If you own your own car or truck, at some point you’ll hear or see the phrase “tire mounting.” So what does this actually mean and when (if ever) should you have it done? Below is a basic guide to what tire mounting is, what the process is behind it, and how much it will cost to get done. Additionally, I’ll help you find your local tire installation service and discuss my experience with the shop that performs tire mounting near me.
Map of Tire Mounting Near Me
For “tire mounting near me”, see below for locations…
If your results seem limited, alternatively you can search Google and Yelp for “tire mounting near me”. This will curate a list of other options for you to visit, research online, phone, and consider for your vehicle.
Where to Find Tire Mounting Near Me?
Mounting tires is a very common repair. Many mechanics, garages, or auto repair shops should be able to help you. Tire manufacturers like Goodyear or Michelin often offer a discount with the purchase of new tires. It can be cost effective to have new tires mounted right there in the same store or tire shop. However, since it does require some special equipment, big retailers with auto service departments like WalMart and Costco aren’t always able to mount new tires, so it’s best to check with your nearest location.
To ensure that your tires are mounted properly you need a tire mounting machine to both install your tire and remove them from the rim. It’s not recommended that you try to do this repair at home. It’s becoming more and more popular to purchase new or used tires on the internet, and bring them to the mechanic or garage to be mounted. This is good to do, as tire mounting is considered a distinct service from the purchase of new or used tires (though don’t expect a discounted rate if you come into a shop with tires you purchased elsewhere).
How Much Does it Cost for Tire Mounting Near Me?
This is a more complicated research question than it may seem at first. There are a few things to consider when you’re trying to determine the cost to mount new or used tires.
First, are you buying new tires, or is this a seasonal change? The new tires will cost you about $100 per tire, and that cost is usually distinct from the cost to store and then mount them. The actual cost of mounting should only cost around $15 per tire. That should include a balance check after the tires have been mounted. If you get new valve stems (which is recommended), that will cost around $3 per tire. If you want the garage to dispose of the old tires for you (again, recommended), that typically costs around $4 per tire.
Many tire manufacturers and auto repair shops will offer warranties on newly mounted tires. This warranty will come at an extra cost, but it can be well worth it to save you if something happens.
What is Tire Mounting?
Simply put, mounting tires is the process of taking old tires off a car and replacing them with new ones. Tires are typically mounted for two reasons – because the old tires have worn away and need to be replaced, or for a seasonal change that calls for snow tires to be put on or taken off the car.
If your best friend is complaining about how expensive it was to shop to get their “new tires mounted,” or the mechanic says your tires are worn out but he can “mount them for a discount,” they’re just talking about putting new tires on the car.
Tire mounting essentially means the same thing as replacing or changing the tires. It may sound complicated, but changing tires is something that mechanics, garages, and tire dealerships do all the time. It does require some special equipment so mounting tires is rarely something recommended for people to do at home.
Mounting can also refer to replacing just one tire, or changing out an entire set. If you do find that its time to replace your rubbers, prices for the change and mounting are usually advertised as the cost per tire change only.
What to Consider When Getting Tires Mounted
Before you do anything, you should make sure you actually need replacement tires. Difficulty steering or braking is often caused by tire problems. If you notice the car tends to pull to one side or the other, this can indicate tire trouble as well. Even if these problems are caused by your tires, it doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be replaced. Repairs like alignments, balancing, or increasing the tire’s pressure are recommended more often than changing out the tires altogether. If you notice any of these problems while driving, consult a mechanic and see what needs to be done.
Another thing to pay attention to is tread wear. Over time, the groves, or the tread, of your tires are worn down by friction with the road. This is called wear and it happens so slowly that you probably won’t notice it until it’s too late. You can easily check the wear on your tires with a penny or a quarter. Insert the coin into one of the grooves on your tire. If you can see the top of Abe Lincoln or George Washington’s head, then it’s probably time to replace it.
What’s the Process of Mounting Tires?
Mounting tires is a fairly routine service, but can have disastrous consequences if not done properly. When you go for mounting, here is what the mechanic is going to do…
He/she will follow 10 basic steps:
- Deflate the tire by removing the valve stem core. The core can be reused from tire to tire. But it’s recommended you replace the stem core along with the tires.
- Remove the tire from the rim with a tire machine.
- Check the rim for rust pitting.
- Smooth the rim surface.
- Apply tire bead lubricant to the tire beads and the rim.
- Install the new tire with the tire machine.
- Apply more lubricant to the beads and rim.
- Inflate the new tire to its maximum pressure.
- Install the new stem core, and inflate the tire again to its maximum pressure.
- Do a balance check to ensure the new tire and wheel is sitting properly on the axle.
Importance of Professional Tire Mounting
Navigating through the myriad of options for tire installation can be a daunting task, especially when considering the various aspects that go into account in ensuring your vehicle is safe and operates optimally. Let’s delve into why opting for a professional tire installation service is paramount to saving yourself.
