When booking a tyre fit, it is easy to picture just the tyre being swapped. In fact a proper fit is a short sequence of jobs, and knowing them is how to tell a complete service from a corner-cutting one.
What a fit covers
A standard tyre fit includes:
- Removing the old tyre from the wheel
- Mounting and seating the new tyre onto the rim
- Balancing the wheel with small weights so it runs smooth
- Fitting a new valve
- Inflating to the car's correct pressure
- Torquing the wheel nuts to the right spec
- Disposing of the old tyre responsibly
That full set is what should happen every time a tyre is fitted, whether at a garage or by a mobile fitter on the driveway.
What's not included
One thing people expect but which is separate: wheel alignment. Alignment corrects the angles the wheels sit at, and while fitting new tyres is the ideal moment to have it checked, it is its own job with its own cost, not part of standard fitting. The same goes for any work beyond the tyre itself.
The fully-fitted price
The figure that captures all the core steps is the fully-fitted price, the tyre plus fitting, balancing, valve and disposal in one number. It is the only fair way to compare cost between sellers, since a bare tyre price leaves the rest out. Order your tyres online from Tyres.co.uk and the fitted price bundles the fitting, balancing, valve and disposal into one figure, so what is shown is what the fit actually costs. The breakdown of those extras is worth a look before comparing prices anywhere.
What to confirm
Two quick checks make sure a fit is complete: that balancing and a new valve are included, and whether alignment is wanted on top. A good fitter does the core steps as a matter of course; they are also fair things to ask about when booking.
The checks around the tyre change
The fitter should confirm the replacement specification and inspect the wheel and relevant components before fitting. A damaged bead seat, corrosion or faulty valve may explain a pressure leak and can require additional attention. The tyre must be mounted with its directional or outside markings respected, and the finished assembly checked before the car is returned.
What 'new valve' means on a TPMS-equipped car
A conventional rubber valve and a valve attached to an electronic pressure sensor are different arrangements. An electronic sensor is not normally discarded every time the tyre is changed. Its service parts may need replacement, while a failed sensor can require a separate part and relearn procedure. Ask what your price includes and whether additional work needs approval.
What to expect on collection
Check the invoice for the tyre model, size, number fitted and any separately authorised services. Confirm that the pressures are appropriate for the vehicle and load, and ask about the TPMS procedure if a warning is present. Get the locking-wheel-nut key back. If a vibration or leak develops, contact the fitter promptly with the symptoms and when they occur. Correct fitting should leave you with a clear record of the work, not unexplained warning lights.
Common questions
What does tyre fitting include?+
Removing the old tyre from the wheel, mounting and seating the new one, balancing the wheel, fitting a new valve, inflating to the correct pressure, and disposing of the old tyre. The wheel nuts are torqued to spec. Alignment is a separate job, not part of standard fitting.
Is balancing included in tyre fitting?+
It should be, a new tyre needs balancing to run smoothly, so a proper fit includes it as standard. It is worth confirming, because a very low headline price occasionally leaves it out and adds it back at the counter.
Does tyre fitting include a new valve?+
Usually yes. A rubber valve ages like the tyre and is cheap, so fitting a new one with each new tyre is good practice and normally included. Confirming it is part of the price avoids a small surprise.
Is wheel alignment part of tyre fitting?+
No. Alignment is a separate service from fitting, even though new tyres are a good moment to have it done if the old ones wore unevenly. Standard fitting covers mounting, balancing, valve, inflation and disposal, but not alignment.