Replacing a tyre yourself or at a shop
You can replace a tyre in two ways: do it yourself at the roadside or in your driveway, or take your car to a tyre shop or garage and have a technician do it. The DIY route takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have the right tools and a safe, flat surface. A shop replacement takes 30 minutes to an hour from arrival to departure, though you may wait longer if they are busy. Most people choose the shop route because it requires less physical effort, eliminates the risk of doing it wrong, and means you do not have to carry a spare tyre in your car.
The cost difference is significant. Replacing a tyre yourself costs only the price of the new tyre itself — typically £40 to £150 depending on the size and quality. A garage or tyre shop charges a fitting fee on top of the tyre cost, usually £15 to £30 per tyre. Some shops bundle the fitting into a package price, especially if you buy multiple tyres at once.
Key Takeaways
- A tyre shop or garage can fit a new tyre in 30 minutes to an hour, while DIY replacement takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have the tools and a safe, flat surface.
- Shop fitting costs £15 to £30 per tyre on top of the tyre price, while DIY replacement costs only the tyre itself.
- You will need a jack, a lug wrench, and a spare tyre or new tyre to replace one yourself; shops have industrial equipment that makes the job faster and safer.
- Tyre shops can check your wheel alignment and balance while fitting, which DIY replacement does not include.
- If you are on a motorway or in heavy traffic, call roadside information rather than attempting to change the tyre yourself.
What you need to do it yourself
To replace a tyre at home or roadside, you need four things: a jack, a lug wrench (also called a wheel wrench), a spare tyre or new tyre, and a flat, stable surface. Most cars come with a scissor jack and a lug wrench in the boot. If your car does not have these, you can buy a scissor jack for £20 to £40 and a lug wrench for £10 to £20. A hydraulic floor jack is more stable and easier to use but costs £50 to £150 and is not essential for occasional home replacement.
Before you start, park on level ground away from traffic, turn on your hazard lights, and loosen the lug nuts by a quarter turn while the car is still on the ground. This is the hardest part of the job because the nuts are tight. Once they are loose, use the jack to lift the car until the tyre is about 15 centimetres off the ground. Remove the lug nuts completely, take off the old tyre, fit the new one, hand-tighten the lug nuts, lower the car, and then tighten the lug nuts fully in a star pattern (opposite sides alternately) to may support even pressure.
When to use a tyre shop instead
A tyre shop is the safer and faster choice in several situations. If you are on a motorway or a busy road, do not attempt to change the tyre yourself — call your breakdown cover provider or roadside information. If you do not have a spare tyre (many modern cars come with a space-saver or no spare at all), you will need to call a shop or recovery service to bring a replacement to you. If you have never changed a tyre before, a shop removes the risk of fitting it incorrectly or damaging the wheel.
Shops also have equipment you do not have at home. After fitting a new tyre, they can check your wheel alignment and balance the tyre on a machine, which costs an extra £10 to £30 but extends tyre life and improves handling. If your old tyre has failed because of a pothole or debris, a shop can inspect the wheel for damage that you might miss. Many shops also dispose of your old tyre as part of the fitting service, whereas at home you have to take it to a recycling centre yourself.
How to find and choose a tyre shop
Tyre shops range from large chains like Kwik Fit and Halfords to independent local garages. Chains are usually faster and have more stock, but independent shops often charge less and may offer more personal service. You can search online for "tyre fitting near me" or "tyre shop [your town]" to see what is available. Check reviews on Google Maps or Trustpilot to see what other customers report about wait times, pricing, and quality.
Before you book or arrive, know your tyre size — it is printed on the side of your current tyre in a format like 205/55R16. You can also find it in your car manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door. Call ahead or check the shop's website to see if they stock your size and what the fitting fee is. Some shops offer same-day fitting if you arrive early in the morning; others may ask you to book a time slot. Prices for the tyre itself vary widely between shops, so it is worth calling two or three to compare.
What happens during a shop replacement
When you arrive at a tyre shop with your car, a technician will inspect the tyre and wheel, confirm the size you need, and discuss whether you want balancing or alignment checks. They will then remove the old tyre using a tyre machine (a motorised device that breaks the seal and removes the tyre from the wheel rim), fit the new tyre onto the wheel, and inflate it to the correct pressure. If you have requested balancing, they will mount the wheel on a balancing machine and add small weights to the rim to correct any imbalance.
The technician will then refit the wheel to your car, tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque (using a power tool), and lower the car. The whole process takes 30 to 45 minutes for one tyre, though it is faster if you are replacing multiple tyres at once. Before you leave, ask the technician to show you the pressure reading so you know it is correct, and ask when you should return to check the tyre pressure again — usually after 50 to 100 kilometres of driving, as new tyres can lose pressure slightly as they settle.
Cost comparison: DIY versus shop fitting
| Factor | DIY Replacement | Shop Fitting |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre cost | £40–£150 | £40–£150 |
| Fitting fee | None | £15–£30 |
| Balancing (optional) | Not included | £10–£30 |
| Alignment check (optional) | Not included | £20–£50 |
| Old tyre disposal | You arrange (free or £5–£10) | Usually included |
| Time required | 15–30 minutes | 30–60 minutes (including wait) |
What to do after replacement
After a tyre is replaced, check the pressure again after 50 to 100 kilometres of driving. New tyres can lose a small amount of pressure as the rubber settles onto the rim. You can check pressure at most petrol stations using their air pump — the correct pressure for your car is listed on a sticker inside the driver's door or in your manual, not on the tyre itself. If the pressure is low, add air until it matches the specification.
If you replaced the tyre yourself, have a garage check the wheel alignment and balance within a few weeks if you notice any pulling to one side, vibration, or uneven wear on other tyres. These are signs that the wheel may not be seated correctly or that your alignment has shifted. If you replaced the tyre at a shop, ask them to recheck the pressure one week later if you are concerned, as this is often free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on a space-saver spare tyre?
Yes, but only to reach a tyre shop — space-saver tyres are smaller and thinner than regular tyres and are designed for temporary use only. Drive at no more than 80 kilometres per hour and avoid motorways if possible. Replace it with a full-size tyre as soon as you can, usually within a few hours or a day.
What if I damage the wheel rim when changing the tyre?
If you bend or crack the rim, the tyre will not seal properly and will lose pressure. Take the car to a tyre shop when ready — they can sometimes repair a bent rim or will need to replace it. Rim damage is not covered by tyre warranties, so you will pay the full cost of repair or replacement, typically £50 to £200 depending on the damage.
How often do tyres need replacing?
Tyres wear at different rates depending on your driving style, road conditions, and how often you check pressure. Most tyres last between 25,000 and 50,000 kilometres. Check the tread depth regularly — when it reaches 1.6 millimetres, the tyre is at the legal minimum and must be replaced. Many people replace tyres before this point for safety reasons.
Do I need to replace all four tyres at once?
No, you can replace one or two tyres if only those are worn. However, if you are replacing tyres on a four-wheel-drive car or if the remaining tyres are significantly more worn than the new ones, uneven grip can affect handling and safety. A tyre shop can advise whether replacing all four is necessary for your car.
What is the difference between a budget and a premium tyre?
Budget tyres cost £40 to £80 and last 25,000 to 35,000 kilometres. Premium tyres cost £80 to £150 and last 40,000 to 50,000 kilometres, offer better grip in wet conditions, and are quieter. The choice depends on your budget and how much you drive — frequent drivers often find premium tyres cheaper per kilometre over time.