems, TPMS reset | , |
What to Ask When Buying New Tires
Before committing to a tire purchase, ask these questions to ensure you get the best value:
- “Does the installation include balancing?”, It should. If not, factor in $60–$100 for separate balancing.
- “Is lifetime rebalancing included?”, This saves $60–$100 per visit over the tire’s life. Costco, Discount Tire, and Walmart all offer this.
- “Do you offer road force balancing?”, Important for luxury/sports vehicles. Some shops charge $10–$20 extra per tire for road force.
- “What happens if I have vibration after installation?”, Good shops will rebalance for free within 30 days if the initial balance doesn’t resolve vibration.
- “Are new valve stems included?”, They should be. Old valve stems can leak and cause slow deflation.
- “Is the TPMS sensor reset included?”, Some shops charge $5–$10 per sensor as an add-on. Clarify upfront.
Replacing 2 Tires vs 4 Tires
Replacing all 4 tires
All four tires get balanced as part of installation. This is the simplest scenario. Total balancing cost: included in the $60–$120 installation fee.
Replacing just 2 tires
The two new tires get balanced with installation. Consider adding the other two for $20–$30 more. New tires always go on the rear axle (even on FWD vehicles) for safety.
Replacing 1 tire (after damage)
The new tire gets balanced. If the matching tire on the opposite side is significantly worn, consider replacing both for even handling. Single tire installation: $15–$30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tire balancing included when I buy new tires?
Almost always. The standard tire installation fee ($15–$30 per tire) at major retailers includes mounting, balancing, and new valve stems. Some shops like Costco and Discount Tire also include free lifetime rebalancing. Always confirm what's included before purchasing.
Do I need to balance all four tires when replacing just two?
You should balance the two new tires at minimum. However, it's good practice to rebalance all four since the existing tires may have lost balance over time. Most shops charge a small additional fee ($20–$30 total) to add the other two tires.
What's the difference between mounting and balancing?
Mounting is physically fitting the tire onto the rim (removing the old tire, placing the new one, inflating to spec). Balancing is a separate step that corrects weight distribution by spinning the mounted wheel on a machine and adding small weights. Both are essential for new tires.