Mounting and balancing your tyres is an essential part of maintaining the overall health and performance of your vehicle. While it may seem like a simple task, it requires precision and the right equipment to ensure that your tyres are properly mounted and balanced.
Tyre mounting refers to the process of installing new or used tyres onto your vehicle’s wheels. This involves removing the old tyres, cleaning the wheels, placing the new tyre on the rim, and inflating it to the correct pressure. It may sound straightforward, but any mistake in this process can result in uneven wear on your tyres or even cause them to come off while driving.
On the other hand, tyre balancing is done to evenly distribute weight around each wheel and tyre combination. This is important because even small imbalances can lead to vibrations in your steering wheel or uneven tread wear. A professional mechanic will use specialised equipment such as a spin balancer or road force balancer to determine where any imbalances exist and add counterweights accordingly.
When Should You Get Your Tyres Mounted And Balanced?
It is recommended to have your tyres mounted and balanced whenever you purchase new ones for your vehicle. Additionally, if you notice any issues with vibrations while driving or uneven tread wear on your current tyres, it may be time for a balance and rotation service.
Another factor that can contribute to unbalanced tyres is hitting potholes or curbs. Even small impacts can throw off their balance, so it’s best practice to have them checked after any significant impact.
Understanding the Process of Mounting and Balancing Tyres
The first step in mounting a tyre is to remove the old one from the wheel rim using a machine called a tyre changer. The mechanic then inspects the rim for any damage or corrosion before cleaning it thoroughly. Next, a lubricant is applied to both the rim and bead of the new tyre to aid in its installation.
The technician will then place the new tyre onto the wheel rim carefully, making sure that it sits flush against it. Using a specialised tool known as a tire balancer, they will spin the wheel to check if there are any high or low spots on the tyre’s tread. If found, these imperfections can cause vibrations while driving and result in uneven wear on your tyres.
To correct any imbalances, small weights are attached to specific areas of the wheel rim until it rotates smoothly without wobbling or bouncing. This process is known as balancing and is crucial in ensuring optimal handling and longevity of your tyres.
After mounting and balancing all four tyres, they are placed back onto your vehicle’s axles following specific tightening patterns recommended by manufacturers. This step ensures even distribution of weight across all wheels for improved stability while driving.
It is worth noting that some vehicles require special care when mounting their tyres due to factors such as size variations between front and rear axles or having directional treads. In these cases, technicians must follow specific procedures set by manufacturers for optimum performance.
The cost of getting your tyres mounted and balanced may vary depending on several factors such as location, type of vehicle, type of tyre (e.g., run-flat), additional services required (such as valve stem replacement), among others. However, on average, the cost for this service can range from $20 to $100 per tyre.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Getting Tyres Mounted and Balanced
1. Type of Tyre:
The type of tyre you choose can greatly impact the cost of mounting and balancing. For instance, high-performance or specialty tyres may come at a higher price due to their advanced technology and materials used in manufacturing. On the other hand, all-season or budget-friendly tyres may be more affordable to mount and balance.
2. Size of Tyre:
The size of your tyres is another factor that influences the overall cost. Larger or oversized tyres require more time and effort to mount and balance compared to smaller ones, hence resulting in a higher cost. Additionally, certain vehicles such as trucks or SUVs may have larger wheels which will also affect the price.
3. Location:
Where you choose to have your tyres mounted and balanced can also play a role in determining the cost. Service centers located in urban areas with high overhead costs may charge more for their services compared to those situated in rural areas with lower operating expenses.
4. Additional Services:
There are some additional services that may be necessary when getting your tyres mounted and balanced which can add up to the final cost. For example, if your rims need repair or replacement before mounting new tyres, this will increase the overall expense.
5. Seasonal Demand:
Tyres are essential for safe driving during all seasons but there are times when demand increases significantly, affecting prices as well. During peak season changes (winter/summer), many drivers rush to get their winter/summer tires mounted leading to an increase in service fees due to high demand.
