An interesting things about tire "installation", is that it covers many steps, including the following:
- Remove the wheel from the vehicle.
- Dismount the old tire from the rim.
- Install the pressure sensor, value stem, etc.
- Mount the new tire on the rim.
- Balance the wheel.
- Bolt the wheel onto the vehicle.
I guess any of these fundamental steps could be deliberately excluded from an "installation", so that the shop can gouge an innocent customer for some extra cash.
But you know what? Lots of tire shops will include balancing as part of "installation", and even alignment and sometimes patches and rotation for the life of the tire!
Costco
Costco.ca: Shop for Tires
"Lifetime services include inflation pressure checks, tire balancing, tire rotations, as well as flat repairs."
Walmart:
http://www.walmart.ca/en/automotive/tires/N-2095
"All new tire purchases at Walmart come with: no charge road hazard warranty, free flat repairs for life and no charge tire rotation every 10,000 km."
But guess who's different? Guess who considers balancing (an essential part of every tire installation, by the way), as an optional extra that has it's own, separate charge?
Yup, you guessed it: Crappy Tire:
Canadian Tire
"you are also responsible for ... installation, balancing, rotation, alignment, disposal fee and applicable taxes".