Tyre or exhaust fitter

tyre technician fast-fit technician
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Garage services
Produce

Career outlook for tyre or exhaust fitter

Average UK salary

£24,440

Currently employed in Scotland

Information is unavailable

"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

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.

 

Working conditions

Hours

Environment

You would work in garages or workshops, often in awkward, cramped conditions. You'd use power tools, workbenches, ramps and sometimes pits. The work is likely to be oily and greasy and involve a lot of standing, lifting and bending. It is likely that there will be fumes and smells.

Travel

UK employment status

Full-time

88%

Part-time

12%

Self employed

0%

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

You do not need formal qualifications to enter this job but many employers look for a good general education (SCQF level 4-5) to enter an Modern Apprenticeship.

Once in an Apprenticeship you will work towards relevant qualifications such as the Scottish Vocational Qualification in Automotive, Vehicle Fitting (SVQ level 2) or Specialist Tyre Fitting (SVQ level 2).

You may have to pass an aptitude test when applying to enter Modern Apprenticeship jobs.

Useful subjects

  • Maths
  • English
  • Science subjects
  • Technologies subjects such as practical metalwork

You will also need

Many employers will require a driving licence.

You should be fit, as this is role involves heavy lifting and working in awkward positions

Helpful to have

 Qualifications that demonstrate physical fitness/strength and practical skills such as Skills for Work Automotive Skills (SCQF level 4).