Fitting tyres isn't a long job, and most people wait for it rather than leaving the car. What decides how quickly you're back on the road is mostly sorted before you arrive: whether the right tyres are on the shelf, and whether you're adding an alignment.
What happens during fitting
- The car goes up on the hoist and the wheels come off.
- The old tyre is broken off the rim and the new one is mounted, usually with a new valve.
- Each wheel is balanced on a machine, with small weights added so it runs smoothly at speed.
- The wheels go back on and the nuts are tightened to the correct torque.
- Pressures are set to your car's specification and the old tyres are taken away.
How long it takes
Fitting and balancing a full set of four is typically done within the hour, and a single tyre or a pair is quicker. Add a wheel alignment and allow another 30 to 60 minutes. That's how long most of ours take, and it's worth doing with a new set so the tyres start out straight.
What slows it down
- Your size not being in stock — the most common reason for a wait, and one that a phone call fixes.
- Seized or locking wheel nuts with the key missing — bring the key if your car has locking nuts.
- Tyre pressure sensors that need resetting or servicing.
- Damage found during fitting, like a bent rim or corroded bead seat, which has to be dealt with first.
How to get in and out quickly
- Call ahead with your tyre size, so we can have the tyres ready before you arrive.
- Book the alignment at the same time rather than as a separate visit.
- If you need a WOF as well, do it in the same visit. Tread depth gets signed off at the same time.
We're at 151 Totara Street, Mount Maunganui, open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm. Call +64 29 777 7122 with your size and we'll tell you if we have it and when to come in.
