What Happens During a Tyre Fitting?

Tyres are one of the most crucial components of your vehicle, directly affecting safety, handling, and fuel efficiency. Over time, they wear down due to road conditions, weather, and general use, making replacements necessary to maintain performance and safety.

A professional tyre fitting ensures that your new tyres are installed correctly, properly balanced, and safe to drive. Whether you’re replacing worn tyres, upgrading for better performance, or dealing with unexpected damage, understanding the tyre fitting process can help you feel more confident about what to expect.

In this guide, we’ll explain each step of a tyre fitting, from arrival at the service centre to final safety checks and aftercare tips.

Arriving at the Tyre Fitting Centre

When you arrive at the tyre fitting centre, a technician will greet you and check your booking details. If you haven’t pre-booked, they may assess availability and discuss your requirements.

Before beginning the fitting process, the technician will inspect your existing tyres to confirm the need for replacement and check for any potential issues, such as uneven wear.

Inspecting the Existing Tyres

Before fitting new tyres, the technician will carefully examine your existing ones to assess their condition. This includes:

• Checking Tread Depth – Ensuring the tyres meet the legal minimum tread depth (1.6mm in the UK) and looking for signs of uneven wear.
• Inspecting for Damage – Identifying cracks, bulges, punctures, or sidewall damage that could make driving unsafe.
• Assessing Wear Patterns – Uneven wear could indicate issues with alignment, suspension, or tyre pressure, which may need addressing before fitting new tyres.
• Confirming Tyre Specifications – Checking the tyre size, speed rating, and load index to ensure the correct replacements are fitted.

If any additional issues are found, the technician may discuss further services, such as wheel alignment or balancing, to improve tyre performance and longevity.

Removing the Old Tyres

Once the existing tyres have been inspected, the technician will begin the removal process. First, the wheel nuts or bolts are loosened while the vehicle is still on the ground. The car is then lifted using a hydraulic jack or lift to provide safe access to the wheels. 

After removing the wheels, any remaining air is released from the tyres before a specialised machine breaks the bead, the seal between the tyre and the rim. The old tyre is then carefully removed from the wheel using a tyre changer, ensuring the rim remains undamaged. At this stage, the technician may also inspect the wheel rims for any signs of damage or corrosion that could affect the fit and performance of the new tyres.

Preparing the Wheels for New Tyres

Before fitting the new tyres, the technician will inspect and prepare the wheel rims to ensure a secure and balanced fit. This begins with a thorough check for any damage, corrosion, or debris that could affect tyre performance. If necessary, the rims are cleaned to remove dirt, rust, or old adhesive from previous balancing weights. 

If the rims show signs of wear, minor repairs may be recommended. Additionally, a new valve is often fitted to help maintain proper tyre pressure. Once the rims are prepped, they are ready for the new tyres to be mounted securely.

Fitting the New Tyres

With the wheels prepared, the technician will carefully fit the new tyres onto the rims. This includes:

• Aligning the Tyre – Positioning the tyre correctly on the wheel to ensure a secure fit.
• Using a Tyre Fitting Machine – Carefully mounting the tyre onto the rim without causing damage.
• Applying Lubricant – Adding a specialised lubricant to the tyre bead to help it seat properly and create an airtight seal.
• Inflating the Tyre – Filling the tyre to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to ensure the bead fully secures against the rim.
• Fitting a New Valve Cap – Securing a new valve cap to help maintain air pressure and prevent leaks.

Once the tyre is correctly mounted and inflated, it is ready for the next step.

Final Checks and Safety Inspection

The technician performs a final safety inspection before the vehicle is ready to drive to ensure the tyres are fitted correctly. This includes verifying that each tyre is inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, tightening the wheel nuts or bolts to the correct torque, and checking that the tyres are seated properly on the rims with no gaps or leaks. A visual inspection is also carried out to identify any potential issues, such as uneven fitting or damage. Once these checks are complete, the vehicle is lowered, and a final assessment confirms everything is secure. The technician may also advise driving carefully for the first few miles to allow the new tyres to settle in.

Aftercare Tips & Advice

To get the best performance and longevity from your new tyres, it’s important to follow proper aftercare. In the first few miles, drive cautiously to allow the tyres to settle and the lubricant used during fitting to wear off. Regularly check tyre pressure to ensure it remains at the manufacturer’s recommended level, as incorrect pressure can affect handling, fuel efficiency, and tyre wear. Inspect your tyres frequently for signs of damage, uneven wear, or embedded debris, and rotate them periodically to promote even wear across all four wheels. Additionally, consider scheduling wheel alignment checks if you notice pulling to one side or uneven tread wear. Proper aftercare will help extend the life of your tyres and ensure a safer, smoother driving experience.

A professional tyre fitting ensures your vehicle remains safe, efficient, and comfortable to drive. From removing worn tyres to balancing and final safety checks, each step is designed to optimise performance and longevity. Regular tyre maintenance, including pressure checks, alignment, and inspections for wear or damage, will help you get the most from your new tyres. By following these aftercare tips, you can enjoy a smoother, safer driving experience while extending the lifespan of your tyres.

We have over 2500 tyre garages that fit nationally, ensuring there’s somewhere close to you where your brand-new tyres can be fitted.