Mobile Tyre Fitting is exactly what it sounds like: professional tyre service that comes to you. Whether you’re stuck on the driveway, parked at work, or stranded on the roadside, mobile vans bring the garage to your location.
But if you’ve never used this service before, you probably have questions. Is it more expensive? How long does it take? Can they balance wheels on the side of the road? So, let’s break down exactly what to expect from mobile tyre fitting, from the booking process to the final torque check.
Mobile Tyre Fitting: What Is It Exactly?
Mobile tyre fitting is a service where a technician drives a specially equipped van to your location to replace or repair your tyres. These vans aren’t just delivery vehicles; they are compact workshops on wheels. They come equipped with compressed air, hydraulic jacks, tyre changers, and digital wheel balancers.
According to recent industry data, the demand for mobile vehicle services has grown by over 20% in the last five years. Why? Convenience. Time is money, and spending two hours at a tyre shop isn’t exactly efficient.
How the Process Works: Step-by-Step
If you’re envisioning a guy showing up with a wrench and a jack, think again. The process is streamlined, technical, and surprisingly fast.
1. Booking and Selection
It starts online or over the phone. You input your vehicle registration number, and the system pulls up the correct tyre size for your car. You pick your tyres—budget, mid-range, or premium—and choose a time slot.
- Best Practice: Always double-check the tyre size on your actual tyre sidewall before booking. Databases are about 95% accurate, but if you have custom wheels, the database might be wrong.
2. The Arrival
On the day of the appointment, the technician will usually text or call when they are en route. Once they arrive, they’ll park their van safely near your vehicle. They don’t need much space—just enough room to work around the car.
3. Lifting and Removal
The technician will use a trolley jack to lift your car safely. They won’t lift the whole car at once, usually just the corner or side they are working on. They remove the old wheels and take them into the van.
4. Fitting and Balancing
Inside the van, the old tyre is stripped from the rim. A new valve is installed (always ask for this—it’s standard but crucial), and the new tyre is fitted.
Here is the important part: Balancing. Yes, mobile vans have electronic balancers. The technician spins the wheel and adds weights to ensure it rotates without vibrating. Unbalanced wheels = shaky steering wheel at 60 mph.
5. Fitting to the Car
The wheels go back on. The technician will hand-tighten the nuts first, then use a torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer’s specific settings.
- Why is this important? Overtightening can warp brake discs or strip threads. Undertightening leads to… well, wheels falling off.
How Long Does It Take?
This is the big question. Generally, mobile tyre fitting is faster than a garage visit because you are the only customer in the queue.
- 1 Tyre: 15–20 minutes
- 2 Tyres: 30–40 minutes
- 4 Tyres: 60–75 minutes
Of course, these are averages. If you have locking wheel nuts that are rusted tight or corroded alloy wheels that need cleaning, it might take a bit longer. But typically, you can expect to be back on the road in under an hour for a standard replacement.
The Cost Factor: Is It More Expensive?
There is a common myth that mobile fitting costs a fortune. In reality, it’s often comparable to garage prices. Mobile operators don’t have the overheads of a massive waiting room or a prime high-street location.
While some companies might charge a small “call-out fee” (usually between $25 and $50 depending on location), many include mobile fitting in the price of the tyre if you buy two or more. Plus, when you factor in the fuel you save driving to a garage and the hour or two of lost work time, the economics often tilt in favor of mobile fitting.
Common Issues and Best Practices
While the process is smooth 90% of the time, there are things you can do to make sure it goes off without a hitch.
The Locking Wheel Nut Key
This is the #1 reason for failed appointments. If your car has alloy wheels, it likely has a locking wheel nut on each wheel to prevent theft. You need a special “key” (a small metal adapter) to remove it.
- Where to find it: Check the glove box, the spare wheel well, or the pockets in the boot.
- Tip: Find this key before the technician arrives. If it’s missing, they can’t remove the wheels without specialist removal tools (which costs extra and takes more time).
Work Space Requirements
The technician needs a flat, safe surface. A driveway is perfect. A quiet office car park is great.
- Where they can’t work:
- Steep driveways (danger of the car slipping off the jack).
- Narrow, busy main roads (danger to the technician from passing traffic).
- Soft ground like grass or gravel (the jack will sink).
Valve Sensors (TPMS)
Most modern cars (post-2014) have Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). These are electronic sensors inside the tyre valve.
- The Risk: These can be fragile. An inexperienced fitter can snap them.
- The Fix: Tell the technician upfront if you have TPMS. A pro knows how to work around them safely. Also, ask them to check the sensor battery status if they have the diagnostic tool.
Safety and Quality: Are They as Good as a Garage?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Mobile fitting vans use the same machinery as a static garage, just smaller versions designed to run off the van’s power supply.
However, safety protocols are strict. Technicians are trained to work alone and manage risks. They will usually place cones around the work area and wear high-visibility gear.
- Torque Settings: Just like a garage, mobile fitters must torque wheel nuts to the manufacturer’s specification.
- Disposal: By law, they must dispose of your old tyres responsibly. Most reputable companies charge a small “environmental disposal fee” (usually around $3–$5 per tyre) to ensure the rubber is recycled, not dumped in a landfill.
When Should You NOT Use Mobile Fitting?
Mobile fitting is versatile, but it’s not magic. There are specific scenarios where a garage lift is necessary.
- Wheel Alignment: While some high-end mobile vans offer laser alignment, most do not. If your old tyres wore unevenly (e.g., the inside edge is bald but the outside looks new), you need a full 4-wheel alignment. This is best done on a dedicated ramp in a shop.
- Severe Suspension Damage: If you hit a curb hard enough to bend a control arm, a tyre fitter can put a new tyre on, but it won’t fix the underlying damage. You need a mechanic for that.
5 Things to Do Before the Van Arrives
Want the smoothest experience possible? Follow this quick checklist:
- Locate your Locking Wheel Nut Key. We mentioned this, but seriously, find it.
- Park on flat ground. Safety first.
- Keep your phone on. The technician will likely call for directions or updates.
- Clear the boot. If the locking key is in the spare wheel well, don’t make the technician dig through your gym bag and groceries to find it.
- Check your spare. If you are getting a mobile fit because of a blowout, ask them to check the pressure in your spare tyre while they are there. It takes 30 seconds and could save you later.
Conclusion
Mobile tyre fitting has shifted from a luxury service to a practical standard for busy vehicle owners. The convenience of having your tyres changed while you finish a meeting or watch TV is hard to beat.
It saves time, reduces stress, and offers professional results without the garage waiting room experience. So, the next time your tread depth gets low, or you hear that dreaded hiss of escaping air, consider letting the tyre shop come to you.
Just remember: Check your tyre size, find your locking key, and park on the flat. The technician will handle the rest. Contact us now!
