If you’re wondering how much mobile tyre fitting costs in the UK, the answer isn’t a single number. The price you pay is a mix of the tyres themselves, the service you need, and a few other key factors. In reality, you might be surprised to find that mobile fitting is often just as competitive as, if not cheaper than, visiting a traditional garage.
So, let’s break down the costs, explore what influences the final price, and give you a clear picture of what to expect on your invoice.
The Cost
This is the biggest chunk of your bill, and it’s also the most variable. The cost of a tyre can range from £50 to over £300, depending on three main things: brand, size, and type.
1. Brand Tier
Tyres generally fall into three categories:
- Budget Tyres (£50 – £80 per tyre): These are the entry-level options from brands you might not recognize. They meet all UK legal safety standards but may not offer the same performance in wet grip, fuel efficiency, or longevity as more expensive options. They get the job done for low-mileage city driving.
- Mid-Range Tyres (£80 – £150 per tyre): This is the sweet spot for most drivers. Brands like Avon, Hankook, or Nexen offer a great balance of performance and price. They often use technology from premium parent companies, delivering excellent grip and durability without the premium price tag.
- Premium Tyres (£150+ per tyre): Think household names like Michelin, Goodyear, Pirelli, and Continental. You’re paying for cutting-edge research and development. This results in superior wet braking, lower road noise, better fuel economy, and a longer lifespan. For high-performance cars or high-mileage drivers, the extra investment often pays for itself.
2. Tyre Size
Bigger wheels mean more rubber, and more rubber costs more money. A 15-inch tyre for a Ford Fiesta will be significantly cheaper than a 20-inch tyre for a Range Rover. It’s a simple matter of materials and manufacturing complexity. For example, a popular 205/55 R16 mid-range tyre might cost around £90, while its 225/40 R18 equivalent could be £130.
3. Tyre Type
Specialist tyres also carry a higher price tag.
- Run-Flat Tyres: These have reinforced sidewalls that let you keep driving after a puncture. This extra technology can add 20-30% to the cost compared to a standard tyre of the same size.
- All-Season or Winter Tyres: These are made with special rubber compounds that stay flexible in the cold, providing better grip. This specialist compound costs more to produce.
Deconstructing the Service Fees
Once you’ve chosen your tyres, the fitting service itself comes with its own set of costs. A reputable mobile fitter will typically quote an all-inclusive price, but it’s helpful to know what that price covers.
The Fitting Fee
A standard mobile fitting fee is usually bundled into the tyre price. This isn’t just about bolting a new tyre on. A professional service includes:
- Removal of the old tyre.
- A new rubber valve (or a service kit for TPMS valves). This is crucial, as old valves can perish and leak.
- Balancing the wheel on a digital balancer. Unbalanced wheels cause vibrations at speed, which can wear out your suspension and steering components.
- Re-fitting the new tyre to your car.
- Torquing the wheel nuts to the manufacturer’s specific settings.
- Environmental Disposal of your old tyre. By law, tyres must be disposed of responsibly, and this small fee (usually £2-£4 per tyre) covers that.
The Call-Out Fee: Is It Extra?
This is a key point of confusion. Some companies charge a separate call-out fee, while others build it into the total price.
- Standard Appointments: If you book a scheduled fitting (e.g., for two or four new tyres), most national companies waive a separate call-out fee. The logistics are planned, and the cost is absorbed into the price of the tyres.
- Emergency Call-Outs: Need a tyre changed right now on the side of the M6? This is where you’ll likely see an emergency call-out fee. You’re paying for the immediate dispatch of a technician. This can range from £40 to £100, on top of the tyre and fitting cost, depending on the time of day and your location. A 2 AM call-out will cost more than a 2 PM one.
What Else Affects the Final Price?
Beyond the tyre and the basic fitting, a few other factors can add to your bill.
1. Your Location (The “Postcode Lottery”)
Mobile fitting services need to cover fuel and the technician’s time. If you live in a remote rural area, far from their base of operations, you might see a slightly higher call-out fee or a surcharge compared to someone in a major city. Urban areas often have a higher density of vans, making routes more efficient.
2. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Since 2014, all new cars have been fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). These systems use sensors in the valves to warn you about low pressure.
- The Cost Implication: These sensors are delicate and require careful handling. Sometimes the valve stem needs to be replaced, or the sensor might need servicing (a new seal, core, and nut). This TPMS service kit adds £5 – £10 per wheel. If the technician accidentally breaks a sensor (or finds it’s already dead), a new one can cost anywhere from £40 to £80.
3. Locking Wheel Nut Removal
This is the number one cause of extra charges. If you’ve lost the special key needed to remove your locking wheel nuts, the technician will have to use a specialist tool to remove them. This is a time-consuming process and can cost an extra £20 – £50 depending on how stubborn the nuts are.
Pro Tip: Find your locking wheel nut key before you book the appointment. Check the glove box or the boot with the spare wheel.
4. Puncture Repairs
A mobile puncture repair is a great, cost-effective option. If your puncture is repairable according to UK safety standard BS AU 159 (i.e., in the central tread and less than 6mm), you can expect to pay £25 – £40. This is often much cheaper than a new tyre, but the technician has to confirm the tyre is safe to repair first.
Example Cost Scenarios
Let’s put this all together with a few real-world examples.
- Scenario 1: Scheduled Replacement
- Car: Ford Focus
- Service: 2 new mid-range tyres (205/55 R16)
- Cost Breakdown:
- Tyres: 2 x £90 = £180
- Mobile Fitting (balancing, valves, disposal included): £0 (usually bundled)
- Total Cost: ~£180
- Scenario 2: Emergency Roadside Assistance
- Car: BMW 3 Series with run-flat tyres
- Service: 1 new premium run-flat tyre, needed ASAP on a Sunday afternoon.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Tyre: 1 x £180 = £180
- Emergency Call-Out Fee: £60
- TPMS Service: £7
- Total Cost: ~£247
- Scenario 3: A Simple Puncture Repair
- Car: Vauxhall Corsa
- Service: Mobile call-out to repair a screw in the tyre.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Puncture Repair Service (includes call-out, repair, balancing): £35
- Total Cost: ~£35
The Value Proposition: Is Mobile Fitting Worth the Cost?
When you compare the raw numbers, mobile fitting is highly competitive with traditional garages. While a garage might have a slightly lower headline price for a tyre, you have to factor in the “hidden” costs:
- The fuel to drive to and from the garage.
- The value of your time—potentially 1-2 hours of waiting.
- The inconvenience of rearranging your day.
With mobile fitting, you pay for a seamless service where the work happens while you get on with your life. For many, that convenience alone is worth a small premium, if there even is one. In fact, large mobile operators with huge buying power often offer tyre prices that smaller garages can’t match.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does mobile tyre fitting cost? It depends. But it is no longer the expensive luxury it once was. For a standard, pre-booked fitting, you’ll likely pay a price very similar to a local garage. The cost is driven by your choice of tyres and your car’s specific needs (like TPMS).
The only time you should expect a significant extra cost is for an emergency, out-of-hours call-out. But even then, you’re paying for a rapid solution to a stressful problem.
The key takeaway? Don’t assume mobile fitting is more expensive. Get a quote online. The price you see is usually the price you pay, all-inclusive. It’s a transparent, convenient, and cost-effective way to keep your car safely on the road.
