How to Compare Tyre Prices Without Overpaying for Fitting
You've found the same tyre on two websites.
One costs £62.
The other costs £72.
The £62 tyre looks like the obvious bargain, until you discover that fitting, balancing and disposal are charged separately.
Suddenly, the £72 option may be cheaper.
This is one of the easiest mistakes to make when buying tyres online.
To compare tyre prices properly, don't compare the headline price. Compare what it will actually cost to get the correct tyre fitted to your car and ready to drive away.
That means checking the tyre itself, fitting charges and any additional services or fees that apply to your booking.
Here's how to do it.
Why Tyre Prices Can Be Difficult to Compare
Search for a common tyre size online, and you may see prices ranging from relatively inexpensive budget tyres to premium products costing considerably more.
But even when comparing the exact same tyre, prices can be presented differently.
- One retailer might advertise: Tyre only: £60
- Another might show: Tyre + fitting: £72
- A third might show: Fully fitted: £76
At first glance, £60 looks cheapest.
But it isn't necessarily the lowest amount you'll actually pay.
Before comparing prices, you need to establish exactly what’s included. Our guide on what is included when you buy tyres online explains this in more detail.
Start With the Same Tyre Specification
Before comparing prices, make sure you're actually comparing like with like.
For example: 205/55 R16 91V
isn't necessarily the same product as: 205/55 R16 94V XL
even though the basic dimensions look similar.
Check:
- tyre width
- aspect ratio
- wheel diameter
- load index
- speed rating
- XL or reinforced specification where applicable
- run-flat or standard construction where applicable
- seasonal tyre type
- manufacturer-specific versions where relevant
Two tyres with the same brand and model name can sometimes be available in different specifications.
A lower price isn’t a saving if you’re looking at the wrong tyre.
If you’re unsure what the numbers mean, see our guide on how to read a tyre sidewall.
What Is the Total Fitted Price?
This is the most useful number when comparing tyre deals.
Think of the calculation as:
Tyre price + fitting-related charges + required extras = total fitted cost
Depending on the retailer and fitter, costs could potentially involve:
- tyre fitting
- wheel balancing
- valves
- TPMS-related work
- disposal of old tyres
- delivery
- specialist fitting
- other vehicle-specific services
Some of these may already be included.
Others may be charged separately.
The important thing is to find out before deciding which retailer is cheaper.
Example: The Cheapest Tyre Isn’t Always the Cheapest Deal
Imagine you’re buying one tyre.
Retailer A
- Tyre: £59
- Fitting: £14
- Balancing: £6
- Disposal: £3
- Total: £82
Retailer B
- Tyre with the applicable standard fitting services: £75
- Total: £75
Illustrative example only.
Retailer A initially appears £16 cheaper.
After fitting-related costs are included, it’s actually £7 more expensive in this example.
Now imagine you’re replacing four tyres.
That difference becomes £28.
This is why comparing headline tyre prices can be misleading.
15 Things to Check Before You Compare Tyre Prices
1. Check Whether Fitting Is Included
Start here. Look for wording such as:
- tyre only
- fitted price
- fully fitted
- local fitting available
- fitting charged separately
Don’t assume that a tyre shown beside a fitting-centre search automatically includes fitting.
Check the booking summary.
If fitting is separate, add it to your comparison. Our tyre fitting cost UK guide shows what to expect.
For example:
Tyre A
£58 tyre
£15 fitting
= £73
Tyre B
£69 including the stated fitting service
Tyre B is cheaper in this simplified example even though its advertised tyre price is higher.
2. Check Whether Wheel Balancing Is Included
Wheel balancing is commonly associated with tyre replacement.
When a tyre and wheel assembly is out of balance, drivers may experience vibration, particularly at certain speeds. You can read more about what wheel balancing is and why it matters.
Whether a quoted tyre-fitting price includes balancing depends on the retailer and fitting arrangement.
Check before paying.
If one retailer charges separately for balancing while another includes it, add that difference to your calculation.
Also remember: wheel balancing and wheel alignment are different services.
