I'm looking to make a tire purchase for my new E, but I'm sort of shocked to see what some of these guys are charging to mount and balance.

I had a quote today from STS for about $125 JUST TO MOUNT AND BALANCE. That seems very high to me, especially since I called the dealer for $#!T$ and giggles and they charge $35/wheel, which isn't that far off. Last set I remember doing about 3 years ago only cost me about 50-60 bucks.

I've already decided on my tires (Bridgestone Revo 235-70-16, to which the guy at STS tried to persuade me to buy something else b/c it will "void" my warranty) but i'm trying to find the best overall purchase price, whether it be @ tirerack shipped to my door then going locally to mount or just making the whole purchase locally.

hell, I'd rather put that kind of money toward new wheels, at least I won't feel as if I'm just throwing it away (free mount/balance w/ combo purchase @ tirerack).

Thanks :)

I didn't pay nearly that much at STS when I bought my tires. I did pay the extra for the road hazard which brought the price up, see if they are charging you for that.

I like STS because you get free tire rotation and lifetime rotation/balance. I plan are having them swap my tires side-to-side next week. Shouldn't cost me a dime. I'll probably have them do an alignment afterwards so that should cost me a few dollars.

I believe STS only charges around $20/wheel. Call a few other shops and ask around. Also ask if the price includes a new valve stem, disposal of the old tires and lifetime balance/rotation. Otherwise these "fees" can add up.

They didn't mention any of that...the salesman was pretty rude, being argumentative about my warranty issues, etc...

It didn't include disposal b/c he did ask about that. I'm keeping my tires b/c they have 900 miles on them, I just bought the truck last month. I just can't stand the tires at all, I'll see what I can do w/ them later.

The rotation isn't a big deal to me b/c I can do that on my own w/ my jack and stands when I do my oil changes. Lifetime balance would be okay, but is not a deal breaker or maker IMO.

Even Sears was high and that was after I had to convince them to even do it if I brought my own tires in, b/c the couldn't get the ones I wanted, even by special order.

They didn't mention any of that...the salesman was pretty rude, being argumentative about my warranty issues, etc...

It didn't include disposal b/c he did ask about that. I'm keeping my tires b/c they have 900 miles on them, I just bought the truck last month. I just can't stand the tires at all, I'll see what I can do w/ them later.

The rotation isn't a big deal to me b/c I can do that on my own w/ my jack and stands when I do my oil changes. Lifetime balance would be okay, but is not a deal breaker or maker IMO.

Even Sears was high and that was after I had to convince them to even do it if I brought my own tires in, b/c the couldn't get the ones I wanted, even by special order.

I do my own rotation also. I got it for the free flat repair and so I can get them to swap the tires on the wheels when I wanted to balance the wear better. Try another STS or another tire shop. Do you have a Costco near you? They are reasonably priced.

I do have Costco, but A) I'm not a member (no big deal) and B) I'm not sure if they carry the tire I want (Dueler Revo).

I do have another STS, I might try there. They have been the only local tire shop that has it in stock, but others can get it in a day or two (I'm not in a hurry, but all local guys seem to be about $175-180/tire mounted, whereas tirerack is 118/tire, no balance)

i checked the discount tire website, and it said $11 per wheel from the location nearest me.

When I bought the Element, I had the wheels balanced. Discount Tire charges about $50 for the four tires, and it includes lifetime balancing and rotation. I think that is about what they charge for lifeltime balancing when you buy a new set of tires as well. Flats are fixed for free also.

I just purchased 215/70 16 Michelin LTX M/S for my wife's Red E at Sams Club. the total was $626. Mounting, lifetime balance rotation, and Road Hazard was $9.00 per tire. I have not found that cheaper anywhere else.....

I found a local place today (via Tirerack's recommended installer link) that is more of a "custom" shop. For smaller tires, they only want 10 to mount, 10 to balance...that is not a bad deal...just seemed that everywhere else I called wanted a LOT to do it. I'm sure they charge a lot more for 20" tires, but whatever...

Thanks for the input guys

I think I last paid $10-12 per tire at my local Goodyear. However, he takes care of any tire need I ever have whether it be rotate and balance, re-indexing, or flats for me without charge and with a smile.