6. Frequency Of Rotation And Balancing:
Regular rotation and balancing help prolong tyre life by ensuring even wear and tear. If you have not been diligent in regularly rotating and balancing your tyres, it may result in additional costs for rebalancing, or even replacing tyres if they are damaged due to uneven wear.
7. Brand and Quality:
The brand and quality of the tyres you choose can also impact the cost of mounting and balancing. Premium brands or higher-quality tyres may come at a higher price but can also provide better performance and durability, resulting in long-term savings.
Average Cost Breakdown for Different Types of Vehicles
Sedan:
On average, a sedan would cost between $20 to $50 for tyre mounting and balancing. Sedans are considered to be smaller vehicles with standard-sized wheels, which means they require less time and effort to mount and balance the tyres. The labour costs involved in this process are also lower compared to larger vehicles. However, if your sedan has custom or high-performance tyres that require special care during mounting and balancing, the cost may be slightly higher.
SUV:
The average cost for mounting and balancing tyres on an SUV is slightly higher than a sedan due to its larger size. On average, it would range from $30 to $60 per tyre. SUVs often have bigger wheels that require more time and effort for proper installation. They also tend to have more weight bearing down on each tyre, making precise balancing crucial for optimal performance. Some SUV models may also have unique wheel designs or run-flat tires that could increase the overall cost of mounting and balancing.
Truck:
For trucks with large off-road or commercial tires, expect a higher average cost of around $40 to $100 per tyre for mounting and balancing services. Trucks typically have larger wheels with heavier load-bearing capabilities than sedans or SUVs. This means they need specialized equipment such as heavy-duty tire changers and balancers which come at a higher price point for service providers. Additionally, if your truck has any unique features such as dual rear wheels or oversized tires that require additional labor and expertise during installation, it could further add to the total cost.
DIY vs Professional Tyre Mounting and Balancing: Which is more cost-effective?
While DIY tyre mounting and balancing may appear cheaper at first glance due to the elimination of labor costs, it can end up being more costly due to the need for specialized tools and potential risks. Professional services may have a higher upfront cost but offer trained technicians, advanced equipment, and additional benefits that make it a more cost-effective option in the long term. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal skills and comfort level with handling vehicle maintenance tasks.
How to Find the Best Deal for Tyre Mounting and Balancing
1. Compare prices from different shops: The first step in finding a good deal is to compare prices from different tyre shops in your area. This will give you an idea of what the average cost is and which shops offer competitive prices.
2. Look for promotions or discounts: Many tyre shops run promotions or offer discounts on their services throughout the year. Keep an eye out for these deals and take advantage of them to save money on your tyre mounting and balancing.
3. Consider package deals: Some shops may offer discounted rates if you get multiple services done at once, such as purchasing new tyres with mounting and balancing included. This can be a great way to save money in the long run.
4. Read reviews: Before choosing a shop based on price alone, make sure to read reviews from previous customers online or ask for recommendations from friends and family. A lower price may not always mean good quality service.
5. Inquire about equipment used: The type of equipment used by a tyre shop can greatly affect the cost of their services as well as the quality of work done. Shops with advanced equipment may charge more but can also ensure better results.
6.Investigate additional fees: Some shops may have hidden fees that are not included in their initial quote, such as disposal fees for old tyres or valve stem replacement fees. Make sure to inquire about any potential additional costs before agreeing to any services.
7.Ask about warranty policies: It’s important to know if a shop offers any warranties or guarantees on their work before handing over your vehicle for servicing. This can provide peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case something goes wrong after the service.
8. Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better deal. If you have done your research and know the average prices in your area, you may be able to negotiate a lower price with a shop. They may also offer additional services or discounts if you’re a loyal customer.
9. Consider mobile services: Some tyre shops offer mobile services where they come to you for tyre mounting and balancing. This can be more convenient and may also save you money on transportation costs.
10. Check for seasonal deals: Just like with promotions and discounts, some tyre shops may offer seasonal deals during slower periods of the year. Keep an eye out for these offers to get a better deal on your tyre mounting and balancing services.