How You Can Offer a Tyre Fitting Service from a Mobile Tyre Fitting Van
Convenience has become an accepted part of everyday life, and especially during and after COVID-19, the increasingly demanding consumer environment has prompted businesses to provide mobile services – summoning an Uber in a few taps or getting a meal delivered within minutes. The tyre fitting industry is no different and has seen significant growth in mobile services during this same period. Garage businesses, particularly those specialising in tyre replacement and repair, have begun adopting mobile tyre fitting vans to offer on-the-go tyre fitting services.
What does it cost to set up a Mobile Tyre Fitting Business?
You can set up a basic mobile tyre fitting business starting from a budget of around £10,000. These prices are based on
- buying a second-hand van already fitted with mobile tyre-fitting equipment
- setting yourself up as a sole trader with a business bank account
- basic tyre fitter insurance
However, if you are looking at setting up a robust business for the future, we recommend a good-quality van, new hard-wearing tyre-fitting equipment and tools, and good insurance cover to ensure you are fully covered legally. You should also use a qualified accountant to make the most of your investment while staying on the right side of tax and VAT.
Read on for how we suggest you go about doing things properly.
Step 1: Investment in a Van suitable for Mobile Tyre Fitting
Mobile tyre fitting begins with investing in a suitable van capable of being equipped with all the necessary tools and machines. Consider factors like size, access, fuel efficiency, and reliability when making the purchase.
Some examples of mobile tyre fitting vans for sale that we have helped to set up previously include:
- Peugeot Boxer van
- Vauxhall Movano van
- Mercedes sprinter van
- Renault Master Mobile van
- Citroen Relay van
- Ford Transit van
Other vans can be used of course, though these all tend to be medium or long-wheelbase panel vans to fit the garage equipment, tyres and tools, with both rear and side doors opening so that you can access all areas of the van and use the installed mobile tyre fitting equipment with ease.
Step 2: Choose Essential Mobile Tyre Fitting Equipment
Once you have your van, the next step is setting it up with all the necessary tyre-fitting equipment. At Concept Garage Equipment, we specialise in providing the necessary garage equipment, from mobile tyre-fitting machines to 12v wheel balancers and mobile air compressors. Each tyre fitting van setup will be unique to the operator and the van used, but key pieces of mobile tyre fitting equipment include:
- Power Supply: To operate all the equipment, a reliable power supply is required, which can be achieved through a 12v DC to 230v AC inverter, relay and sockets. Often a second battery and/or generator may be used to power the equipment.
- Hydraulic Jacks and Stands: to lift the vehicle from the floor, and to secure it safely whilst being worked are essential pieces of equipment, as you may be working in unusual and unexpected environments, you need to be prepared to work on the vehicle in any range of circumstances.
- Mobile Tyre Changer: A mobile tyre fitting van requires a mobile tyre changer to remove and install tyres onto rims swiftly, this should include a bead breaker to speed the tyre removal process, but the overall size of the tyre changer must be taken into consideration as it will be operating in a limited space. Tyre changers with tilt-back functions and large 3-point swing arms simply may not fit, depending on the vehicle chosen to operate your business from.
- Mobile Wheel Balancer: Additionally, a wheel balancer is essential to ensure even weight distribution and optimal tyre performance. The best wheel balancers for mobile tyre-changing vans tend to be those that are compact, and without a hood to take the minimum of room for this essential task.
- Mobile Air Compressor: An air compressor is crucial for powering pneumatic tools like impact wrenches, which are used to quickly remove and tighten wheel nuts. It also assists in inflating tyres to the proper pressure. The compressor’s portability allows technicians to operate effectively without relying on fixed infrastructure. Some air compressors will operate from the power source used for the tyre changer and wheel balancer, but to reduce the load on these you may consider a petrol-driven air compressor which enables the compressor to be completely mobile and operate independently of the other equipment.
- Lighting: Having ample lighting inside the van is essential, especially for darker evenings and night work. We recommend LED daylight strip lighting the inside of the tyre fitting van for ample lighting and minimal shadowing whilst working on the tyre equipment.
- Basic Hand Tools: A comprehensive collection of hand tools, including wrenches, sockets, pliers, and screwdrivers, is vital for handling various aspects of tyre fitting, from removing wheel covers to adjusting tyre pressure sensors, as well as the removal of wheel weights.
