In the UK, one replacement tyre usually costs between £40 and £250 fitted, depending on the brand tier. Budget tyres run £40 – £70, mid-range £70 – £130, and premium £100 – £250. A full set of four typically costs £320 – £550 for mid-range, plus around £40 for wheel alignment.
Need new tyres but unsure what to budget? You can expect to pay between £40 and £250 per tyre in the UK, fitted. The exact price depends on the tyre’s size, brand, and where you buy it.
This guide breaks down the real costs for 2026. Plus, it covers the hidden fees, the cheapest places to shop, and when you actually need to replace your tyres.
How much does one tyre cost in the UK?
The price of a single tyre depends mostly on the brand tier. So, here’s what you can expect to pay per tyre, fitted.
| Tyre tier | Price per tyre | Lifespan | Example brands |
| Budget | £40 – £70 | 15,000 – 20,000 miles | Linglong, Nankang, Sailun |
| Mid-range | £70 – £130 | 25,000 – 35,000 miles | Hankook, Falken, Avon |
| Premium | £100 – £250 | 35,000 – 50,000 miles | Michelin, Continental, Pirelli |
Budget tyres cost less upfront, however they wear out faster. Premium tyres cost more, but they last longer and grip better in the wet.
What does a full set of four tyres cost?
Most drivers replace tyres in pairs or full sets. So, expect a larger bill when all four need changing.
For the UK’s most common tyre size (205/55R16), a mid-range set fitted at an independent garage works out like this:
- 4 mid-range tyres (£95 each): £380
- Fitting (£12 each): £48
- Balancing (£8 each): £32
- Disposal (£2.50 each): £10
- 2-wheel alignment: £40
- Total: £510
Budget sets can come in as low as £230. Premium sets, however, often climb to £500 – £800.
What extra costs should you expect?
The tyre itself is only part of the bill. Hence, most garages add several small fees on top.
Here’s what you might see on a typical quote:
- Fitting: £8 – £15 per tyre. This covers removing the old tyre and mounting the new one.
- Balancing: £5 – £10 per tyre. This adds weights so the wheel spins evenly. Always have it done.
- Valve replacement: £2 – £3 per tyre. It’s cheap insurance against slow leaks.
- Disposal: £2 – £3 per tyre. This is a legal requirement.
- TPMS reset: £5 – £10 per tyre. TPMS stands for Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Most cars from 2014 onwards have it.
- Wheel alignment: £30 – £50 for two wheels, or £50 – £80 for four. It’s recommended at every set change.
What affects the price of a tyre?
Six main factors explain almost every price difference. So, keep these in mind when comparing quotes.
Size and load rating
Bigger tyres use more rubber, hence they cost more. A large 20-inch tyre can cost three to four times as much as a small 15-inch one.
Brand tier
Premium brands invest heavily in research and grip technology. Budget brands skip most of that, so they price lower.
Tyre type
Run-flat tyres usually add a 40 – 60% premium. Also, electric vehicle (EV) tyres run 30 – 50% above standard ones, since EVs are heavier.
Where you buy
Online retailers typically run 15 – 30% below high-street chains. Main dealers, meanwhile, charge 30 – 50% more for the same tyre.
Where is the cheapest place to buy tyres?
Online retailers consistently beat the high street on price. So, shopping around can save you real money.
- Online (Blackcircles, Tyre Shopper, Asda Tyres): Usually 15 – 30% cheaper than chains.
- Costco: Often cheapest on premium brands, though you’ll need a £42/year membership.
- Kwik Fit: The most expensive chain, at £55 – £195 fitted. However, it offers a strong price-match guarantee.
- Independent garages: Can be competitive, but quality varies.
To get the best deal, buy your tyres online, then book a local fitter or mobile service.
When should you replace your tyres?
Most drivers need new tyres after around 20,000 miles of normal driving. However, your driving style and conditions can shorten that.
The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm. Drive below that, and you risk a fine of up to £2,500 plus 3 penalty points per tyre.
That said, most experts recommend replacing at 3mm. This is because wet braking distance increases sharply below that point.
Safety matters too. An A-rated wet-grip tyre stops up to 18 metres shorter than an E-rated one from 50mph.
How to save money on your next tyre change
Tyre replacement doesn’t have to break the bank. So, plan ahead and shop smart.
For a low-mileage second car driven mostly in dry weather, budget tyres can be fine. But for year-round UK motorway driving, mid-range or premium tyres are safer and often cheaper per mile.
Start by checking your tyre size on the sidewall (for example, 205/55R16). Then compare online prices, book a trusted fitter, and don’t skip the wheel alignment.
Frequently asked questions
How much do four new tyres cost in the UK?
A full set of four mid-range tyres for a common size (205/55R16) usually costs £320 – £550 fitted. This includes balancing and disposal. Premium sets push that to £500 – £800, while budget sets can be done for around £230.
Are budget tyres safe?
Budget tyres are legal and pass UK type-approval. However, their wet-grip ratings are typically C to E. From 50mph in the wet, an E-rated tyre stops up to 18 metres later than an A-rated one. They suit low-mileage, dry-weather driving, but mid-range or premium is safer for motorways.
How long do new tyres last?
Budget tyres last 15,000 – 20,000 miles. Mid-range last 25,000 – 35,000 miles. Premium tyres often go 35,000 – 50,000 miles. Driving style, alignment, and tyre pressure all affect lifespan.
What is the legal tread depth in the UK?
The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Below that, you face a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per illegal tyre. Most experts recommend replacing at 3mm.
Where is the cheapest place to buy tyres?
Online retailers like Blackcircles, Tyre Shopper, and Asda Tyres usually undercut high-street chains by 15 – 30%. Costco often beats them on premium brands if you have a membership.
