If you opt for road-force balancing or have larger wheels, expect $80–$160 for all four. Extra services like TPMS service kits or wheel cleanup add $10–$40 per tire.
While wheel balancing usually lands around $40–$100 out the door for a set of four wheels, luxury, performance and off-road or heavy-duty trucks may run higher due to extra labor. These services still rarely exceed more than $150–$200 unless other tire services are bundled.
As you’re getting to the root of the problem by getting estimates and comparing prices, use the Jerry app to find the right local shops and make the best decision.
Real customers Jerry has helped
Costs for getting your tires balanced depend on your exact vehicle, where you live and the quality of oil used. With Jerry, you can quickly see what drivers are paying right now. Below are real examples of customers we’ve helped secure top prices for when they need their tires balanced.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Cost breakdown: Why the price varies
Several factors influence tire balance cost:
Balancing method:
Standard spin balance is $10–$25 per tire. After finding the right highly-rated mechanic in the Jerry app, ask for a dynamic two-plane balance, as static-only is a shortcut. Road-force balancing adds roughly $10–$35 per tire and helps solve stubborn vibrations.
Wheel and tire size:
Larger diameters, wide wheels, low-profile/run-flat tires or mud-terrains add $5–$15 per tire.
Standalone vs. bundled:
Balancing is often discounted with new tire purchases or lifetime rotation/balance packages (common at warehouse clubs). Standalone visits can be $10–$20 more per set.
Regional labor rates:
Urban/high-cost areas can add 10–30%.
Wheel condition:
Corrosion on bead seats or adhesive cleanup adds $10–$25 to prep properly.
TPMS considerations:
Some vehicles need a tire location relearn (often $0 – $30); service kits are $5–$15 per wheel if tires are dismounted.
Add-ons:
Tire rotation ($10–$25), nitrogen fill ($5–$10 per tire) or an alignment check (often free; full alignment $90–$150).
Shop/equipment:
Dealerships and performance shops may charge more. Good shops calibrate balancers regularly and can provide road-force printouts.
Aftermarket fitment:
Large center bores may need hub-centric rings. Without them, expect persistent shakes and extra setup time.
Pro tip: A bent wheel will NEVER balance properly due to a flat spot on the metal rim and is usually placed at the right rear of the vehicle, or the location furthest from the driver, to minimize feedback.
What is a tire balance?
Balancing equalizes weight around the wheel-and-tire assembly so it spins smoothly at speed. Small weight variations create a centrifugal hop or shimmy—often felt between 50–75mph. A technician uses a balancer to measure where weight is needed, then installs clip- or stick-on weights.
For alloys, stick-on weights placed behind spokes look cleaner; proper surface prep helps them stay put. Good results target residual imbalance at or under about 0.25 oz (7g) per plane.
Balancing vs. alignment: Balancing fixes vibration from weight distribution. Alignment sets angles (toe, camber, caster) that control tracking and tire wear. Different problems, different fixes.
Signs you need a tire balance
If you’re noticing any of the following, start with by running a diagnostic in the Jerry app, then do a balance check and watch out for the following:
- Speed-specific vibration: Steering wheel shimmy at 50–75 mph points to fronts; seat/floor vibration can point to rears.
- After service or impact: New tires, rotations or pothole hits can nudge balance off.
- Uneven/cupped wear or rhythmic hum: Often follows prolonged imbalance—rule out bearings and cupped tread.
- Long highway trips: Heat cycles and tread wear alter balance over time.
Quick diagnostic guide:
If balancing doesn’t cure the problem, have the shop check for bent wheels, out-of-round tires, hub/rotor runout, missing hub-centric rings or calibration issues on the balancer.
Your action plan: How to save money
Use these moves to keep costs down and results solid:
Ask for an out-the-door quote:
Shop around with the Jerry app and get a quote that includes weights, any TPMS relearn and disposal fees.
Choose the right method:
Start with dynamic spin balancing for mild highway vibrations. Use road-force only if the shake persists or for sensitive performance setups.
Combine services: Pair balancing with a tire rotation.
Bring the wheel lock key: Avoid delays and potential extra labor charges.
Inspect wheels/tires first: A bent wheel or out-of-round/separated tire won’t “balance out.” Fix the root cause.
Avoid unnecessary alignments: Alignments won’t cure balance-related shakes.
Set expectations: Request hub/wheel mating surfaces be cleaned, dynamic two-plane balance, and hand torque to spec. If the shake persists, ask for match-mounting or a road-force printout before replacing parts.
Related repairs
Maintenance reminders in the Jerry app help remind customers that a tire balance is often paired with:
- Tire rotation: Helps isolate which wheel is causing the shake.
- Wheel straightening: Repairable bends can be fixed; severe bends call for replacement.
- Match-mounting/road-force: Align tire high-spot to wheel low-spot; use road-force to verify. High values (20–25+ lbs) may warrant tire replacement.
- Alignment: Corrects pull and uneven wear, not balance-related vibration.
- TPMS service kits: New seals/cores/caps after dismounting prevent slow leaks.
- Tire replacement: A separated belt or badly cupped tire won’t balance.
- Brake or hub issues: Warped rotors cause brake-only pulsation; worn bearings drone/growl and show wheel play.
Pro tip: Stick-on wheel weights offer a more sleek look for performance wheels. Have the mechanic check the clearance between the weights and brake calipers to avoid noise from contact.
DIY vs. Pro: Can I do this myself?
You can rotate and torque wheels at home, but proper balancing needs specialized equipment.
Pro tip: Set reminders for rotations and periodic balances so vibrations don’t creep back. The Jerry app can help you track maintenance.
I removed the tire from the wheel to find it was full of fix-a-flat that the client added to fix a slow tire leak. This fluid moved around inside the tire and settled in a different spot with each revolution, throwing off the balance. After cleaning out the fix-a-flat and performing a proper tire repair, all was well. Another happy client and a reminder that sometimes problems can arise from just a simple mistake.
What our customers are asking us
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How often should I balance my tires?
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Do I need an alignment if my car vibrates?
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Why did my car start shaking after a rotation?
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Is road-force balancing worth it?
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Do all four tires need balancing?
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How long does tire balancing take?
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Can unbalanced tires cause damage?
Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
