A tyre fitting is quick, and a few straightforward questions during it make sure the job is done properly. None are awkward to ask, a good fitter will happily answer, and the asking tends to mean the work is that bit more careful.
About the tyre
First, that the right tyre is going on:
- Is this the size, brand and model I ordered?
- Is it new and recently made, what is the date code?
A quick confirmation here rules out the wrong tyre or old stock before it is on the car.
About the work
Then, that the fitting itself is complete:
- Is balancing included? It should be, every time
- Are new valves being fitted? A cheap part that ages like the tyre
- Are the nuts torqued to the correct spec, not just rattled tight?
- Is disposal of the old tyres included?
These steps are the make-up of a complete fit, and they separate a proper fit from a rushed one.
About the fitment
Next, the detail many drivers do not think to raise:
- Which axle are the new tyres going on? When two are replaced, the new pair belongs on the rear for stability, even on a front-wheel-drive car
A good fitter does this as standard, but it is a fair thing to confirm.
About anything they noticed
Finally, a useful question that turns a fitter's experience to advantage:
- Did the old tyres show any uneven wear?
Wear heavier on one edge is a sign of alignment being out, and fitting new tyres is the perfect moment to put the alignment right so the new ones do not wear the same way. The fitter has the old tyres in their hands, so it is worth asking what they saw.
Use questions that produce specific answers
Instead of asking whether a tyre is 'good', ask why that particular model suits your car and what comparable alternative is available. Instead of agreeing to alignment because the tyres are new, ask what the wear or measurements show. Specific questions make it easier to judge the recommendation without having to be a technician yourself.
Useful wording includes: 'Is this the final price for this exact specification?', 'Does that include the valve service my TPMS needs?', and 'Will you ask me before doing extra chargeable work?' If a repair is declined, ask where the damage is and whether the problem is its position, size, internal condition or the manufacturer's repair policy.
Ask to see what was found
An old tyre, a photograph or a measurement report can make the explanation much clearer. Ask the fitter to identify uneven wear before disposing of the tyre if that is the reason for further investigation. Do not handle exposed wire or damaged casing yourself.
Before you leave
Confirm which tyres were replaced and any positions changed. Check that the locking-wheel-nut key has been returned and ask whether a TPMS reset or relearn is needed. Keep the invoice with the tyre details and fitting mileage. Report a new vibration, rapid pressure loss or unusual handling promptly; do not assume it is normal because the tyres are new.
Common questions
What should I ask when getting new tyres fitted?+
Confirm they are fitting the size, brand and model you ordered; that the tyres are new and recently made; that balancing and new valves are included; which axle the new pair is going on; and that the nuts are torqued to spec. A few questions keep the job honest and correct.
Should I ask the fitter to put new tyres on the rear?+
It is worth confirming. When two tyres are replaced, the new pair should go on the rear axle for stability, even on a front-wheel-drive car. A good fitter does this automatically, but it is a fair thing to check rather than assume.
Should new valves be fitted with new tyres?+
Generally yes. A rubber valve ages and is cheap to replace, so fitting a new one with the new tyre is good practice and usually included. It is worth confirming, as a perished valve can leak just as a worn tyre does.
How do I know if I need wheel alignment when buying tyres?+
Ask the fitter to check the old tyres for uneven wear. Wear heavier on one edge points to alignment being out, and fitting new tyres is the ideal moment to correct it so they do not wear the same way. Alignment is usually a separate job from fitting.