Tyres & Wheels Pricing Guide
Tyre prices from budget to premium, fitting costs, and why tread age and wheel alignment matter as much as the brand.
Tyres are one of the most consequential cheap decisions you make about your car. The rubber connects everything — brakes, steering, handling — to the road. Spending up a tier on a good-quality tyre is almost always cheaper per km than buying budget twice.
Most Australian tyre shops bundle fitting, balancing, new valves, and disposal into a per-tyre price. Wheel alignment is nearly always extra.
What tyres & wheels typically costs
$100–$180
What's included
Chinese-made or unknown-brand tyre. Basic tread patterns, shorter lifespan.
When this tier fits
Runabout city car used for short trips, or a temporary fix.
$180–$320
What's included
Second-tier brands — Kumho, Hankook, Nankang, Falken, Toyo. Good grip and wear balance.
When this tier fits
Daily drivers on sedans, small SUVs, and commuter hatches.
$280–$500+
What's included
Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Pirelli, Goodyear, Dunlop. Long wear, wet grip, low noise.
When this tier fits
Long-distance commuters, performance cars, or drivers who value grip in rain.
$400–$900+
What's included
Ultra-high-performance (UHP), all-terrain, mud-terrain, or run-flats. Typically 18–22 inch.
When this tier fits
Sports cars, 4WDs, BMW/Mini run-flat setups.
Prices are indicative AUD ranges based on typical Australian metropolitan pricing. Actual quotes depend on scope, access, and local market.
What affects the price
Size & load rating
16-inch is cheapest; 19-inch and above scale sharply. Load-rated (LT) tyres for 4WDs cost 20–40% more than passenger tyres.
Fitting & balancing
Usually $25–$50 per tyre, included in most quotes. Nitrogen fill, valve replacement, and TPMS resets may be extra.
Wheel alignment
$80–$150 front or four-wheel. Essential after new tyres or if the car pulls/wears unevenly.
Stiffness & speed rating
Higher speed-rated tyres (W, Y) cost more and sometimes wear faster.
Before you book — what to check
Tyre age matters
Rubber hardens over time. Tyres over 6 years old should be replaced even with tread remaining. Check the 4-digit DOT week/year code on the sidewall.
Minimum legal tread
1.5mm across the tread pattern in most states. Wet braking performance degrades dramatically below 3mm — change earlier than the legal minimum.
Same tyre on an axle
Front and rear can differ, but the two tyres on any axle should match — same brand, pattern, size, and wear level.
Wheel alignment after new tyres
Skip this and you'll grind through new tread in months. Always include alignment in the quote or do it at the same time.
Pressure checks
Under-inflation is the #1 cause of premature wear and blowouts. Check every 4–6 weeks with a proper gauge.
Major tyre brands in Australia
Brand and product names you're likely to see in quotes.
Michelin
Long life, quiet, high wet grip. Premium price.
Bridgestone
OEM on many Japanese cars; wide range from eco to performance.
Continental
Strong wet-grip reputation, common European OEM.
Pirelli
Performance-oriented, often on Euro luxury.
Goodyear / Dunlop
Broad range across price points.
Kumho / Hankook
Korean mid-tier, excellent value.
Toyo / Yokohama / Nankang
Popular for UHP and 4WD all-terrain.
Nitto / BFGoodrich
4WD all-terrain and mud-terrain favourites.
Frequently asked questions
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