On this page
- Call-out price or total cost: what should you compare?
- What is the biggest factor?
- Why do the tyre size and type matter?
- Does the type of vehicle make a difference?
- Does the location of the job matter?
- Does driving on a flat tyre increase the cost?
- What should you tell us to get a clear indication?
- Want to know what your case needs in Milan?
- Frequently asked questions
Call-out price or total cost: what should you compare?
Always compare the total cost of the job, not just the call-out price. In the tyre assistance market you often see “from” prices or the call-out fee alone in the headline: labour, parts, any night-time or bank holiday surcharges and the type of tyre only come to light afterwards.
- Ask what is included: call-out, labour, repair materials, fitting the spare.
- Ask whether the time of day (night, bank holidays) makes any difference.
- Describe the problem clearly and, if you can, send a photo and the tyre size.
With SOS Tyre, before confirming, you can ask us for the total cost on the phone or on WhatsApp. Why choose SOS Tyre.
What is the biggest factor?
The biggest factor is the type of work needed, which depends on the damage. A small hole in the tread can often be repaired; a cut on the shoulder or a bulge, on the other hand, means the tyre has to be replaced.
| Work | When it is needed |
|---|---|
| Tyre repair | Small hole in the tread, tyre not driven on flat for long |
| Wheel change | Spare wheel or space-saver available, damage not repairable on the spot |
| Tyre replacement | Damage that cannot be repaired: shoulder, long cuts, bulges, exposed cords |
The repairability criteria are explained in when a tyre can be repaired.
Why do the tyre size and type matter?
Tyre size and type matter because some tyres need more work or specific equipment. Large-diameter, low-profile or run-flat tyres are stiffer to remove and refit and need more care to avoid damaging the wheel.
If a new tyre is needed, the availability and specifications of the size matter even more. That is why it helps to give the size straight away: read how to read your tyre size.
Does the type of vehicle make a difference?
Yes, the type of vehicle makes a difference because the weight, the equipment needed and the time taken all change. An SUV or a van has heavier wheels than a small city car; an electric car may need care around the jacking points; a motorbike needs dedicated equipment.
You will find the specifics in the vehicles section.
Does the location of the job matter?
The location matters because it affects access and safety while working. A car in an open car park is easier to reach than one stuck in a cramped underground garage or in a position exposed to traffic.
The state of the wheel matters too: seized wheel bolts, locking wheel bolts without the key or a damaged wheel can mean extra work.
Does driving on a flat tyre increase the cost?
Yes, driving on a flat tyre often turns a simple job into a more demanding one. A tyre that could have been repaired has to be replaced, and the wheel can get scratched or deformed.
Stopping straight away somewhere safe is therefore the best choice to limit the damage too: we cover this in can you drive on a flat tyre.
What should you tell us to get a clear indication?
To get a clear indication straight away, give us all the information that describes the problem:
- the exact position of the vehicle and the type of place (street, garage, car park);
- the vehicle and the tyre size;
- the type of damage, with a photo if possible;
- whether you have a spare wheel, space-saver or repair kit;
- whether you have already driven on the flat tyre.
Want to know what your case needs in Milan?
To work out what your case needs, describe the problem to us: SOS Tyre comes out 24/7 across Milan and its province, in 30 minutes on average, and on the phone we explain which work is feasible. Call +39 377 326 0999 or send a request for assistance with photos and the tyre size.
Frequently asked questions
Is a callout at night or on a public holiday any different?
The time of day can affect how the callout is organised, but the technical work on the tyre stays the same. The best way to know what to expect is to describe the problem on the phone: type of damage, vehicle, tyre size and where you are.
Is repairing always better than replacing?
When the damage is repairable, a repair is generally the simplest solution. But it is not always possible: damage to the shoulder or sidewall, long cuts, bulges and tyres driven on flat for a long way require replacement. The decision is the technician's, after inspecting the tyre.
Can having already used the repair kit complicate the job?
In some cases yes: certain sealants make the subsequent repair more complex, because the inside of the tyre has to be cleaned before it can be assessed. If you have used the kit, say so straight away to whoever is coming out, so they can plan accordingly.
Why do you need to know the tyre size in advance?
The size lets us work out in advance whether, if the damage cannot be repaired, a suitable tyre can be sourced, and lets us prepare the right equipment. You will find it on the tyre sidewall, in the registration document and often on the label on the door pillar.