Tire balancing and mounting costs?

[itzbob46]

Just bought a pair of Contis from TireRack that beat the local tire guy by $38 for the pair, but now I need a mount and balance. The local tire shop's price includes the mount and balance service, but sometimes his guys are hacks and I don't trust 'em with my perfect 18" wheels.

A local and very fussy Porsche specility garage wants $65 to do the pair (off the car). Does that sound about right? I'm not used to those prices but this Boxster is new to me and I am not yet used to the cost of repairs and services (do most of my own!). They're 40s on 18".

Thanks...... Bob

[Qtwo]

Just bought a pair of Contis from TireRack that beat the local tire guy by $38 for the pair, but now I need a mount and balance. The local tire shop's price includes the mount and balance service, but sometimes his guys are hacks and I don't trust 'em with my perfect 18" wheels.

A local and very fussy Porsche specility garage wants $65 to do the pair (off the car). Does that sound about right? I'm not used to those prices but this Boxster is new to me and I am not yet used to the cost of repairs and services (do most of my own!). They're 40s on 18".

Thanks...... Bob

Bob,

That seems a little steep to mount and balance your new tires. You might check your local Porsche Distributor to see what they would charge. I would ask whoever does it to guarantee that they will not damage the wheels with their mounting tools. If they won't, go to somebody else. Also, if you plan to drive your car at higher than posted freeway speeds, definately tell them that you need the tires balanced for 110 to 120MPH. If you have well balanced tires at these speeds you feel like you are floating on a cloud (with good road). Finally, if you don't know the wheel history, make sure they install new, good quality air filler valves. Don't forget to eyeball your brake rotors and pads. Maybe $65.00 isn't too bad. I would pay it if I didn't know anybody else.

****

[Chris_in_NH]

$65 to mount/balance 2 tires is reasonable. most independent tire shops charge $25-50 per tire. and 'performance' wheels mount/balance usually costs more than 'regular' wheels (like on an Accord or similar).

i would also take pictures of the wheels before you hand them over AND do a look-over with the shop manager before they touch them. i can't tell you how many people have had problems because they did not do this.

Edited March 21, 2008 by Chris_in_NH

[itzbob46]

Very excellent advice from the 2 guys above. Dealer is too far away. The picture idea is wonderful and so easy. I won't be able to see the work done, but having someone agree to the condition of the wheels beforehand is a great thought.

Thanks....

[rick3000]

I did some research on this before I mounted my snow tires. The most reasonable priced place that was willing to cover the cost of the wheels if they got hurt was Discount Tire. It was $55 to get all four tires mounted and balanced.

[White987S]

Dealerships in the Chicago area charge at least 1 hour for just the rears. Now, if I can just find some tires! :angry:

[hooster]

Dealerships in the Chicago area charge at least 1 hour for just the rears. Now, if I can just find some tires! :angry:

I believe that TireRack has a recommended installer aspect to the website that even includes the possible charges by the installer. Locally, I have a TireRack installer that does mine for $15 a wheel...including the rears. So for me $60 installed, balanced...with an agreement not to mar the wheels. The picture idea, is indeed an excellent precaution.

-Alan

[nudani]

McKenna Porsche in California charged me $55 to just rotate the 4 tires!!! If you buy a Porsche get ready to spend the extra money on maintenance.

[RFM]

Rotate the 4 tyres, nudani, why ??