How much does tire rotation cost?
A tire rotation is a short job, so the price is mostly labor and the mechanic's minimum charge. There are no parts to buy. Larger vehicles take a little longer because the wheels are heavier.
Tire rotation prices at a glance
| Job | Newer pro | Experienced pro |
|---|---|---|
| Tire rotation, car | $50 | $80 |
| Tire rotation, SUV, truck or van | $50 | $90 |
| Oil change, car, for comparison | $90 | $160 |
Labor and basic supplies. Big parts or appliances you buy yourself are extra. Prices run higher in big cities.
What's usually included
- Vehicle lifted and all four wheels removed
- Tires moved to new positions in the pattern your car needs
- Lug nuts tightened to the correct torque
- Tire pressure set to the number on the door sticker
What changes the price
- Wheel weight. Big truck and SUV wheels take more effort to lift and swap.
- Locking lug nuts. A missing lock key or a stuck lug nut can slow things down.
- Directional or staggered tires. Some setups can only move front to back, or not at all.
- Balancing. Spin balancing is a separate service and needs shop equipment.
Do it yourself or hire a pro?
You can rotate tires yourself with a floor jack, jack stands and a torque wrench. It takes most people under an hour. The main risk is not tightening the lug nuts properly, so use a torque wrench and recheck them after a short drive.
Gear that helps
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Common questions
How often should tires be rotated?
A common guideline is every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but your owner's manual has the exact interval for your car.
Do I need a rotation if my tires look fine?
Yes. Front and rear tires wear differently, and rotating them evens out wear so the whole set lasts longer.
Is a tire rotation the same as an alignment?
No. A rotation moves the tires around. An alignment adjusts suspension angles and needs a shop alignment rack.
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