Getting new tyres for your car used to mean only one thing: blocking out a couple of hours in your schedule to visit a local garage. You’d drive there, hand over your keys, and settle into a waiting room with questionable magazines until the job was done. But now, there’s another option that’s changing the game: mobile tyre fitting.
The choice between mobile and garage fitting isn’t just about convenience. It involves cost, time, the services available, and your specific situation. So, let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is the right choice for your next set of tyres.
At a Glance: Mobile vs. Garage
| Feature | Mobile Tyre Fitting | Garage Tyre Fitting |
| Convenience | ✅✅✅ (Comes to you) | ✅ (You go to them) |
| Time | ✅✅✅ (Fast, no waiting) | ✅ (Can take several hours) |
| Cost | ✅✅ (Very competitive, often cheaper) | ✅✅ (Competitive, but factor in your time) |
| Services | ✅ (Tyre fitting, puncture repair) | ✅✅✅ (Full range of mechanical services) |
| Wheel Alignment | ❌ (Generally not available) | ✅✅✅ (A core service) |
| Emergency Help | ✅✅✅ (Ideal for roadside) | ❌ (You need a tow truck first) |
The Case for Mobile Tyre Fitting
Mobile tyre fitting has seen a huge surge in popularity, with some reports showing a growth of over 25% in demand over the last few years. The appeal is obvious, but let’s look beyond just the convenience factor.
Pro: Unbeatable Convenience and Time-Saving
This is the biggest selling point. Instead of you going to the garage, the garage comes to you.
- No Waiting Around: You can continue your workday, handle chores at home, or just relax while the technician works on your car outside. A typical garage visit can easily kill two hours of your day (drive time + waiting). A mobile fitting only takes up the time of the actual work—usually 45-60 minutes for four tyres.
- Flexible Scheduling: You book a specific time slot that works for you. No more vague “drop it off in the morning and we’ll call you” scenarios.
- Emergency Lifesaver: If you have a blowout on the motorway or a flat tyre on your driveway, a mobile service is your best friend. They can get you moving again without the need for a tow truck.
Pro: Competitive and Transparent Pricing
It’s a common myth that mobile fitting must be more expensive. In reality, the costs are often very similar to, and sometimes even cheaper than, a traditional garage.
- Lower Overheads: Mobile operators don’t have to pay for a large physical garage, a customer waiting area, or prime high-street rent. These savings are often passed on to the customer.
- Online Quoting: Most mobile services operate with an upfront, all-inclusive online quote. The price you see is the price you pay, covering the tyre, fitting, a new valve, wheel balancing, and disposal of the old tyre. This transparency helps you avoid surprise charges.
Pro: One-on-One Service
With a mobile fitter, you are the only customer. You have the technician’s full attention. You can watch them work, ask questions, and be confident the job is being done right. You’re not just another car in a queue of ten.
Con: Limited Services
This is the main drawback. A fully equipped mobile van is a workshop on wheels, but it’s not the entire workshop.
- No Wheel Alignment: This is the big one. If your old tyres show signs of uneven wear, you need a wheel alignment to fix the underlying problem. Most mobile vans are not equipped with the laser alignment rigs needed for this job. A garage with a dedicated alignment bay is necessary for this.
- Major Mechanical Work: If your flat tyre was caused by hitting a curb hard, you might have suspension damage. A mobile fitter can replace the tyre, but they can’t fix bent control arms or damaged steering components.
Con: Location and Weather Dependent
The technician needs a safe, flat surface to work.
- Where they can’t work: On a steep hill, soft ground like grass, or a busy main road. If you live in a flat with only on-street parking on a major thoroughfare, mobile fitting might not be an option.
- Weather: While technicians are prepared for typical British weather, extreme conditions like gale-force winds or heavy snow can sometimes lead to appointments being rescheduled for safety reasons.
The Case for the Traditional Garage
Garages have been the go-to for decades for a reason. They offer a comprehensive service that goes beyond just fitting tyres.
Pro: A One-Stop-Shop for All Car Needs
This is the garage’s trump card. When you take your car in for new tyres, you can get other essential work done at the same time.
- Full Wheel Alignment: As mentioned, this is a garage specialty. A proper four-wheel laser alignment is crucial for extending the life of your new tyres and ensuring your car drives straight.
- Suspension and Brake Checks: A good mechanic can spot other issues while your wheels are off, like worn brake pads or a leaking shock absorber. This holistic approach can save you from bigger problems down the line.
- Complex Diagnostics: If your Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is throwing up a fault, a garage has the advanced diagnostic tools to troubleshoot the entire system, not just the valve sensor.
Pro: Not Limited by Location or Weather
A garage is a controlled environment. It doesn’t matter if it’s pouring with rain or if your only parking spot is on a 45-degree slope. You can always take your car to them. They have heavy-duty lifts that can handle any vehicle, and the work won’t be delayed by a bit of bad weather.
Pro: Established Relationships
Many people have a trusted local garage they’ve used for years. There’s value in that relationship. You trust their advice, and they know the history of your vehicle.
Con: The Time Commitment
This is the most significant downside. You have to operate on the garage’s schedule.
- Waiting Is Inevitable: Even with an appointment, you’ll likely spend time waiting for your car. A recent survey found that the average driver spends over 90 minutes at a garage for a simple tyre change.
- Disruption to Your Day: You either have to take time off work, arrange for a lift, or sit in the waiting room. It can easily turn a one-hour job into a half-day affair.
Con: Potentially Less Transparent Pricing
While many garages are upfront about costs, the “upsell” is more common in a garage environment. You might go in for tyres and come out with a recommendation for new brake discs and an air-con re-gas. While sometimes necessary, it can also feel like pressure selling. Online mobile fitters, by contrast, generally stick to the job you booked.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends entirely on your needs.
You should choose MOBILE tyre fitting if:
- You are busy and value your time. This is the number one reason. The ability to have the work done while you do something else is a massive advantage.
- You only need tyres fitted. If you’re confident that you don’t need an alignment or other mechanical work, mobile is perfect.
- You need an emergency replacement. A mobile service is the quickest and easiest way to get back on the road after a puncture.
- You appreciate transparent, upfront pricing. The online quote model leaves little room for surprises.
You should choose a GARAGE for tyre fitting if:
- You need a wheel alignment. If your old tyres have worn unevenly, a garage is non-negotiable. Protect your investment in new tyres by getting the alignment done at the same time.
- You suspect there are other issues. If you think you might have suspension or brake problems, a garage can diagnose and fix everything in one visit.
- Your car has complex TPMS issues. For system-wide faults, a garage with specialized diagnostic equipment is your best bet.
- You live in a location that isn’t suitable for mobile fitting.
The Best of Both Worlds
You don’t have to be loyal to just one method. Many savvy drivers use a hybrid approach:
- Use a mobile service for straightforward tyre replacements or winter/summer tyre swaps.
- Visit a trusted garage for your annual MOT, service, and when you need an alignment check (about every 1-2 years or after hitting a major pothole).
Final Thoughts
The debate between mobile and garage tyre fitting isn’t about one being definitively better than the other. It’s about having the right tool for the job. Mobile fitting has revolutionized the industry by putting the customer’s time and convenience first, and it does so at a highly competitive price point. For a straightforward tyre swap, it’s hard to beat.
The best advice? Assess your situation. If it’s just tyres, save yourself the time and hassle and let them come to you. If you see worn edges on your old tyres, book in at a garage and get the alignment done properly. By choosing the right service for the right reason, you’ll get the best value for both your time and money.
