Fitting Tyres: How It’s Done by the Professionals

Congratulations on your new set of tyres!
Getting them fitted correctly is essential for safety, performance, and longevity. While you could try fitting tyres yourself, having the job done by a qualified technician ensures that everything is mounted, balanced, and torqued to exact specifications — saving you time, effort, and potential risk.

Why Professional Tyre Fitting Matters

Incorrectly fitted tyres can cause:

• Air leaks or uneven wear

• Damage to the bead or rim

• Dangerous blowouts while driving

Because tyre fitting involves precision tools, pressure systems, and safety-critical components, it’s always best handled by a trained professional using approved equipment and lubricants.

Step-by-Step: How a Tyre Is Fitted

1. Preparing the Vehicle

• The car is parked safely with the engine off, handbrake engaged, and no passengers inside.

• The technician loosens the wheel nuts slightly before lifting the car.

• A hydraulic lift raises the vehicle so all four wheels are off the ground, then the nuts are removed completely and the wheels are taken off.

2. Removing the Old Tyre

• The technician removes the valve insert to release air pressure.

• Using a tyre spreader, the sidewall and bead are carefully lifted from the rim.

• The rim is then inspected for damage, rust, or wear before fitting a new tyre.

3. Preparing the New Tyre

• The new tyre must be the correct size and type for the rim and vehicle.

• Tube-type tyres get new inner tubes (old tubes can fold and tear).

• Tubeless tyres always receive new valves — either rubber “snap-in” or supported valves, depending on manufacturer specifications.

4. Mounting the Tyre

• The tyre beads and rim are coated with special fitting lubricant.

• The tyre is mounted onto the rim using the spreader tool.

• During inflation, the wheel is secured on the mounting machine for safety.

• The fitter keeps a safe distance, using an extension hose with a pressure gauge.

• Once the beads seat correctly, the tyre is inflated to no more than 150% of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (max. 4.0 bar), then adjusted to the proper operating pressure.

5. Directional and Asymmetrical Tyres

• Directional tyres must rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow on the sidewall.

• Asymmetrical tyres must be mounted with the “outside” marking facing outward.
  This ensures optimal grip and handling performance.

6. Refitting the Wheel

• If uneven wear is spotted, the technician may check and adjust wheel alignment or suspension geometry.

• Each valve is capped (ideally with a sealing ring) to protect against leaks.

• Wheel trims and caps are checked for clearance to prevent sidewall contact.

• Wheels are reattached, and the nuts are hand-tightened before lowering the car.

• Once on the ground, the nuts are torqued in a star pattern for even pressure.

The Cost of Tyre Fitting

Tyre fitting costs vary depending on your vehicle and needs. Most tyre retailers offer:

• Tyre purchase + fitting packages,

• Optional wheel balancing, and

• Additional checks if your old tyres show unusual wear patterns.

💡 Tip: For seasonal changes between summer and winter tyres, consider buying two complete sets of wheels and tyres.
Your garage can simply swap the sets when needed — often for a small fee — and may even offer seasonal storage for your spare set.

Key Takeaways

✅ Always have tyres fitted by a qualified professional.
✅ Use new valves or tubes when fitting new tyres.
✅ Observe directional or asymmetrical tread orientation.
✅ Ensure torque settings follow the manufacturer’s specs.
✅ Regularly check pressure and balance after fitting.

Final Thoughts

Proper tyre fitting isn’t just about getting new tyres on your wheels — it’s about ensuring your car remains safe, balanced, and efficient on the road.
By trusting experienced technicians, you’ll protect your tyres, your vehicle, and most importantly, yourself.