In Melbourne and across Victoria, replacement tyre prices typically range from $80 to over $450 per tyre, depending on tyre brand, rim diameter, vehicle type, and performance category. For a full set of four tyres fitted, balanced, and aligned, expect to invest anywhere from $350 to $1,800+.
Understanding the pricing tiers and additional fitting fees helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected charges at the workshop.
1. Tyre Price Breakdown by Category
Tyres in the Australian market fall into three main tiers:
- Budget Tyres ($80 – $130 per tyre): Entry-level brands (such as RoadX, Winrun, or basic store brands). Best suited for low-mileage city driving, secondary runabouts, or drivers on a strict budget.
- Mid-Range Tyres ($140 – $240 per tyre): Well-established manufacturers like Hankook, Kumho, Falken, and Yokohama. Offers a dependable balance of wet-weather safety, reasonable tyre life (45,000–55,000 km), and moderate cabin noise.
- Premium & Performance Tyres ($250 – $450+ per tyre): Market leaders such as Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, and Pirelli. Engineered with advanced silica compounds, shorter wet braking distances, whisper-quiet cabin acoustics, and 60,000 to 80,000+ km longevity.
2. Tyre Prices by Vehicle Type
Wheel size and load requirements heavily dictate the final price:
| Vehicle Category | Common Rim Sizes | Typical Price (Per Tyre) | Full Set of 4 (Fitted Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact / Hatchback (e.g., Corolla, i30, Yaris) | 15" – 16" | $90 – $200 | $400 – $850 |
| Mid-Size Sedan / Wagon (e.g., Camry, Mazda 6) | 17" – 18" | $150 – $320 | $650 – $1,350 |
| Compact & Mid SUV (e.g., RAV4, CX-5, Forester) | 17" – 19" | $180 – $360 | $780 – $1,500 |
| 4WD & Dual-Cab Ute (e.g., Hilux, Ranger - All-Terrain) | 16" – 18" (High Profile) | $240 – $450+ | $1,000 – $1,900+ |
| EVs & Performance Cars (e.g., Tesla Model 3, BMW 3 Series) | 18" – 20"+ (Low Profile) | $280 – $550+ | $1,200 – $2,300+ |
3. Hidden & Additional Costs to Factor In
When comparing quotes from Melbourne tyre shops (e.g., Bob Jane, JAX Tyres, Tyrepower, or mobile tyre fitters), confirm whether the quoted price is fully inclusive:
- Fitting & Balancing ($20 – $35 per tyre): Mounting the tyre to the rim and balancing the wheel assembly to prevent steering vibration. Many retailers bundle this into the tyre price.
- Tyre Disposal Fee ($5 – $12 per tyre): Mandatory recycling and environmental levy for disposing of your old rubber.
- Wheel Alignment ($80 – $140 total): Highly recommended when installing new tyres. Ensures your wheels are aligned to factory specifications so the fresh rubber wears evenly.
- New Valves ($5 – $10 each): Standard rubber valves should always be replaced during a tyre change to prevent slow bead leaks.
How to Get the Best Deal in Melbourne
- Look for "Buy 3, Get 1 Free" Deals: Major retail chains run recurring monthly promotions on premium brands like Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Continental.
- Check Cashback Offers: Brands frequently provide $50 to $200 prepaid fuel or EFTPOS cards on sets of four tyres.
- Match Prices: Many Melbourne tyre retailers offer price-matching guarantees against competitor quotes for identical tyre size, load, and speed ratings.
Tyre Buying Budget Checklist
- Confirmed whether the quote includes fitting, computer balancing, and tyre disposal levies.
- Factored in a 4-wheel alignment to protect your investment from premature wear.
- Checked for active "Buy 3 Get 1 Free" or cashback promotions before purchasing.
- Selected a tyre category that reflects your annual Melbourne freeway and regional commute distance.