How Long Does It Take to Change 4 Tires and Get an Alignment?

Ownership and Maintenance
1

I’m looking to get some tires replaced and have an alignment done on my vehicle, but I’m unsure about how long this whole process typically takes. I want to ensure that I plan my day accordingly when I schedule my appointment.

Here’s what I’m specifically curious about:

  1. Time for Tire Change: How long does it usually take to change all four tires? I assume it’s a straightforward job, but it would be great to know if it’s usually quick or if I should expect some delays.
  2. Alignment Duration: After the tire change, how long does it typically take to perform an alignment?
  3. Balancing Tires: Is there time involved for balancing the tires, and does that usually get done simultaneously with the tire change and alignment?
  4. Shop Efficiency: If anyone has had experiences with local tire shops, how efficient are they? What’s a reasonable time frame to expect for these services?

Additional Thoughts

I understand that some factors can affect the duration, like the type of vehicle or if there are any unexpected issues, but I’d love to hear from anyone with experience about typical times that you’ve encountered. It would be helpful to have a ballpark figure as I’m shopping around for the best shop.

Thanks in advance for any insights!

2

Typically, changing four tires and getting an alignment takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the garage’s efficiency and the vehicle type.

3

That’s a good point! Sometimes, the waiting area can make it feel longer though!

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4

Factors like tire type and whether you have aftermarket parts can also affect time. It can add an extra 30 minutes if complications arise.

5

I agree! Compact cars usually take less time than large SUVs. I’ve noticed this firsthand.

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6

Definitely! Some garages can whip through it really fast if they have the right equipment. It’s all about efficiency.

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7

What about your personal experiences? I once waited three hours for a simple tire change because they were busy!

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8

I can relate! That’s why I schedule appointments in advance now.

9

I’ve heard some places have express services that can do it in under an hour. Anyone tried that?

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10

Yes! I had a good experience with express services. They were efficient and saved me time!

11

Is it common to charge extra for faster services? It seems a bit unfair, but I understand the demand.

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12

I think it varies by location! Some shops might charge more for faster turnarounds, while others maintain flat rates.

13

True! This can influence where we choose to go for services. Always good to check reviews.

14

Why do we get charged so much for these services, though? Tires are already a big investment.

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15

It’s the labor costs and overhead. But that’s why we should shop around. You can save a lot with a bit of research!

16

I just changed my tires myself last weekend! It took about 2 hours. I was surprised at how straightforward it was with the right tools. However, the alignment took me to a shop since I wasn’t confident I could do it accurately.

17

That’s awesome, Deanna! What tools did you use? I’ve been considering doing it myself but wasn’t sure what I’d need to invest in.

18

If you’re going DIY, you’ll need at least a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, and a torque wrench. All of these might run you around $100 total if you don’t have them already. But, consider the time commitment versus a shop. Some shops offer package deals for tire change and alignment.

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19

Great tips, rmarquez! I didn’t think about the cost of tools. Do you think the skill level required is worth the savings?

20

It really depends! For some, learning to do it can save money in the long run, but if you aren’t comfortable with it, a pro might be the better option. Safety is key!