So, you want your wobbly wheels fixed at Walmart, eh?
Let's face it, driving on unbalanced tires feels like riding a mechanical bull after a tequila tasting. Your car shakes, the steering wheel shimmies, and you start questioning every life decision that led you to this point.
Fear not, fellow traveler! Walmart, the retail giant of all things, including car care, can be your knight in shining armor (or at least your knight in orange vest). But before you just haul your car in like a grocery getter with a flat, you might be wondering:
How much does Walmart charge to mount and balance tires?
Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into the wonderful world of Walmart tire service costs.
The Price is Right (Kind Of)
Here's the thing: Walmart's tire mounting and balancing costs depend on whether you buy your tires from them or bring your own.
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Bought your tires at Walmart? Consider yourself a champion! Mounting and basic balancing are included in the price of the tire. That's right, free mounting and balancing. Although, they do recommend a valve stem replacement (around $3 a pop) to ensure a proper seal.
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Bringing your own tires? No problem! Walmart will still mount and balance them for you, but there's a fee. It's $11 per tire for mounting, and an additional $11 per tire for balancing. So, plan on around $22 per tire for the whole shebang.
Free Fries with that Tire Change?
Maybe not free fries, but there are a couple of other things to consider:
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Lifetime Balance and Rotation: For an extra fee (around $15 per tire), Walmart offers a lifetime balance and rotation package. This means you can bring your car back for free balance and rotations throughout the life of the tires. Think of it as a frequent flyer program for your tires!
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Valve Stems: As mentioned earlier, Walmart recommends replacing the valve stems during tire installation. They typically charge around $3 per tire for this service.
The Verdict: Balancing Your Budget and Your Tires
So, how much will it cost to get your tires mounted and balanced at Walmart? It depends on where you got your tires:
- Walmart tires: Mounting and basic balancing are free (with recommended valve stem replacement around $3 per tire).
- Your own tires: Mounting is $11 per tire, and balancing is an additional $11 per tire (so around $22 per tire).
Let's be honest, Walmart isn't exactly known for its luxury car care service. But, if you're on a budget and need to get your wobbly wheels under control, Walmart can be a decent option. Just be sure to factor in the extra costs for valve stems and consider the lifetime balancing package if you plan on keeping those tires for a while.