Why has my local garage inflated its tyre prices?

Last week I took my 2013 BMW 328i into my local garage (which is part of a national chain) for an MOT and service. My car failed the MoT because two runflat tyres had some damage that I was unaware of. I was quoted over £470 to replace the pair.

After doing some online research I found the same tyres being advertised on the company's website for £170 less. I challenged the garage on their quoted price and was told that "it was company policy to provide the higher shop retail price". I then ordered the tyres online and had them fitted by the same garage the following day.

What do you think of this behaviour?

Asked on 10 January 2023 by Terence Myers

Answered by Lawrence Allan

We always recommend that people shop around in this instance, tyres can have a particularly variable cost depending on where you look. Some companies will take advantage during an MoT to charge you an inflated price for tyres hoping that for the 'convenience factor' people will just pay up rather than do some research. It's not unique to the current times but disappointing to see.

Tags: wheels and tyres

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