Tyres are also one of the first things a buyer looks at. Four matching quality tyres with good tread suggest a well-kept car, while a mix of budget brands and worn rubber raises doubts. Getting this right affects sales and reputation.
Common dealer tyre problems
- Mismatched brands and tread depth across an axle.
- Cars with illegal tread depths bought at auction.
- Sidewall damage, cracks and bulges; see tyre bulge in the sidewall.
- Old tyres with good tread but old date codes; see DOT code guide.
- Locking wheel nuts without the key; see lost locking wheel nut key.
- Flat tyres on cars that have sat for weeks.
Pre-sale tyre checklist
- Check tread depth on every tyre against the legal minimum, and ideally well above it.
- Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on all sidewalls.
- Check the date code on each tyre.
- Confirm size, load index and speed rating match the vehicle; see how to read tyre sizes.
- Check the spare or repair kit.
- Make sure TPMS is working where fitted; see TPMS light on.
- Check the locking nut key is present.
Legal responsibilities
Dealers have obligations under consumer law to sell vehicles that are of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose, and a vehicle with unsafe or illegal tyres is a risk. Check the rules that apply to your business and consult trading standards guidance or your own advisers.
How a mobile technician helps a forecourt
A technician attends your forecourt, yard or unit, so cars do not need to be moved. Tyres can be replaced one car at a time or in batches. Repairs to suitable punctures can be done on site; see puncture repair and mobile tyre fitting. For a car with a flat that has to be moved urgently, see emergency tyre fitting.
Matching sets for better presentation
If one tyre has to be replaced, check whether the other on the axle matches in brand and wear. Fitting a matched pair gives a better look and better handling; see replace in pairs. Discuss options with the technician, and agree what to do before work starts.
Ongoing relationships
Dealers who need regular tyre work can ask about an ongoing arrangement; see fleet tyre service. Keep a list of the cars and tyre sizes on the forecourt so quotes are fast. We cover areas including London, Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol; see the areas list. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355 or book now.
Cars that have sat for weeks
Stock that has stood on a forecourt through a long winter often has flat spots, low pressure and cracked valve caps. A quick round of pressure checks and a short drive can fix many of these, but a tyre that has been flat for a long time may have been damaged inside and should be inspected. Because a customer's first impression is the walk-round, a car whose tyres look tired puts off buyers.
Choosing tyres for resale stock
A dealer must balance cost with quality. A sensible approach is to avoid the cheapest unknown brands, which can hurt resale reputation and customer satisfaction, while not over-spending on premium tyres for a low-value car. Keep to the correct size, load index and speed rating, and record the work on the vehicle file. Where the car comes with a service history, tyre records add to the story.
Handover day
Check tyre pressures as part of the handover and show the customer where to find the recommended figures. If the car has a locking wheel nut key, show them where it lives and take a photo for the file. A small effort here avoids a call a month later from an owner stuck with a flat and no key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fit tyres on my forecourt?
Yes where access and safety allow. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355.
Can you do several cars in one visit?
Often yes. Tell us how many and the sizes.
Do you check tyre age?
Our technicians check tyres as part of fitting, and the date code is worth reviewing on any used stock.
What if the car has no locking nut key?
We can remove locking nuts with the right tool; see our locking wheel nut service.
Related Help
Need help with your tyres now?
Call now for a quote, or book now online. Phone 0800 772 0355.