Is $13 a tire justified for wheel balancing $10 labor and $3 parts (regardless whether they put a weight on)? $52 above the cost of 4 new tires.
It might be a tad on the high side, but not unreasonable. By the way, usually tire places will automaticallly change the valve too. Unless it has a pressure sensor built in.
Yes and no. Yes if this is all you are having done. No if that is being added to the cost of a new set of tires. The parts cost probably includes the amortized cost of the machine, utilities and shop costs (rent, mortgage etc)
In my area balancing and shop materials are always charged as seperate line items even if a new set of tires in purchased. The price mentioned by the OP sounds typical to me.
On new tires, last time I checked, Costco charges $13, but that’s for mounting, lifetime balance, lifetime rotation and road hazard warrantee.
Prices vary from place to place, it’s a little on the low side for where I am. Here, you buy a tire for $XXX. We charge $1.75 for a new valve stem if required, and $14.95 to mount and balance.
It’s like anything else. I can sell you a fan belt or a water pump, but the price of the part does not include the cost of installation.
About the only thing we sell that we install for free are air filters and wiper blades.