Most drivers assume that having breakdown cover means they are protected against tyre problems. The reality is more complicated — and understanding the difference between breakdown cover and mobile tyre fitting could save you significant time, money and stress the next time you have a tyre emergency.
What Does Breakdown Cover Actually Include?
Standard breakdown cover from providers such as the AA, RAC, Green Flag or similar typically covers getting you to a garage if your vehicle cannot be driven. For tyre problems specifically, most standard policies will provide one or more of the following:
- Fitting your spare wheel (if you have one) at the roadside
- Towing you to the nearest tyre fitting centre if no spare is available
- Inflating a tyre with a slow puncture to get you to a garage
What most standard breakdown policies do not include is the cost of a replacement tyre. They will get you to a tyre centre but you still pay for the tyre and fitting on arrival.
The Waiting Time Problem
Peak breakdown provider response times can be considerable. During busy periods — bad weather, bank holidays, rush hours — waiting times of 60 to 90 minutes or more are not uncommon for the major providers. During extreme weather events, some drivers have waited three hours or more.
When they arrive, the aim is usually to make your vehicle mobile enough to drive to a garage — not to fully resolve the problem at the roadside. If a spare wheel is fitted, you then have to drive to a tyre centre, wait for the replacement and return to collect your vehicle, or wait at the centre.
What Mobile Tyre Fitting Offers Instead
Mobile tyre fitting from a specialist like Mobi Tyre is fundamentally different. We come to your location with the tyres and equipment to fully resolve the problem at the roadside, driveway or workplace — no garage visit required.
Our average response time across North Wales and border England is 45-60 minutes. When we arrive, we supply and fit the correct replacement tyre, balance the wheel and have you back on the road — all in one visit.
Cost Comparison
Annual breakdown cover from a major provider typically costs £50-150 per year for basic roadside cover. Premium cover with home start and onward travel can cost £150-300.
Mobile tyre fitting costs vary by tyre size and brand but is generally comparable to — or only slightly above — garage fitting rates. With Mobi Tyre there are no call-out charges, so the only cost is the tyre and fitting.
Do You Need Both?
Breakdown cover protects against a wider range of problems than just tyres — engine failure, electrical faults, fuel problems, accidents. For comprehensive peace of mind, both have a role.
However, for the specific problem of a flat tyre, blowout or tyre damage, mobile tyre fitting from Mobi Tyre is often faster, more convenient and more comprehensive than waiting for a breakdown provider and then visiting a garage.
The Verdict
Keep your breakdown cover for the full range of mechanical and electrical problems. But save Mobi Tyre’s number — 07768 491888 — in your phone for any tyre-specific emergency. Available 24/7 across North Wales and border England, with no call-out charges and average 45-60 minute response times.
