When I bought my Mini, my MA said to rotate the tires from front to back every 5,000 miles. I know there are already threads about tire rotation, but I have another questions.

I called my local tire place and they said they could rotate tires for $10 but they also recommend a wheel balance at the same time which would bring it up to $38. The price doesn't sound bad, but I'm wondering if getting them balanced is really something that's worth the extra $28. What do you guys think?

 

Do you notice any sort of vibration (usually at the same speed every time)? If so, get a rebalance, if not, I'd personally save the $28.

 

The wheels and tires are balanced off of the car and regardless of whether their going on the front or back. So unless you're having a specific vibration problem, I would not have them balanced. (My 2 cents.)

John

 

See
http://www.startribune.com/435/story/645735.html

The short answer is NO, just rotate for now if your tires are not showing uneven wear and your ride quality is still good with no vibration or signs of wheel out of balance.

At the costco I go to they perform free 6 month rotation and balance to customers that have bought tires from them. They rotate all four tires and only balance the fronts routinely.

 

Thanks for the link, minihune. It sounds like I'll be saving myself the $28 since Ive had absolutely no problems with the tires (or the car ).