Tyre or exhaust fitter

You would replace worn or damaged tyres and exhaust systems in cars and other vehicles to make sure they are safe to drive.

You would usually work in fast-fit centres or workshops alongside motor vehicle technicians, fixing vehicles while the customer waits.

You would:

• Check tyres or exhausts for defects

• Replace or repair faulty tyres or parts

• Balance and re-align wheels

• Repair punctures, where possible

• Advise customers about keeping tyres and exhausts in good condition.

You would work out the costs and tell the customer before doing the work. You might also need to handle payments.

With a larger company, you may receive training for other tasks, such as repairing suspension systems and brakes.

You might work on vehicles ranging from cars and small vans to coaches and lorries. You might also go out to help at breakdowns.

Industrial tyre fitters work on large vehicles such as forklift trucks, diggers or agricultural vehicles. For this work you might need to travel to the customers’ sites to do the work.

You'd use a combination of tools and computerised fault-finding equipment as part of your job. Following health and safety regulations would be important.

• Institute of the Motor Industry – careers information for people working in the automotive industry