Cost of new tyres: what to expect to pay

Tyres are easy to ignore until one needs replacing — and then the bill can be a shock, especially if all four go at once. Knowing the price ranges, what drives them, and when replacement is actually necessary lets you budget properly and avoid both overpaying and driving on dangerous rubber.

Price ranges by size and quality

Tyre prices span a wide range, driven mainly by size and brand. As a rough guide, fitted prices look something like this:

• Small car (13–15 inch), budget: around £45–£70 per tyre.
• Family car (16–17 inch), mid-range: around £70–£120 per tyre.
• Family car, premium brand: around £110–£170 per tyre.
• SUV / large-wheel / performance (18 inch+): £150–£250+ per tyre, and considerably more for the largest sizes.

Multiply by four and the difference between budget and premium across a full set can run to several hundred pounds — which is why it pays to know when you genuinely need to replace all four.

What affects the price

• Size. Bigger wheels and lower-profile tyres cost more — the single biggest factor.
• Brand tier. Premium (e.g. established major brands), mid-range and budget tyres differ in price, longevity and wet grip.
• Type. Performance, all-season, winter and run-flat tyres carry premiums over standard summer tyres.
• Labels. The EU tyre label rates wet grip, fuel efficiency and noise — better ratings often cost more but can save fuel.
• Where you buy. Online-plus-fitting can undercut a walk-in garage, though quoted prices should always include fitting to compare fairly.

Fitting and alignment costs

A fitted price should already include mounting the tyre, balancing the wheel, a new valve and disposing of the old tyre — typically £15–£25 per tyre if itemised separately. Watch for extras: wheel alignment (tracking) is a separate job, usually £30–£60, and worth doing if the car pulls to one side or the old tyres wore unevenly. Locking wheel nuts, TPMS (pressure sensor) service and run-flat fitting can add a little more. Always ask for an “all-in, fitted” price so you’re comparing like with like.

When to replace your tyres

The UK legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, and driving below it risks a fine and penalty points per tyre. But 1.6 mm is a last-resort limit — wet braking deteriorates well before that, so many experts and safety bodies suggest replacing at around 3 mm. Replace immediately, regardless of tread, if you see cracking in the sidewall, a bulge or blister, a puncture that can’t be safely repaired, or uneven wear pointing to an alignment or suspension problem. Age matters too: rubber hardens over time, so tyres more than roughly 7–10 years old should be replaced even if they look fine.

How to save on tyres

• Compare fitted prices online and book at a local fitting partner — often cheaper than a forecourt.
• Buy in pairs, not always fours, unless wear or a 4WD system requires otherwise.
• Keep pressures correct and get alignment checked — both make tyres last longer.
• Rotate tyres per the handbook to even out wear.
• Match tyre tier to your mileage — premium tyres often pay off on high-mileage cars, budget tyres on low-mileage ones.
• Plan ahead. Checking tread regularly turns a “blowout” emergency into a budgeted purchase.

Tyres are one more line in your total running cost. See how they fit alongside fuel, tax and servicing with our car cost calculator, the maintenance cost calculator, or the guide to how much it costs to run a car in 2026.

Sources and methodology

The prices and rules here are indicative UK figures based on published sources:

• Legal minimum tread depth (1.6 mm) and penalties: gov.uk — Tyre safety and the law.
• Tyre price ranges and fitting charges: major UK tyre retailers and fitting chains (e.g. national fast-fit and online tyre sellers).
• Tread-depth safety guidance (3 mm recommendation) and tyre labelling: RAC, TyreSafe and the EU tyre-label scheme.