Self-employed couriers and gig drivers are in a particularly tough spot. You may have no fleet manager and no spare vehicle. If your car is down, you are not paid. That makes prevention and fast response worth more than any other advice.
Why delivery work is hard on tyres
- Constant stop-start driving wears the tread quickly.
- Kerb mounting, tight parking and turning into drives scuff sidewalls.
- Heavy loads of parcels and shopping increase pressure needs.
- Long days on busy urban roads expose tyres to debris and potholes.
- Rushed days mean fewer checks.
Prevention in three habits
- Check pressure weekly. A gauge costs little and a low tyre uses more fuel, wears faster and is more likely to fail. See how often to check your tyres.
- Look at each tyre when you start your shift. It takes seconds and shows nails, cuts and bulges; see slow puncture signs.
- Replace tyres before the limit. Waiting for the MOT is risky; see tread depth guide.
If you get a puncture mid-round
Stop in a safe place, put hazards on and avoid driving on the flat. See what to do after a puncture. Call a mobile technician who can come to you, so you do not have to abandon the car or wait for a recovery truck, then a garage. Our emergency tyre fitting and puncture repair services are designed for that. If your tyre is repairable, a quick repair at the roadside or a safe car park may be all you need.
Planned replacement without losing time
Booking tyre replacement at your home or between shifts means no lost work. Our mobile tyre fitting technicians can come to your driveway. Choose a time when you are not on the road. Fit tyres in pairs where practical; see replace in pairs.
Insurance and licence matters
Check that your insurance covers delivery work, because ordinary social, domestic and pleasure cover does not. Keep your vehicle roadworthy: an illegal tyre can invalidate cover or lead to a fine and penalty points. Check the current rules and your policy for your situation.
Small cars and vans
Many delivery drivers use small hatchbacks or compact vans. See city car tyres and van tyres for guidance on pressures and sizes. If your car has no spare, read spare wheel, repair kit or run-flat.
We cover drivers in areas such as London, Manchester, Birmingham and Watford; see the areas list. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355 or book now.
Heat, loads and the school-run effect
If you do delivery work on top of normal personal use, remember the loads change. A car loaded with parcels to the roof needs the higher pressure figure shown in the handbook, then needs it dropped again when empty if the manual says so. Many drivers never change the pressure and end up either over-inflated or under-inflated for half of the day. Keep a gauge in the door pocket and make the check a habit at the start of each shift.
Parking, kerbs and tight streets
Delivery routes mean awkward parking: mounting kerbs outside flats, squeezing into loading bays and pulling into narrow drives. Each kerb knock scuffs the sidewall and can slowly damage the internal cords. Look at the sidewalls at the end of each week for fresh scrapes, cuts or bulges. If you find a bulge, stop driving on that tyre; see tyre bulge in the sidewall. It is not worth risking a blowout with a car full of customers' orders.
Planning around busy periods
Seasonal peaks bring more drops and more miles. Replace any tyre that is borderline before the busy period, not during it. A set of tyres changed in a quiet week costs you no earnings; one changed in the middle of the pre-holiday rush costs you a lot. If you drive in the early hours or late evening, make sure you have a number to call for help that works at those times, and keep it saved in your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix a puncture while I wait?
Where the tyre is repairable and it is safe, often yes. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355.
Can you come to my home after my shift?
Usually, if arranged in advance.
How often should I check pressure on a delivery car?
At least weekly, and before heavy loads.
Do you fit tyres on small vans?
Yes. Give the tyre size and C marking if there is one.
Related Help
Need help with your tyres now?
Call now for a quote, or book now online. Phone 0800 772 0355.