A tyre fitting is quick, and a few straightforward questions during it make sure the job is done properly. None are awkward to ask, a good fitter will happily answer, and the asking tends to mean the work is that bit more careful.
About the tyre
First, that the right tyre is going on:
- Is this the size, brand and model I ordered?
- Is it new and recently made, what is the date code?
A quick confirmation here rules out the wrong tyre or old stock before it is on the car.
About the work
Then, that the fitting itself is complete:
- Is balancing included? It should be, every time
- Are new valves being fitted? A cheap part that ages like the tyre
- Are the nuts torqued to the correct spec, not just rattled tight?
- Is disposal of the old tyres included?
These steps are the make-up of a complete fit, and they separate a proper fit from a rushed one.
About the fitment
Next, the detail many drivers do not think to raise:
- Which axle are the new tyres going on? When two are replaced, the new pair belongs on the rear for stability, even on a front-wheel-drive car
A good fitter does this as standard, but it is a fair thing to confirm.
About anything they noticed
Finally, a useful question that turns a fitter's experience to advantage:
- Did the old tyres show any uneven wear?
Wear heavier on one edge is a sign of alignment being out, and fitting new tyres is the perfect moment to put the alignment right so the new ones do not wear the same way. The fitter has the old tyres in their hands, so it is worth asking what they saw.
From the workshop: the question fitters respect most is "did you notice any odd wear on the old ones?" It shows you're switched on, and it's genuinely useful, we can see straight away if your tracking's out. Sorting alignment when the new tyres go on saves them wearing out like the last set did.
Sources and accuracy. This reflects good fitting practice at the time of writing. Specific inclusions vary by fitter, so confirming on the day is sensible. If anything here looks wrong, get in touch and we will check it and put it right.
Common questions
What should I ask when getting new tyres fitted?+
Confirm they are fitting the size, brand and model you ordered; that the tyres are new and recently made; that balancing and new valves are included; which axle the new pair is going on; and that the nuts are torqued to spec. A few questions keep the job honest and correct.
Should I ask the fitter to put new tyres on the rear?+
It is worth confirming. When two tyres are replaced, the new pair should go on the rear axle for stability, even on a front-wheel-drive car. A good fitter does this automatically, but it is a fair thing to check rather than assume.
Should new valves be fitted with new tyres?+
Generally yes. A rubber valve ages and is cheap to replace, so fitting a new one with the new tyre is good practice and usually included. It is worth confirming, as a perished valve can leak just as a worn tyre does.
How do I know if I need wheel alignment when buying tyres?+
Ask the fitter to check the old tyres for uneven wear. Wear heavier on one edge points to alignment being out, and fitting new tyres is the ideal moment to correct it so they do not wear the same way. Alignment is usually a separate job from fitting.