Setting Up a Profitable Tyre Fitting Service

Tyre fitting is one of the most straightforward additional services a UK garage can offer, and the margins are attractive. The UK tyre replacement market is worth over £3 billion annually, and independent garages are well-positioned to capture a significant share — especially from customers who already trust you with their vehicle.

Adding tyre fitting to your service offering delivers several benefits:

• Additional revenue stream — Average tyre sale generates £60-£120 in gross profit per tyre. A set of four premium tyres can yield £300-£500 in margin.
• Customer retention — Customers who buy tyres from you are more likely to return for servicing. It keeps them in your ecosystem.
• Footfall driver — Tyre customers often become service customers. The first visit is always the hardest to win.
• Upselling opportunity — While the vehicle is on the ramp for tyres, you can offer a free vehicle health check and identify additional work.
• Competitive advantage — Many customers prefer a one-stop-shop. If you cannot supply tyres, they will go to someone who can.

The essential equipment for tyre fitting:

• Tyre changer — A semi-automatic machine suitable for alloy wheels costs £2,000-£5,000. Fully automatic machines capable of handling run-flat and UHP tyres cost £5,000-£12,000.
• Wheel balancer — A good-quality balancer costs £1,500-£4,000. Look for one with automatic data entry and hidden weight positioning for alloy wheels.
• Tyre storage — Racking for stock and customer season-swap tyres. Budget £500-£1,500.
• TPMS tools — A TPMS diagnostic and programming tool is essential for modern vehicles. £300-£800.
• Compressor capacity — Ensure your compressor can handle the additional demand. Tyre machines typically need 8-10 bar.

Total startup investment: £5,000-£15,000 depending on quality. This typically pays back within six to twelve months.

Tyre sourcing strategy makes or breaks profitability:

• Wholesale accounts — Set up accounts with major wholesalers like Micheldever, Stapleton's, or National Tyres Wholesale. Negotiate volume discounts.
• Same-day delivery — Most wholesalers offer same-day delivery on orders placed before 10am, so you do not need large stock holdings.
• Stock fast-movers — Keep popular sizes (205/55 R16, 225/45 R17, 225/40 R18) in stock for walk-in customers. Quick availability wins jobs.
• Pricing strategy — Research online prices (BlackCircles, Tyre Shopper) and price competitively. Your advantage is convenience and trust, not being the absolute cheapest. Aim for 25-40% margin on the tyre plus a fitting charge of £10-£15 per tyre.

Let your existing customers know about your tyre service and attract new ones:

• Flag tyres during inspections — Every vehicle health check should include tyre tread depth measurement. When tyres are amber or red, offer a quote on the spot.
• Google Business Profile — Add "tyre fitting" to your services and post photos of your tyre equipment.
• Seasonal promotions — Offer winter tyre packages in September/October and summer changeovers in March/April.
• Price match guarantee — "We will match any local tyre price" removes the customer's reason to shop around.
• Website integration — Add a tyre search and quote tool to your website so customers can check prices before they visit.

With ashdub, tyre sales are integrated into your job cards and invoicing. Track tyre revenue separately, manage supplier purchase orders, and flag advisory tyre items for automatic follow-up.