Mobile Tyre Fitting Cost: If you’ve ever been stuck with a flat tyre on your drive or realised your tyres are past their best but don’t have time to visit a garage, mobile tyre fitting starts to sound pretty appealing. But the obvious question is: how much does it actually cost?
The short answer is that you’ll typically pay a bit more than a traditional garage visit — but not always as much as you’d think. The final price depends on the tyres themselves, any call-out charges, and whether you’re booking during normal hours or need an emergency service at 9pm on a Sunday.
Let’s break it down properly.
What You’re Actually Paying For
When you book a mobile tyre fitter, you’re not just paying for the tyre. You’re covering:
- The tyre itself (same as you’d pay anywhere)
- Fitting and balancing (labour)
- Disposal of your old tyre (legally required)
- A call-out or convenience fee (the mobile bit)
Some companies roll everything into one price. Others separate the tyre cost from the service charge. It’s worth checking what’s included before you book.
Typical Mobile Tyre Fitting Costs
Here’s what you can generally expect to pay across the UK:
Standard tyres (common sizes for hatchbacks, saloons):
- Tyre: £50–£100
- Fitting per tyre: £10–£20
- Call-out fee: £0–£25 (often waived if you’re buying multiple tyres)
Premium or larger tyres (SUVs, performance cars):
- Tyre: £100–£200+
- Fitting per tyre: £15–£25
- Call-out fee: Similar, sometimes absorbed into the price
Run-flat or specialist tyres:
- Expect to pay more — both for the tyre and the fitting, as they require specific equipment.
If you’re replacing all four tyres, many mobile services waive the call-out charge entirely. You might also get a discount on labour if you’re doing multiple tyres in one visit.
Is Mobile Fitting More Expensive Than a Garage?
Usually, yes — but not by as much as people assume.
A high-street garage might charge £10–£15 per tyre for fitting and balancing. A mobile service might charge £15–£20, plus a call-out fee if you’re only doing one tyre.
So if you’re replacing a single tyre, you could pay an extra £15–£25 overall compared to driving to a garage. If you’re doing two or more, the difference often shrinks — especially if the call-out is waived.
The real value isn’t just about price. It’s about not losing an hour (or more) sitting in a waiting room, not rearranging your day, and not needing to organise a lift if your car isn’t driveable.
What Affects the Price?
A few factors can push the cost up or down:
Time of day and urgency
Emergency call-outs — especially evenings, weekends, or bank holidays — often come with a premium. If you can wait until the next working day, you’ll usually pay less.
Location
Mobile fitters covering central London or very remote areas sometimes charge a higher call-out fee to account for travel time and parking challenges.
Tyre brand and type
Budget tyres start around £40–£50. Mid-range brands (Michelin, Goodyear, Continental) sit between £70–£120. Premium or specialist tyres can easily exceed £150 each.
Number of tyres
The more you replace in one visit, the better the overall value. Fitting four tyres at once usually works out cheaper per tyre than four separate appointments.
Are There Any Hidden Costs?
Most reputable mobile tyre fitters are transparent, but it’s worth asking:
- Is valve replacement included? (Usually yes, but not always)
- Is there a charge for difficult access — e.g., locking wheel nuts without a key?
- Does the price include disposal of your old tyres? (It should)
If you’re booking online or over the phone, ask for a full breakdown. Good mobile services will give you a clear total before they arrive.
When Mobile Fitting Makes Financial Sense
If your car is still driveable and you have time to visit a garage, you’ll probably save £10–£20 per tyre.
But mobile fitting starts to make more sense when:
- You can’t drive the car safely
- You’re replacing multiple tyres
- You’d otherwise lose half a day off work
- You don’t have easy access to a garage (no car to borrow, awkward location)
For many drivers, especially those juggling work, childcare, or simply a busy schedule, the convenience fee is worth it.
Example: Real-World Scenario
Let’s say you’ve got a slow puncture on your front-right tyre. It’s still holding air, but you know it won’t last the week.
Option 1: Drive to a garage
- Tyre: £70
- Fitting: £12
- Total: £82
- Time cost: 60–90 minutes (travel, waiting, paperwork)
Option 2: Mobile tyre fitter
- Tyre: £70
- Fitting: £18
- Call-out: £15
- Total: £103
- Time cost: 20–30 minutes (they come to you)
You’re paying an extra £21 for the privilege of staying at home or work. Whether that’s worth it depends entirely on your circumstances.
Is It Worth Paying Extra?
There’s no universal answer. If you’re on a tight budget and have the time, a traditional garage will always be cheaper.
But if you value your time, need tyres fitted quickly, or simply can’t get to a garage easily, mobile tyre fitting is far from a rip-off. You’re paying for a legitimate service — someone driving to you, bringing the right equipment, and doing the job on your schedule.
For emergency situations — a flat tyre before an important journey, or a puncture discovered late in the evening — the peace of mind alone can justify the cost.
Final Thoughts
Mobile tyre fitting typically costs between £60 and £120 per tyre, depending on the tyre itself and any call-out charges. You’ll usually pay a bit more than a garage visit, but the gap narrows if you’re replacing multiple tyres or factoring in your own time.
The key is knowing what you’re paying for and whether the convenience matches your situation. For many drivers, it does.
If you’re weighing up your options, ask for a clear quote upfront, check what’s included, and compare it honestly against the time and effort of doing it the traditional way. Sometimes, paying a little extra to stay exactly where you are is the smartest choice you can make.