3. Don't Automatically Add Wheel Alignment
This is another common source of confusion. Buying new tyres doesn’t automatically mean you need to pay for wheel alignment. Alignment may be worth checking if you notice symptoms such as:
- uneven tyre wear
- the vehicle pulling to one side
- an off-centre steering wheel
- other steering or handling symptoms
But don’t automatically add an alignment service to every tyre replacement simply because it’s offered.
If your vehicle doesn’t need it, paying for unnecessary work isn’t a saving.
Read our Wheel Balancing and Wheel Alignment: Complete Guide if you’re unsure about the difference.
4. Check the Valve Charge
Tyre valves can also differ between quotes. Some fitting packages may include standard valve replacement.
Others may charge separately. Our tyre valves guide explains what to expect.
Modern vehicles can also use Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), which can involve different components and servicing requirements.
A basic valve charge shouldn’t automatically cover TPMS sensors or related work.
If your vehicle has TPMS, check:
- what’s included
- whether a service kit is required
- whether the existing sensor can be reused
- whether any additional charge applies
This can prevent surprises at the fitting centre.
5. Check Old-Tyre Disposal Charges
Once your old tyre has been removed, it needs to be disposed of properly.
Some retailers or fitters include old-tyre disposal in their pricing.
Others may list a separate disposal or environmental charge.
The individual fee might appear small.
But multiply it by four tyres, and it becomes more noticeable.
For example:
£3 disposal × 4 tyres = £12
Include it when comparing your total.
6. Check Delivery Costs
If you're buying tyres for delivery rather than booking them through a local fitting network, check the delivery charge.
A tyre could be:
£5 cheaper per tyre
but have:
£25 delivery
If you're buying four tyres, the cheaper tyre might still win.
If you're buying one tyre, perhaps not.
Again, calculate the final number rather than judging the headline price.
7. Check for Specialist Fitting Charges
Some tyres and vehicles may require additional fitting considerations.
Examples can include:
- run-flat tyres
- very large wheel sizes
- certain low-profile tyres
- specialist vehicles
- TPMS work
Don't assume the standard fitting price applies to every vehicle and every tyre.
If your vehicle has unusual tyre requirements, check before ordering.
8. Look at the Price for the Number of Tyres You Actually Need
The cheapest retailer for one tyre isn't necessarily the cheapest for four.
Imagine:
|
Factors |
Retailer A |
Retailer B |
|
Price per tyre |
£65 |
£68 |
|
Four tyres |
£260 |
£272 |
|
Applicable fitting/other charges |
£60 |
£32 |
|
Example total |
£320 |
£304 |
Illustrative example only.
Retailer A wins on tyre price.
Retailer B wins on the example total.
This is why your comparison should be based on:
1 tyre
2 tyres
or
4 tyres
depending on what you genuinely need. If you’re not sure, read our guide on whether to replace tyres in pairs or all four.
Don’t compare a single-tyre headline price if you’re actually replacing four.
9. Don't Assume Buying Four Automatically Gets You a Discount
Some manufacturers or retailers may run promotions involving multiple tyres.
But there’s no universal rule that four tyres must cost less per tyre than two.
Check the current offer.
If there is a genuine multi-buy promotion, calculate the final cost after applying it.
If not, don’t replace additional serviceable tyres just because you expect a bulk discount.
Our guide Is It Cheaper to Buy Four Tyres Together? explains this decision in more detail.
10. Check Whether a Promotion Actually Saves You Money
A promotion sounds attractive.
But always compare the final price.
Imagine:
Option A
Four tyres at £70: £280
Option B
Four tyres at £78 with a £20 promotion: £312 - £20 = £292
Option B has the promotion.
Option A is still cheaper.
This doesn’t mean Option A is necessarily the better tyre.
It simply demonstrates that:
“on offer” doesn’t automatically mean “lowest price.”
Compare the final cost and the actual tyres.
11. Don't Compare Different Tyres on Price Alone
So far, we’ve talked about comparing the same or equivalent tyre purchase.
But what if you’re comparing different brands?
Suppose your search shows:
- Budget tyre: £55
- Mid-range tyre: £72
- Premium tyre: £105
The £55 tyre is clearly the cheapest.
But that doesn’t automatically make it the best value for you. Our comparison of budget vs premium tyres can help you weigh up the options.
