When to balancing the tires?

[desmond]

I was speaking to a friend the other day about winter tire price cuz I need 'em for the M3, my first car, that I brought earlier this year. He said on top of the cost of the tires and labour, I need to pay extra for balancing. My question's if the tires are new, why do they need to be balanced? When and how often do you balance your tires?

[Donutz]

I have winter and summer wheels (and a third set actually). I get my winters balanced every fall just before I put them on, and any time throughout the winter if they feel unbalanced. I get my summers balanced every spring before I install them, and any time during the summer if they feel unbalanced. My third set will be dedicated for specific use, and I will have them balanced the same as I do with my summer wheels.

Tires are not perfectly balanced when they come from the factory. They usually have a heavy area, which is denoted by, I believe, the yellow dot on the sidewall. The dot is supposed to be mounted where the valve stem is located, and the difference in weight is managed by balancing the wheel.

[hali83]

Even if the tires are brand new, they will likely need to be balanced when mounted. If there is a spot on the tires or rims has a weight difference from the rest of the area, you'll feel it when driving if they don't put on weights to balance everything out.

I just had my winter tires mounted/balanced/installed last week and I will get them balanced anytime I feel that they're unbalanced until I take them off to install my summer tires again.

[Donutz]

Good one! You must have posted while I was editing my post!

[M&D Executive Auto]

I was speaking to a friend the other day about winter tire price cuz I need 'em for the M3, my first car, that I brought earlier this year. He said on top of the cost of the tires and labour, I need to pay extra for balancing. My question's if the tires are new, why do they need to be balanced? When and how often do you balance your tires?

Hi Desmond,

Your friend must be refering to Canadian Tire, the price of the tire they quote you includes mounting and installation but they charge about $12-15 per tire extra to balance. Most tire places will give you an all in price including the balancing and do not charge more for that.
As for when you need to balance tires is anytime a tire is removed or installed onto a rim, and when you feel a vibration in the steering wheel or in your seat when doing highway speeds.