- Storage Solutions: Efficient storage within the van is essential for keeping all tools and equipment organised, safe whilst driving, and easily accessible when working. Cabinets, drawers, and racks help maintain a tidy workspace and ensure that technicians can find what they need quickly.
- Diagnostic Equipment: Additionally equipping the van with diagnostic tools allows technicians to address issues beyond simply tyre fitting, such as identifying sensor errors or diagnosing electronic system problems. This enhances the range of services that can be offered to customers.
- Safety Equipment: Safety must be a priority, so the van should be equipped with appropriate safety gear, including personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency warning devices including emergency lighting, beacons for the van, and fire extinguishers. If likely to be working on Electric Vehicles (EVs) it’s also worth considering carrying an EV fire safety blanket.
With the help of our experts, you can equip your tyre fitting van effectively, making it a reliable mobile tyre fitting station. Our range of compact and high-performance mobile tyre changers can easily fit into your van’s limited space. We also provide wheel balancers that work with minimal vibration and noise which are ideal for a mobile setting.
Step 3: Comprehensive Training of Staff
Next, you need to ensure that you or your staff are specifically trained for mobile operations. It’s crucial to know how to fully operate the tools, work under varying conditions, and carry out tasks with great skill and efficiency. Moreover, good customer relation skills are needed since the service is provided directly to the customer at their location, and word of mouth is the most effective and cost-effective form of advertising, so treating your customers well will pay dividends over time.
Step 4: Ensuring Legal Compliance and Insurance
Before you start your mobile tyre fitting service, familiarise yourself with whatever local legal requirements apply to your business. Registering your business, obtaining the necessary permit, and ensuring adherence to environmental and public safety standards are some of the primary legal aspects to keep in mind. Also, the right insurance cover for your mobile tyre fitting van is critical to protect you from potential risks.
Step 5: Marketing Your Mobile Tyre Fitting Service
Once you are fully equipped, trained and compliant with relevant laws, it’s time to let customers know you exist. Traditional methods like newspaper ads, leaflets, and local advertising can play a part but don’t overlook the fact that online marketing tactics can be incredibly effective. Having a robust digital presence will work wonders for your visibility, particularly on platforms where potential local customers are likely to be active, such as Google My Business, Facebook, Twitter etc. You may want to invest in your own website for your new business, or you may be part of a franchise that will help you with some of this, as you form part of their network of mobile tyre fitters.
Moreover, customer-friendly options such as online booking services, cashless payment, quick response time, and 24/7 availability may make your service more appealing to potential clients.
Step 6: Providing Exceptional Customer Service
Finally, but most importantly, providing exceptional customer service is the key to success. Offering convenient and professional service that saves clients time and hassle not only drives repeat business but also generates positive word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, after-service reviews and collecting customer feedback allow you to incorporate the client’s suggestions to help your mobile tyre business improve continually and grow organically.
Case Study: MCC Manchester Road Ltd in Bradford
Danny at MCC in Bradford realised that offering mobile tyre fitting would give customer’s more convenience as they can get their tyres changed or repaired at home or work. And for his garage it means he could free up some of his workspace in the garage for other vehicle repair work to be done, whilst still benefiting from the revenue of the tyres.
We can help set up your Mobile Tyre Fitting Van business
Starting and maintaining a mobile tyre fitting service requires substantial effort in terms of investment, training, compliance with laws, marketing, and delivering stellar customer service. However, with the correct approach, the returns and customer satisfaction these services offer make it well worth the effort. With help, advice and the leading garage equipment from Concept Garage Equipment, your mobile tyre fitting van will be on the road, delivering top-of-the-line tyre fitting services on the go in no time at all.
Remember, at Concept Garage Equipment, our industry experts are here to guide you every step of the way, from providing essential mobile tyre fitting equipment to helping with your mobile tyre van conversion and installation. So, get ready to step into the world of mobile tyre fitting services with us and offer unbeatable convenience to your customers.
Concept garage equipment can not only supply the equipment and the installation but we have a range of vans ready to be kitted out and sign written for your business. Call our expert mobile van team now for any help or advice.
Call us today on 0113 469 0572 or use the online contact form, and we will help you create the perfect mobile tyre fitting business.