Replacement Tyre Fitting: Garage v Mobile v DIY
- Garages offer expertise, professional tyre equipment and wide ranging services but may be less convenient to get to.
- Mobile tyre fitting provides convenience and flexibility but can involve additional costs and be limited by equipment.
- DIY tyre replacement is considered impractical due to the required equipment and skills.
Whether it’s a slow puncture or a routine replacement, a replacement tyre fitting is something that needs to be done properly and safely.
But what’s the right course of action to ensure an appropriate tyre replacement? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of the options available so you can take the best course of action.
Pros of garage tyre fitting
- Expertise & experience: Garages employ highly experienced and qualified mechanics/technicians who swiftly carry out tyre fitting to expected industry standards. They do this job day in, day out, so are adept at performing a tyre change.
- Equipment & stock: A garage has full access to a wide array of tools, equipment and tyre stock, which means the fitting runs smoothly, safely and without delay. The vast majority of garages will have a ramp to easily getting the car up off the ground making for an easier tyre change.
- Safety & reliability: You can trust in the experience, expertise and qualifications of a long-established tyre garage, lending itself to the level of safety and reliability required for a tyre swap. Businesses are insured too.
- Extra services: A garage offers a full range of additional motor care services that your vehicle can benefit from while you’re also getting your tyre fitting, making it a one-stop shop.
Cons of garage tyre fitting
- May not always be convenient: Visiting a garage is usually a straightforward option, except in some infrequent cases, for example, if you’ve experienced a full blow-out at the side of the road that requires emergency attention.
Pros of mobile tyre fitting
- Convenience: The big draw of mobile tyre fitting is the convenience of the fitters coming directly to your location, whether that’s at home, work or elsewhere.
- Flexible scheduling: Continuing from the above point, mobile tyre fitting works around you, offering a degree more flexibility if you cannot make a garage appointment. You should expect to schedule the callout though, as mobile fittings need to account for the time taken to get from customer to customer.
Cons of mobile tyre fitting
- Less equipment: Due to the tyre van’s mobility, the fitter is not able to carry each and every tool with them, and in certain circumstances this could affect the job if deeper issues are uncovered.
- Weather dependent: Snow, ice and storms may impact a mobile fitter’s ability to reach your location – depending on where it is – and the time in which they reach you.
- Possible additional cost: Mobile tyre fitters may charge an additional fee for the convenience of their service, so be mindful of that.
- Lack of vehicle lift: With mobile fitting, it’s not possible to lift the vehicle to inspect the condition of the tyres, and there is also no ability to health check wheel alignment and make adjustments.
What about DIY tyre replacement?
You might also be wondering can I do it myself? Because you would require specialist equipment and skills to remove the old tyre / alloy and then replace it with the new one securely, a home DIY tyre replacement is likely not possible. Therefore, it’s expected that a professional will need to carry out a tyre replacement for you.
In summary
In our professional opinion, of course we believe a garage is the way to go for total assurance. Your safety on the road is paramount. Garage tyre fitting guarantees you a professional service complete with industry-approved tools, experienced technicians and full access to tyre stock to suit your vehicle.
Looking for a tyre fitting company with decades of experience? Here at Mr Tyre, we’re the leading chain of garages for Central England, providing a variety of auto services to keep your car in roadworthy condition. With a large stock of tyres to suit any need or budget, you can be sure of a first-class tyre fitting every time — simply book online or contact your nearest branch.
