Tyre/Exhaust Fitter

Also known as:

Exhaust/Tyre Fitter
Fast-fit Technician

Introduction

Tyre/exhaust fitters replace worn and damaged tyres and exhausts. They work on all types of vehicles, such as cars, vans, trucks and buses. Some specialise in either tyres or exhausts, while others are responsible for both. They may also fit replacement shock absorbers and brakes.

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Work Activities

Tyre fitters change a tyre by jacking up the axle, taking off the wheel using hand tools or a machine, and removing the old tyre from the wheel using hand tools or a special device.

Then they fit a new tyre, pump it to the correct air pressure and replace the wheel on the vehicle, tightening the wheel nuts with a wheel brace or air powered machine.

They turn the wheel on a balancing machine. This shows where the fitter must add lead weights to the rim to 'balance' the wheel.

They also inspect tyres for nails, stones and cracks. They remove tyres, inspect inside and repair them if necessary, and check tyre pressure.

Fitters advise customers which tyres need replacing. They suggest the most suitable type of tyre and tread for their vehicle. Sometimes tyre fitters mend punctures on tyres, or replace faulty valves.

To change an exhaust, fitters raise the vehicle on ramps. Next, they use power and hand tools to take off the old exhaust and to put it back after replacing faulty parts. They may fit a complete new exhaust.

A wider range of tools is used in exhaust fitting than tyre fitting.

On cars and vans, a fitter may work alone. On large vehicles, fitters usually work in teams of two or more people.

They usually work in specialist fitting centres, garages and workshops, which can be cold in the winter and warm in the summer. They wear protective clothing to avoid contact with oil and grease.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must have good practical skills and a high level of technical knowledge. You need to be physically fit to cope with bending, lifting and stretching.

You must have good communication skills; you will need to explain faults and repairs clearly to customers. Good number skills may be needed to handle cash and credit card payments.

Many employers require applicants to have a full clean driving licence, or the willingness to learn to drive.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Fully qualified tyre/exhaust fitters earn in the range of £220 - £230 a week, rising to £250 - £350 a week. Higher earners can make around £380 a week.

Fitters usually work a 39-hour week. Saturday working and shift work may be required. Overtime may be available.

Employers include tyre and exhaust centres, vehicle main dealers, and road haulage and bus and coach companies.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Technical or practical skills and abilities gained, for example, in garage work as an assistant or repairer, are useful for entry

Tyre and exhaust manufacturers or franchisers may provide training for people who wish to start up their own tyre/exhaust centre.

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