Car price guide
How much do new car tyres cost?
Typical UK price, depending on car size
Figures last reviewed 7 September 2026.
Tyres are replaced in pairs on the same axle, so both sides grip the same way. These prices are for two mid-range tyres fitted - what most everyday cars run. The legal minimum tread depth for a car in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round, and each illegal tyre can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points.
Typical prices by car size
| Car size | Typical price | How well sourced |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 1.2L) | £140 - £220 | Estimate |
| Medium (1.3-2.0L) | £160 - £290 | Reasonably sourced |
| Large (over 2.0L) | £260 - £400 | Estimate |
Check a quote for a small, medium or large car.
Prices are for mainstream brands. Premium brands, and garages in London and the South East, usually charge more - the Quote Checker adjusts for your car's brand and region. Where these figures come from:
- tyresavings.com 2026 tyre price guide - mid-range per-tyre price plus fitting, banded down for smaller wheels (published 2026-05-01, reviewed 2026-09-07) - The source doesn't split by car size directly - only by tyre quality tier and a general "bigger wheels cost more" comment used to derive this band.
- tyresavings.com 2026 tyre price guide - "everyday car" mid-range tyre (£70-120) plus fitting (£10-25), pair price (published 2026-05-01, reviewed 2026-09-07) - The source's own "typical cost for most everyday cars" figure anchors this band directly.
- tyresavings.com 2026 tyre price guide - mid-range per-tyre price plus fitting, banded up for larger wheels (published 2026-05-01, reviewed 2026-09-07) - Derived from the same "bigger wheels cost more" commentary as the small band, not a separately quoted large-car figure.
Been quoted for a pair of tyres?
Enter the price you were quoted and get a straight answer - fair, high, or worth a second opinion - against these same benchmarks, adjusted for your car. Free, no account needed.
Check my quoteWhat’s usually included
- Two tyres
- Fitting, usually with new valves
- Wheel balancing
- Disposal of the old tyres
What changes the price
- Tyre size - larger wheels (18 inch and up) cost considerably more than 15 or 16 inch ones.
- Budget, mid-range or premium brand.
- Run-flat, all-season or EV-specific tyres, which cost more.
- Speed and load rating - it must match or exceed what your car needs.
- Wheel alignment, which is usually extra.
How to make sure you're paying a fair price
- Find your size on the tyre sidewall (for example 205/55 R16 91V) and compare “fully fitted” prices, not tyre-only prices.
- Mid-range tyres are a sensible balance of price, grip and wear for most everyday driving.
- Quick tread check: put a 20p coin in the main grooves - if you can see its outer band, get the tyres checked.
Red flags
- Pressure to replace all four when only two are worn.
- Valves, balancing or disposal added at the till after a “fitted” price.
- A cheaper tyre with a lower speed or load rating than your car requires.
Questions people ask
How much do new car tyres cost?
Typically £140-£220 for a small car (up to 1.2L), £160-£290 for a medium car (1.3-2.0L), £260-£400 for a large car (over 2.0L), for mainstream brands. Premium brands, and garages in London and the South East, usually cost more.
What’s the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK?
1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the whole tyre. Each tyre below that can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points.
Should new tyres go on the front or the back?
Many tyre makers and fitters recommend putting the newer pair on the rear axle for stability, even on front-wheel-drive cars. Ask your fitter what they recommend for your car.
More car price guides
RoadVerdict price guides are benchmarks from named, dated sources, not a quote for your car. Every figure shows how well sourced it is, and where no source prices a job directly we say so.
