Walmart offers convenient tire balancing services at over 3,000 Auto Care Centers nationwide. With affordable pricing starting at $14 per tire, they provide a budget-friendly option for getting your tires properly balanced.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting your tires balanced at Walmart, including:
- Cost of tire balancing
- Packages and warranties
- Duration of the service
- Locating Auto Care Centers
- Balancing tires purchased elsewhere
How Much Does Tire Balancing Cost at Walmart?
The base price for tire balancing at Walmart is $14 per tire. This gets you their Lifetime Balance & Rotation package:
- Tire balancing
- Tire rotation every 7,500 miles
- Free future tire balancing and rotations for the life of those tires
This works out to a great value, as you’d likely pay $15-20 per balancing at other shops. And having them routinely inspected helps you save money over the long run.
Walmart also offers installation packages that include lifetime balancing/rotation coverage:
- Basic Tire Installation Package – $15 per tire
- Value Tire Installation Package -$25 per tire
The Value package adds road hazard protection for the tires. An additional $10 fee applies to any non-Walmart tires.
Bottom Line: Walmart provides very affordable pricing on tire balancing, starting at $14 per tire for lifetime coverage.
What‘s the Tire Balancing Process Like?
The tire balancing process is quick and convenient at Walmart:
- Pull up to the Auto Care Center
- Check in at the service counter
- A technician will have you pull into the garage bay
- They mount your tire on the balancing machine
- Spin it to determine where counterweights need to be applied
- Add weights and re-spin to double check balance
- Re-install the balanced tire on your vehicle
- You pay at the counter and drive away!
Proper tire balancing helps with ride comfort, handling, and tire wear. So it‘s recommended every 7,500 miles or if you feel vibration in the steering wheel.
How Long Does Tire Balancing Take?
Walmart says to expect 40 minutes up to 2 hours for tire balancing. The actual duration depends on:
- Number of tires being balanced
- Condition of the tires
- How busy the Auto Care Center is that day
Newer tires in good condition generally take less time than older, worn ones.
You can call your local Auto Care Center to get an estimate for wait times that day. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time also helps ensure prompt service.
Can Any Tires Be Balanced at Walmart?
Yes, Walmart’s tire balancing service works for tires purchased anywhere – including other stores, dealerships, and online retailers.
The $14 Lifetime Balance & Rotation package applies to any tires. Other installation packages may carry restrictions or fees for non-Walmart tires.
So if you find a great deal on tires elsewhere, no problem! Walmart can still provide balancing and future rotation.
Locating Walmart Auto Care Centers
As of 2022, Walmart has over 3,100 Auto Care Centers nationwide. But not all stores offer the full range of tire and auto services.
You can check for an Auto Care Center near you by:
- Searching the Walmart Store Finder
- Calling your local store
- Visiting in person and looking for garage bays
Once you locate a store with an Auto Care Center, give them a call before your visit. Let them know you need tire balancing done so they can advise you on preparation, appointment booking, or any restrictions.
We hope this overview gives you the details needed to get your tires balanced affordably and conveniently at Walmart. Proper balancing pays dividends through better ride quality, handling, and extended tire life.
For other Walmart automotive services, check out their battery replacement, oil changes, tire repair, and more!