Safety Concerns
When it comes to vehicular safety, nothing should be compromised. A tire installation that is not executed correctly can lead to numerous safety issues, such as tire blowouts, poor traction, and even accidents. Professional services have the expertise to ensure that the wheels are mounted securely, providing you with the confident that your vehicle is safe for road use. They ensure that every tire installation adheres to the industry standards and guidelines, safeguarding you, your passengers, and fellow road users.
Ensuring Proper Balancing
Proper balancing is crucial to maintain the performance and longevity of your wheels. When tires are not balanced correctly, it can lead to uneven wear, reduced life of the tires, and even cause vibrations while driving. A professional tire installation service ensures that the wheels are balanced accurately, which not only enhances the performance of the vehicle but also ensures a smoother and safer ride. They utilize specialized equipment to meet the precise balancing requirements, ensuring that your vehicle is in top-notch condition.
Prolonging Tire Life
Ensuring that your wheels are mounted and installed correctly is pivotal in prolonging the life of your tires. A professional tire installation ensures that the wheels are aligned and installed correctly, which reduces uneven wear and tear and enhances the life of the tires. Furthermore, professionals can provide valuable insights and tips on how to maintain your tires, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment. They can guide you on aspects like tire rotation, pressure maintenance programs, and timely checks, which can significantly enhance the life and performance of your tires.
Preventing Damage to New Set of Tires
Investing in a new set of tires can be quite substantial, and the last thing you want is to incur damages during the installation process. Engaging with a professional tire installation service ensures that your new set of tires is handled with utmost care and installed correctly, preventing any potential damages. Professionals utilize the right tools and follow the correct procedures to ensure that the tires are not damaged during the installation process. Moreover, they ensure that the tires are fitted correctly. Preventing issues like bead leaks and sidewall damages, ensuring that your new set of tires is in pristine condition.
In conclusion, while it might be tempting to opt for DIY methods or choose non-professional services for tire installation, considering the safety, performance, and financial implications, it is prudent to opt for a professional tire installation service. Not only does it safeguard your investment, but it also ensures confidence that your vehicle operates optimally and safely. Providing you with peace of mind and confidence as you navigate through your journeys.
Can Tires be Mounted Incorrectly?
Yes, which is why it’s not recommended that you try to install or replace tires on your own. Improperly mounted tires can lead to future problems that shorten the lifespan of your tires and do damage to the car’s suspension system.
The most common mounting error is mounting directional tires to the car backwards. Directional tires are cut with special grooves that are intended to displace water away from the point where the wheels are in contact with the road.
However, these grooves only do their job properly if the wheel is spinning in a certain direction. When directional tires are mounted backward. It doesn’t do damage to the car, but it can greatly increase your risk of hydroplaning. Because they are designed to spin a certain way, driving backwards on directional tires can cause them to wear strangely and their lifespans.
Sometimes directional tires can cause an audible noise when you drive them backwards. This can indicate that the tires have become misaligned because of uneven tire wear.
Is Tire Mounting and Tire Installation Services the Same Thing?
Yes. Both words are used to refer to the process of replacing old or damaged tires with new, fresh ones.
Technically, mounting refers to putting a fresh tire on the wheel rim, and installation refers to attaching the new tire to the car. Both words are used freely and interchangeably to refer to the exact same procedure. Prices can be advertised using either word.
If you’ve been told you need your tires mounted and all you can see on Firestone’s website are quotes for tire installation, that’s because mounting and tire installation are the exact same thing. You sometimes see them posted together (“tire mounting and tire installation”). It doesn’t mean that the garage is doing anything extra, they’re just trying to avoid any confusion. So don’t worry – if the nearest garage is advertising “mounting and tire installation,” it won’t cost you any more than just “mounting” or just “installation.”
Will they Align, Balance, or Rotate my Tires During Mounting?
No, yes, and no. Not unless you ask them to, anyway.
An alignment is a repair that corrects the angle at which the tires sit on the wheel axle. During the process of an alignment, the tires sometimes have to be removed and then mounted to the car again to ensure that they are sitting correctly on the axle. This is considered to be part of the alignment process – you won’t be charged for both an alignment and an installation.
The same is true for rotation. Rotating tires is a routine repair, something that is recommended to be done regularly to ensure that all of your tires wear at an even rate. When tires are rotated, the front and back wheels are swapped out following a pattern recommended for the vehicle type. So again, part of a rotation is removing the tires and mounting them to the car in a different position. Since this is part of the rotation procedure, you won’t be charged for “both” repairs.
However, it is recommended that a balance check be done every time tires are mounted (or re-mounted) to your car. The process of mounting can cause the tires to be unbalanced, and if not corrected, can dramatically shorten their lifespan.