Now compare:
- correct vehicle specification
- wet grip
- fuel efficiency
- external rolling noise
- intended use
- tyre type
- manufacturer information
- your driving requirements
The question changes from: “Which tyre is cheapest?”
To: “Which tyre gives me what I need for the amount I’m willing to spend?”
That’s a much better buying decision.
12. Compare Tyre Label Information
The tyre label provides standardised information to help you compare suitable tyres.
Depending on the applicable UK labelling system, this includes information relating to:
- fuel efficiency/rolling resistance
- wet grip
- external rolling noise
Instead of seeing:
£60 vs £75
you can begin comparing:
£60 + these characteristics
against:
£75 + these characteristics.
That gives the price difference some context.
See our How to Read a Tyre Label guide for a detailed explanation.
13. Calculate the Difference Across Four Tyres
A small price difference becomes much more meaningful when multiplied.
For example: £8 difference per tyre sounds minor.
Across four tyres: £8 × 4 = £32
A £25 difference becomes: £100 across four tyres.
Always calculate the cost based on how many tyres you're buying.
This works in both directions.
If a premium tyre is only £6 more than a mid-range alternative: £6 × 4 = £24
You might decide the premium tyre is worth another £24 across the complete set.
If it's £40 more per tyre: £40 × 4 = £160
you may make a different decision.
14. Consider How Far You Need to Travel for Fitting
Price isn't the only cost.
Imagine one fitting centre saves you £10 but requires a significantly longer journey.
Consider:
- fuel or charging cost
- travel time
- appointment availability
- convenience
For a tiny price difference, the closest suitable fitter may offer better practical value.
For a substantial saving, travelling farther might make sense.
There isn’t one correct answer.
The point is to consider the complete transaction. If you need help choosing, read our guide on how to choose the right tyre fitter near you.
15. Be Careful Comparing Tyre-Only Prices With Fitted Prices
This is probably the biggest mistake in online comparisons.
You search Google and see:
- Website A: £54.99
- Website B: £67.50
You assume Website A is £12.51 cheaper.
But Website A may be selling the tyre for delivery.
Website B may be showing a fitted price.
Until you know what each number includes, the prices aren't directly comparable.
Always identify:
- Tyre only
- Tyre + fitting
before deciding which is cheaper.
A Simple Tyre Price Comparison Formula
When comparing tyre retailers, use this:
Tyre Cost: Number of tyres × price per tyre
+
Fitting: Any applicable fitting charge
+
Balancing: If charged separately and required
+
Valves / TPMS: Any applicable charges
+
Disposal: Any old-tyre disposal charge
+
Delivery: If applicable
+
Specialist Charges: If applicable to your tyres or vehicle
-
Genuine Discounts or Promotions: Then you have a much more useful number:
Your Estimated Total Fitted Cost
Use that figure to compare your options.
Example: Comparing Three Tyre Deals
Let's imagine you're buying four tyres.
Deal A: Cheapest Headline Price
- Tyres: 4 × £58 = £232
- Fitting: £60
- Balancing: £20
- Disposal: £12
- Example total: £324
Deal B: Higher Tyre Price, More Included
- Tyres/fitting package: 4 × £76 = £304
- Example total: £304
Deal C: Promotional Offer
- Tyres/fitting package: 4 × £82 = £328
- Promotion: -£30
- Example total: £298
Illustrative examples only.
The headline tyre prices suggest Deal A is cheapest.
The example totals tell a completely different story.
This is exactly why you should compare the complete purchase.
How to Avoid Paying for Services You Don't Need
Avoiding overpayment isn't only about finding hidden charges. It's also about not adding unnecessary services. Before accepting additional work, understand what it is and why it's being recommended. For example:
Wheel Alignment
Potentially worthwhile if there are signs of alignment problems, but not automatically required because you've bought tyres.
TPMS Sensor Replacement
A TPMS-equipped vehicle doesn't automatically need four new sensors every time the tyres are replaced. Ask what work is actually required.
Four-Tyre Replacement
Don't replace four tyres automatically if only two need replacement and your vehicle doesn't require all four to be changed together.
Premium Upgrade
Don’t pay more solely because the brand is more famous.
Compare what the individual tyre offers. Our article on whether tyre brand matters for everyday driving can help.
The objective isn’t simply to spend as little as possible.
