Tyre sales by car dealers could come under pressure as the AA has announced the launch of its own mobile tyre fitting service.

The motoring organisation is collaborating with mobile tyre fitting firm Event Tyres on the new service, AA Tyres, because it fears motorists are too reliant on garages to tell them when a tyre needs changing.

AA president Edmund King said he believed franchised dealers should not suffer because fast-fit chains are more of a target for this service, which will give motorists a greater choice of whom to turn to when they suffer punctures or need replacement tyres. 

AA-liveried vehicles are being rolled out, each equipped to change tyres, carry out puncture repairs and wheel balancing at a location convenient to the driver. Both retail and commercial contracts are offered, and customers pay online at the time of booking.

David Bruce, director of AA Tyres, said that attention to tyres is often neglected simply because drivers can’t afford an hour or more off work or spare time to drive to a tyre depot and wait for the work to be carried out, so they put off the visit – sometimes until it’s too late.  

Mark Shankland, managing director of Event Tyres said: “We’re certain that this is the future for tyre repair and replacement. People are increasingly used to buying things online, thanks to the likes of Amazon and online grocery retailers.  The concept works particularly well with tyres because it has such huge potential in terms of convenience saving drivers’ time.

"Customers place their order with AA Tyres online, arranging a time and place for the work to be carried out. It’s quick, convenient, and thanks to the absence of costly premises overheads, prices are extremely competitive."