the Cost of Wheel Alignment and Tire Installation

My vehicle needed new tires so it could pass inspection, so I spent a considerable amount of time calling around and checking advertisements to get the best possible price for four tires for my Toyota Matrix. I finally settled on one location that seemed to offer the best deal, which was:

1. Four new tires - 82.99 each

2. Tire balancing - 9.99 each

3. Front end wheel alignment - 55.00

4. Tire warranty - 15.99 each

5. Plus tax

I was not really interested in the tire warranty, but they were offering a "buy three, get one free" deal, but only if you bought the warranty, so I figured I still came out ahead if I took the warranty protection (which I will address in the next section). The "buy one, get one free" deal was a rebate that was mailed to me about six weeks after I submitted the paperwork.

I made an appointment to bring my car in at 8:30 and they were more or less prompt in taking my car into the back and putting on the tires. I was a bit annoyed when I got there, since when I made the appointment, they knew which tires I had wanted. When I arrived, they told me those tires were "out of stock," but they had tires that were $10 more. I started to get really angry, but they told me they would give me the upgraded tires at the $82.99 price, so that worked out well. That was the right way to handle the situation, otherwise I would have gotten REALLY angry and filed a "bait and switch" complaint. It took them about two hours to get everything done, which was a reasonable amount of time.

As an aside, I had to buy the tire protection plan (warranty) and I'm glad I did. I ended up getting a flat tire about six months later and they had to replace the tire, so it only cost me a few dollars (based on wear).

Ask questions and make sure you know what you're getting with your purchase. When you buy a tire, you have to have it balanced, but that is an additional charge. Frankly, I wish auto stores would include the balancing in the price of the tire, because by the time you are finished with everything, the tires cost you more money than you originally planned for.

Some states have fees for disposing old tires or other automotive parts. I always take back my parts to avoid that fee and dispose of them myself (for free).