Maintaining our vehicle's tyres is extremely important. And at a certain point, they need to be replaced with new ones. But there is always the big question on this topic: How much does it cost to change tyres?
Why do you need to change your car's tyres?
It's not something we need to do immediately, unless we find ourselves in one of these situations:
- The tyres are in very poor condition or the tread has worn away completely.
- We have exceeded the number of kilometres recommended by the manufacturer.
- They lose air due to a puncture or hole.
- We notice that the car does not respond correctly when we try to turn.
- Some tyres have more air than others, which will make driving more difficult.
Whether they are second-hand tyres or new ones, you should pay attention to all these signs that will tell you it is time to replace them with new ones.
How much does it cost to change your car's tyres?
The truth is that it is a little complicated to determine the total cost of making the change, as several factors come into play:
Tyre prices
The first thing is to assess the price of the tyres you are going to buy. This will depend on the car model and, above all, on the number of tyres you are going to change.
But if you want to save money on this, you can always buy second-hand tyres. That way you will save a good amount and can put it towards the garage change!
Number of tyres to change
Although it is obvious, the cost of changing 2 tyres is not the same as changing all 4 tyres. Of course, the latter will be more expensive.
At this point, you should consider whether it is necessary to change all four tyres, or whether you can change just two and replace the other two later.
Do you need to change the rim?
Sometimes it is not enough to change the tyre — you also need to change the rim. Remember that not all rims are compatible with all tyres.
In other words, it is possible that your old rims are not compatible with the new tyres and you will need to change them. For this reason, it is extremely important to look for tyres of the same model and make as your vehicle.
Garage labour cost
If you simply need to change one tyre, you could do it yourself. However, if you are going to change more than one, it is advisable to go to a garage so it is done properly.
The price range varies depending on the wheel size in inches, and can also vary between a car, a van, or a four-wheel drive. To give you an idea, the average falls within the following price range:
- 14 and 15 inches: Between €15 and €18 per tyre.
- 16 and 17 inches: Between €17 and €20 per tyre.
- 18 and 19 inches: Between €19 and €25 per tyre.
- 20 inches or more: From €22 per tyre.
- Special tyres (SUV, 4x4, van, runflat): They may have a slightly higher cost, between €20 and €25 per tyre, or even more in the case of runflat tyres (from €24).
We stress: this is an approximation and may vary depending on the garage. It is best to ask about the cost of changing tyres at the garage before taking your car in.
How much does it cost to change a blown tyre? Is the price very different?
Modern tyres are built not to be puncture-resistant. In fact, some include foam inside so that when a puncture is detected, the foam spray is automatically applied.
But when it comes to changing a tyre, does the price vary much depending on whether the tyre is simply worn or has blown out? Well, the answer is no — the price does not vary at all.
Is there a difference between changing the front and rear tyres?
Although there is some difference, it is actually minimal. According to some studies, the average cost of changing the front tyres is around €236, while the rear tyres come in at €234.
What accounts for this small difference? Probably variations in the type of tyre typically fitted on each type of axle. So, in practice, the cost of changing tyres is usually the same, regardless of which axle they are fitted on.
How to save money when changing your car's tyres?
Although changing tyres is not the biggest expense in car maintenance, it can still put a significant dent in your wallet. So here are a couple of tips to save money in the process:
- Buy second-hand tyres. Look for ones that have at least 60% tread remaining, so you can use them for a couple more years. And with the money you save, you can cover the garage costs.
- Do the change yourself. If you need to change a tyre, you can do it yourself. Basically, it is like changing a spare tyre.
- Check the tyres. They might not be in as bad a condition as you thought and you may be able to keep using them.
- Look for vehicles that are compatible with your car's make. This will also allow you to save quite a bit of money.
- Get quotes from several garages; don't go to the first one you find — there can be a big difference between garages.