An inside look at the equipment a mobile tyre fitting van typically carries — fitting, repair, safety and diagnostic tools, explained at a glance.
Ever wondered what's actually inside a mobile tyre fitting van? Every fitter's setup differs slightly, but here's a look at the kind of equipment a well-equipped one typically carries, grouped by what it's for.
A portable tyre changer removes the old tyre from the wheel rim and seats the new one without damaging it, and a wheel balancer checks the wheel spins evenly afterwards. An impact wrench and a torque wrench handle two different jobs — one removes wheel nuts quickly, the other does the final tightening to the exact figure the vehicle manufacturer specifies.
Working on a tyre away from a workshop means the vehicle needs to be safely and securely supported first. Vans typically carry jacks rated for the vehicles they work on, and this is specialist equipment used by trained fitters — not something to attempt without the right training and gear.
Air compressors and tyre inflators bring a new tyre up to the correct pressure, usually alongside a digital gauge for accuracy. Correct pressure matters for safety, handling and fuel efficiency alike.
Not every job needs a full replacement. Plug and patch kits, along with tools to properly assess a puncture — its size, position and depth — let a fitter carry out a suitable repair on the spot where the damage falls within safe repair guidelines.
Specialist extraction tools, matched to the nut, allow a locking wheel nut to be removed without relying on the original key. See our guide on lost locking wheel nut keys for more on how that works and why it's not a DIY job.
Many modern vehicles need their tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) checked or reset after a tyre change. Some fitters also carry basic diagnostic tools to check for related issues, such as wheel alignment problems that affect tyre wear.
Working roadside or in a car park comes with its own risks. Hi-vis clothing, warning cones, wheel chocks to stop the vehicle moving during the job, and portable lighting for after-dark callouts are standard kit for any fitter working away from a workshop.
Exactly what's on board varies between providers and vehicles — not every fitter carries identical equipment, and the right kit for a family car isn't necessarily what's needed for a van or a caravan. What matters is that the equipment is appropriate for the job and used by someone trained to use it properly. See our mobile tyre fitting service for what's included when you book with us.
