DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
How much does a new tyre cost fitted in the UK?
A tyre is one of the few car costs where the part itself is the main event, not the labour. Fitting is quick and cheap; what swings the price is the brand, the size and whether you go budget or premium. The real prices below are what drivers actually paid for a tyre supplied and fitted, so you can compare like for like.
The quick version
- With a tyre the part is the main cost, unlike most jobs where labour dominates.
- Fitting includes the valve, balancing and disposal of the old tyre, and is usually a small charge.
- Premium brands cost far more than budget tyres, with mid-range sitting in between.
- Larger wheels and performance or run-flat tyres push the price up sharply.
- Buying online and having them fitted locally can undercut a garage's own supply price.
What people actually paid
The gap: advertised vs actually paid (medians)
People reported paying 12% less than the advertised list price for tyre.
List prices are advertised prices; paid figures are what people reported, often for different cases and from a small sample so far. Treat the gap as a signal, not a quote.
Why the price varies so much
Tyres vary more than almost any car part because the range is so wide. Size is the first factor, since a small hatchback tyre is a fraction of a large SUV or performance fitment. Brand is the big one, with premium makes costing well over budget options for the same size, and mid-range sitting between. Special types like run-flats or all-season tyres add cost. Fitting is a minor and fairly consistent charge on top, covering balancing, a new valve and disposing of the old tyre. Where you buy matters too, as online prices with local fitting can beat a garage supplying its own stock.
How to pay less
- Compare online tyre sellers against local fitters, and check BookMyGarage or WhoCanFixMyCar for fitted deals.
- Consider a good mid-range tyre rather than a premium brand if your mileage is modest.
- Buy a tyre online and use a local fit-only service if that works out cheaper than the garage's price.
- Replace tyres in pairs across an axle rather than all four unless they are all worn.
- Avoid the very cheapest unbranded tyres, as grip and wear can make them a false economy.
Common questions
Is it cheaper to buy tyres online?
Often yes. Buying the tyre online and using a local fit-only garage can undercut a garage supplying and fitting its own stock, especially on premium brands. Just factor in the fitting charge when you compare, and make sure the fitter is booked before the tyre arrives.
Do I need to replace tyres in pairs?
It is good practice to replace them in axle pairs so grip is even, particularly on the driven wheels. You do not have to change all four unless they are all worn. Mismatched tread depths across an axle can affect handling, so matching them per axle is the sensible middle ground.
Are budget tyres worth it?
Mid-range tyres are usually the sweet spot, offering decent grip and wear without the premium price. The very cheapest unbranded tyres can wear faster and grip less, which makes them a false economy. Check independent tyre tests for your size rather than buying on price alone.