It’s to avoid spending money that doesn’t provide value for your situation.
Should You Choose the Cheapest Fitted Tyre?
Not automatically.
Once you've calculated the total fitted price, you've solved only one part of the buying decision.
You still need to make sure you're buying the right tyre.
The lowest total price isn't useful if the tyre doesn't meet your vehicle's requirements.
Start with the correct tyre, then compare the total fitted price.
Not the other way around.
A 60-Second Checklist Before You Buy
Before paying for tyres online, check:
- Is it the correct tyre size?
- Is the load index appropriate?
- Is the speed rating appropriate?
- Is it the correct tyre type?
- What is the price per tyre?
- Is fitting included?
- Is balancing included?
- Are valve or TPMS charges applicable?
- Is old-tyre disposal included?
- Are there delivery or specialist fitting charges?
- Is a promotion genuinely reducing the final price?
- What is the total for the number of tyres I actually need?
Once you can answer those questions, you'll have a much more meaningful comparison.
Comparing Tyre Prices on TyreSavings
TyreSavings helps you start with tyres suitable for your vehicle rather than comparing random headline prices.
Search by Vehicle Registration
Enter your registration to identify suitable tyre options. Our guide on finding the right tyres using your vehicle registration walks you through the process.
Or Search by Tyre Size
If you already know your tyre size, search directly. Not sure which method is better? See buying tyres by size vs registration.
Compare Available Brands and Prices
Depending on availability, you can compare tyres across different brands and price points.
Review the Tyre Information
Look at specifications and available tyre-label information, not just price.
Choose the Number of Tyres You Need
Compare the total based on whether you're replacing one, two or four.
Review Fitting Information
Check the applicable fitting details and any charges shown for your booking.
Choose a Participating Local Fitter
Compare available fitting options and choose the fitter that works for you. Before your appointment, see what to bring and check before tyre fitting.
Always review the final booking information so you know exactly what you’re paying before completing your purchase.
So, How Do You Compare Tyre Prices Without Overpaying for Fitting?
Stop comparing the biggest price displayed on the product page.
Instead, compare:
- correct tyre
- number of tyres required
- fitting
- balancing
- applicable valve or TPMS costs
- old-tyre disposal
- delivery or specialist charges
- genuine discounts
= the price that actually matters.
Once you've calculated the total, compare the tyre itself too.
A £10 saving isn't necessarily worth it if another suitable tyre offers characteristics you value much more.
Likewise, don't pay £100 extra simply because you recognise the brand.
The aim is not to find the cheapest advertised tyre.
It’s to find the right tyre at a total fitted price that makes sense for you.
Know more:
Compare Tyres and Fitting Near You
Enter your vehicle registration or tyre size on TyreSavings to compare suitable tyres across different brands and price points.
Review the available fitting information and calculate the complete cost before deciding which option offers the best value for your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is tyre fitting included when buying tyres online?
Sometimes. Some retailers display tyre-only prices, while others include specified fitting services. Always check what's included before comparing prices.
2. How much does tyre fitting cost?
Fitting charges vary according to the retailer, fitter, tyre and vehicle. Instead of relying on a general figure, check the actual fitting charge for the tyre and fitting centre you're considering.
3. Is wheel balancing normally included with tyre fitting?
It may be included in some fitting packages and charged separately in others. Check the booking details rather than assuming.
4. Is wheel alignment included when buying new tyres?
Don't assume wheel alignment is included. Alignment is different from wheel balancing and is often treated as a separate service.
5. Why are online tyre prices so different?
Differences can result from the tyre brand, model, specification, retailer pricing, fitting arrangements, promotions and what the advertised price includes.
6. Is it cheaper to buy four tyres at once?
Sometimes, particularly where a genuine multi-tyre promotion applies, but not automatically. Compare the actual total and don't replace serviceable tyres purely to obtain a discount.
7. Are online tyres cheaper than buying from a garage?
Not necessarily in every situation. Compare the total fitted price, tyre specification and services included rather than comparing the headline tyre price alone.
8. What hidden costs should I check when buying tyres?
Check for fitting, balancing, valves or TPMS work, old-tyre disposal, delivery and specialist fitting charges. Which costs apply depends on the retailer, fitter and vehicle.