DIY Wheel Mounting: Is It Advisable?
Necessary Tools and Equipment
Embarking on a do-it-yourself journey for mounting your vehicle’s wheels requires a particular set of tools and equipment. Firstly, it’s pivotal to learn about the essential apparatus before diving into the task. A wheel mounting machine and a balancer are crucial to ensure your wheels are mounted and balanced correctly. You’ll need a lug wrench, bead lubricant, a pry bar, and a wheel weight hammer. It’s also advisable to have a phone nearby to contact professional help if things go south.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Research and Gather Tools: Ensure all necessary tools are at your disposal and have a clear understanding of their usage.
- Remove the Wheel: Utilize a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts and take the wheel off the vehicle.
- Remove the Old Rubber: Using the wheel mounting machine, separate the old rubber from the rim.
- Mount the New Rubber: Apply bead lubricant along the rim and use the mounting machine to affix the new rubber onto the wheel.
- Balance the Wheel: Place the wheel on the balancer, ensuring it’s securely attached. Adjust the wheel weights as per the balancer’s indications to ensure it is evenly balanced.
- Reattach the Wheel: Securely place the wheel back onto the vehicle, ensuring the lug nuts are tightly fastened.
Risks and Challenges
While the step-by-step guide might make the process seem straightforward, numerous risks and challenges are associated with DIY wheel mounting. One major concern is ensuring the wheel is balanced correctly. Incorrect balances can lead to uneven wear, vibrations while driving, and even damage to your vehicle. Moreover, without the proper tools and expertise, there’s a risk of personal injury or damage to the wheel or vehicle. It’s crucial to note that wheel mounting and balancing require precision and expertise to ensure safety and efficacy.
When to Opt for Professional Help
Choosing to visit a professional wheel services store is often the safest and most reliable option, especially when you meet challenges or uncertainties during the DIY process. Professionals have the necessary tools and skills to ensure your wheels are mounted and balanced correctly and safely. Moreover, they can enter data accurately into balancing machines, ensuring precise results. Additionally, professional locations often provide customer accounts, where you can log in or sign up to keep track of your wheel services, discounts, and any taxes covered during the services.
In conclusion, while DIY wheel mounting might seem like a cost-effective approach, it’s proud and wise to opt for professional help when in doubt. Ensuring safety and quality in the wheel mounting process. Always prioritize safety and quality, and don’t hesitate to talk to a professional if you’re unsure at any step of the way.
Tire Mounting Near Me – Conclusion
Mounting tires is a big repair. But it’s such a common service that there’s no need to worry if you’re working with a mechanic, store or garage that you trust. It’s not a simple procedure, and so it’s not recommended that you try to do it at home. But knowing the process can help you to be more aware of what’s going on (or what should be going on) and save you when it’s time for you to replace your tires.
If you think there’s a problem with your tires, take it into the garage before going tire shopping. Many problems can be fixed with other (cheaper) repairs, especially if they are caught early. If you feel your tires have worn down to dangerous levels, do a simple tread wear check with a penny.
If you can still see the top of the president’s head, your tires have worn down and need replacement. When you do finally purchase a new or used set of tires, feel free to get them mounted or installed. The two terms are used interchangeably, and both refer to the exact same service. That’s what I have learned from the shop that does tire mounting near me.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that my wheels need mounting?
Several indicators might signal the need for wheel mounting. These include noticeable vibrations while driving, uneven tread wear, and consistent wheel deflation. If you note any of these signs, it might be time to visit a wheel services store to get them checked and possibly mounted.
How often should I get my wheels mounted?
The first location and frequency for wheel mounting can depend on various factors, including your driving habits, location, and the condition of the roads you frequently traverse. Generally, it’s advisable to learn about and adhere to the recommendations provided by your wheel manufacturer or consult with a professional services provider to determine an appropriate location and timeline.
Is it necessary to balance wheels after mounting?
Yes, balancing wheels after mounting is crucial. Proper balances ensure that the wheel wears evenly and maintains optimal contact with the road. Providing a smooth ride and preventing premature wear. It’s vital to note that unbalanced wheels can lead to vibrations, uneven wheel wear, and strain on the vehicle.
How do I choose the right wheel mounting service?
Choosing the right wheel mounting service involves some research and considering several factors into account, including customer reviews, services offered, pricing, and location. It’s advisable to talk to the service providers by phone them, visit their store, visit them online and inquire about their services, discounts, and customer programs before making a decision.
What other services are typically offered with wheel mounting?
Typically, wheel mounting services may also offer customer discounts on additional services such as wheel balancing, alignment, rotation, and inspection. Some locations might provide customer-only package deals that include multiple services at the store at a discounted rate. Ensure to inquire with store about these services and any applicable taxes when you visit or phone the store.