Walmart tire installation costs $15 per tire for most vehicles
Walmart charges $15 per tire for standard passenger vehicle tire installation at most locations. This covers mounting the tire on the wheel, balancing, and valve stem replacement. The total for four tires runs $60 before tax. Some Walmart locations charge slightly different amounts — a few charge $12 per tire, others $18 — so calling your local store is the only way to confirm the exact price you will pay.
This price applies when you buy tires from Walmart. If you bring tires purchased elsewhere, Walmart will still install them, but the per-tire charge is higher — typically $20 to $25 per tire depending on the location. Some stores refuse to install outside tires altogether, so ask before you arrive.
Installation does not include wheel alignment, tire rotation on existing tires, or disposal of old tires. Walmart charges separately for those services. Wheel alignment typically costs $65 to $85 for a two-wheel alignment and $100 to $130 for a four-wheel alignment, though prices vary by store.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart charges $15 per tire for installation on tires you purchase from them, totaling $60 for four tires before tax.
- Installation includes mounting, balancing, and valve stem replacement, but not alignment or disposal of old tires.
- Prices vary by location — call your local Walmart to confirm the exact charge before you arrive.
- Installing tires you bought elsewhere costs $20 to $25 per tire, and some stores will not do it at all.
- Wheel alignment, tire rotation, and old tire disposal are billed separately and cost between $65 and $130 depending on the service.
What is included in the $15 installation fee
The $15 per tire charge covers three specific tasks: mounting the tire onto the wheel rim, balancing the wheel to remove vibration, and installing a new valve stem. Mounting is the physical work of fitting the tire to the wheel. Balancing uses a machine to detect heavy spots on the wheel-and-tire assembly and add small weights to correct them. A valve stem is the small metal piece that holds air in the tire; Walmart replaces it as part of the installation to reduce the risk of a slow leak from an old stem.
The fee does not cover removing your old tires, disposing of them, or rotating your existing tires. It also does not include wheel alignment, which corrects the angle of your wheels relative to the vehicle frame. If you need any of these services, you will be charged separately.
How Walmart's price compares to other tire retailers
Tire installation pricing is fairly consistent across major retailers. Costco charges $15 per tire for members who buy tires there, matching Walmart's standard rate. Sam's Club also charges $15 per tire for members. Discount Tire, an independent chain, typically charges $15 to $20 per tire depending on location and tire type. Firestone and Goodyear company-owned stores often charge $20 to $25 per tire.
The real difference between retailers is not the installation fee but what else they include. Some stores bundle free wheel balancing or free rotation for a year into the tire purchase price. Others charge for these separately. When comparing total cost, ask each store what services are included in their quoted price, not just the installation number.
Online tire retailers like Tire Rack and Amazon Tires do not install tires themselves. They ship tires to a local installer — often a Walmart, Costco, or independent shop — and you pay that installer directly. The installation cost is the same, but you may pay a shipping fee to get the tires to the installer.
Installation timeline and scheduling
Walmart tire installation typically takes 1 to 2 hours per vehicle, though this varies by how busy the store is. During peak times — weekends and early evenings — wait times can stretch to 3 or 4 hours. If you need tires installed quickly, call ahead to ask how busy the tire center is and whether you can schedule an appointment.
Walmart does not always offer online appointment scheduling for tire installation. Many stores accept phone reservations, but some operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling your local store's tire center directly is the fastest way to find out whether appointments are available and when you can be scheduled.
If you are buying tires at the same time you need installation, the total time is longer because the store must first receive and process your tire order. If you already own the tires and are bringing them in, installation alone is faster.
Tires purchased elsewhere: higher cost and store policies
Walmart will install tires you bought from another retailer, but the price is significantly higher. Outside tire installation typically costs $20 to $25 per tire, compared to $15 for Walmart-purchased tires. This higher fee reflects the store's lost profit on the tire sale and the additional liability of working with an unknown product.
Some Walmart locations refuse to install outside tires under any circumstances. This policy varies by store and by manager discretion. Before you buy tires elsewhere and plan to have Walmart install them, call the specific store and confirm they will do it. If they refuse, you will need to find another installer.
Other retailers have similar policies. Costco and Sam's Club typically will not install tires unless you are a member and bought the tires from them. Discount Tire and independent shops are usually more flexible about outside tires, though they may charge a higher fee.
Additional services and their costs
Beyond installation, Walmart offers several tire-related services that are billed separately. Wheel alignment costs $65 to $85 for a two-wheel alignment (front wheels only) or $100 to $130 for a four-wheel alignment. Tire rotation, which moves tires to different positions on the vehicle to even out wear, costs around $15 to $25 depending on the store. Old tire disposal is typically $3 to $5 per tire if you do not want to keep them.
Some Walmart tire packages include free rotation for a set period — often one year — but this is not automatic. Ask when you buy the tires whether rotation is included. If you need alignment, it is often worth doing at the same time as installation because the vehicle is already in the service bay.
Tire repair — patching a puncture or fixing a valve stem leak — is a separate service with its own cost, usually $10 to $20 per tire. This is different from installation and is only needed if a tire is damaged.
How to find your local Walmart tire center pricing
The best way to learn what your local Walmart charges is to call the tire center directly. You can find the phone number on Walmart's website by entering your zip code and selecting your store, then looking for the tire center number. Alternatively, call the main store number and ask to be transferred to the tire department.
When you call, have your vehicle information ready: the year, make, and model. This helps the staff confirm whether the $15 standard rate applies or whether your vehicle requires special handling. Also ask whether they have the tire size you need in stock and whether appointments are available.
Walmart's website does not display tire installation prices online, so a phone call is necessary. Prices can also change, so even if you installed tires at your local Walmart before, confirming the current price is worth the brief call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walmart charge extra to install tires on trucks or SUVs?
Larger vehicles sometimes cost more to install because the wheels are heavier and require more balancing. Call your local store with your vehicle's year, make, and model to confirm the price. Some stores charge the standard $15 per tire for trucks and SUVs; others charge $18 to $20.
What if I buy tires online and want Walmart to install them?
Walmart will install tires you bought from other online retailers, but you will pay the higher outside-tire rate of $20 to $25 per tire. Some locations refuse outside tires entirely. Call ahead to confirm your store will do it before you complete your online purchase.
Does the $15 installation fee include balancing?
Yes, balancing is included in the $15 per tire installation cost. The store uses a machine to detect imbalances and add small weights to correct them. This is standard and not charged separately.
How long does tire installation take at Walmart?
Installation typically takes 1 to 2 hours, but can stretch to 3 or 4 hours during busy times. Calling ahead or scheduling an appointment can reduce your wait. The time is longer if you are also purchasing the tires.
Can I get my old tires back after installation?
Yes, Walmart will return your old tires to you. You can ask to keep them when you drop off your vehicle, or the staff will set them aside. If you do not want them, Walmart charges $3 to $5 per tire for disposal.