Tyre fitting: tyre change, balancing, doorstep service
What tyre fitting includes
Changing tyres is not only taking a wheel off and putting it on. It includes removing the tyre from the rim, fitting, balancing, mounting on the car and tightening the nuts with a torque wrench. Puncture repair, rim straightening and tyre storage are ordered separately. So compare a price “per wheel” or “per set” only when you know what it includes.
Demand is highest at weekends and before holidays and long trips. Queues are longer then, so a request with a clear date helps you get a convenient time.
What to put in your request
- what to do — a tyre change with balancing, puncture repair, rim straightening, tyre storage;
- rim size — diameter from R13 to R22 or the full tyre size;
- type of car — hatchback, crossover, SUV, minibus;
- number of wheels;
- type of rims and tyres — steel or alloy, low profile, runflat;
- call-out — a mobile tyre service coming to you, or a stationary shop;
- city, time and budget.
Example: “Kia Seltos, R17, alloy wheels, 4 wheels: a tyre change with balancing. Kuala Lumpur, tomorrow morning, preferably with a visit to me. Budget up to RM 41 for 4 wheels.”
Low profile and runflat cost differently
Low-profile and runflat tyres are harder to fit: they need equipment that will not damage the rim and the bead. Not all tyre shops have a suitable machine. If you have such tyres or large rims, be sure to say so, so that only those who handle them reply. Also say whether you have pressure sensors (TPMS), because they have to be carefully removed and set up.
How to compare offers
Do not go by the price per wheel alone. Ask about the balancing equipment, whether coated weights are used (so alloy rims are not spoiled), new valves, and puncture repair with a plug or a patch. A mobile team may cost a little more, but it saves you an hour in a queue.
On BlaBlaPrice you describe what you need once, and tyre shops reply in the chat: what is included, the price, when they can take you or come to you. The site shows the best offer by substance first, with reviews next to it. Shops see their place among the others, so they compete on terms. Your number stays hidden until you choose a provider.
Common mistakes
- turning up without an appointment on busy days and standing in a queue;
- not mentioning TPMS, runflat tyres or special locking nuts;
- not checking the nut torque and not re-tightening the wheels after a few hundred kilometres;
- putting tyres with different wear on the same axle.
After a tyre change it is useful to check the wheel angles, since uneven tyre wear is often linked to the suspension, so look at suspension and brake repair. All services are in the section “Car & motorcycle servicing”, and about the service itself on the page “How it works”.
