Hi all,
I’ve had punctures repaired over the last decade or so ranging from $20 to $35. The puncture repair done today set me back almost double that.
Was just wondering if anyone has had similar experiences lately or if this is just inflation / I got ripped off.
Note: I did not ask around for quotes, and a quote also wasn’t given to me before service performed. I should’ve asked but thought the price wouldn’t be much different than in the past.
Those kits are very different to what a professional tyre repair looks like. They are considered "temporary" in both the legal and practical sense, despite the fact that they can last a very long time. I've used probably hundreds of them as part of my 4x4 club.
A proper professional repair consists of removing the tyre from the rim, and repairing with a "permanent" vulcanised repair. Most of the cost is in the labour of removing the tyre and replacing and balancing in order to access the inside of the tyre.
For the prices talked about here - I don't think so. Balancing for an inserted plug - I don't think so either. Removing the tyre - not even, most of the time.
"temporary" in both the legal
Maybe? If you can provide some reference please do. Considering how common it is I doubt it though.
same kit, dont try and over sell what the tyre shops do. They are not engineers and/or "professionals". Getting a job changing car tyres doesn't require any previous education to get started.
Yep last time mine did one was just a patch repair.
@funnysht: Some people like to pay consultants to tell them time, apparently a consultants watch is much more accurate than the same watch you wear.
The store has to cover their workshop costs (bear in mind this repair required the wheel/tyre have to be removed from the car, the tyre removed from the rim, the repair done, the tyre installed on the rim again and then the whole lot rebalanced and then reinstalled on the car), there's a lot more cost in this than a home repair job with a dodgy $10 ebay item with zero warranty for quality of product (let alone application), I think the price paid is exceptionally reasonable.
I never said it wasn't.
I think the fact that most people here have paid $30 - $35 or had it done for free suggests the price isn't exceptionally reasonable.
Yes. Ripped.
I made the mistake of not asking how much before once too and was charged me about the same.
I used to get my tyres, rego checks and minor things done there that I was too lazy or didn't have time to do but not anymore. So they ended up ripping themselves off though as they lost me as a customer.
Prompted me to not be lazy and buy a kit to DIY.
I thought nobody get out of bed for $200 .
WTF wrong with this trade ?
Paid $66 for a Puncture Repair. Did I Get Ripped off?
Could have been much worse, bill for $148
Store: Jax Tyres Brookvale
My friend (female) had a tyre puncture repair, and told me it was going to cost her $180 for a puncture repair.
I fell out of my seat out of surprise at the time, i thought she was getting a new tyre.
They wanted to upsell her:
- Wheel Balance
- Nitrogen inflation
Still not a great outcome, she asked for no nitrogen only… a little uncomfortable for the other items
Notice in the bill there are two line items for Balance.
Why do they need to balance the repaired tyre twice..?
Tubeless Valves for $2.50, ok I suppose if it was damaged?
$148 bill for a puncture repair.
I'll be avoiding JAX Tyres from now on
I’ve had punctures repaired over the last decade or so ranging from $20 to $35. The puncture repair done today set me back almost double that.
For comparison, my mechanic (ZK Golden in Parramatta) charged me $22.50 and $38 for puncture repair in the past (from memory, different years) and that was me neglecting both times to let them know one of the tyre pressures kept decreasing slowly (servicing and pink slip). Because they picked up the issue without me telling them, shows they actually did carry out proper inspection and repairs as required at a reasonable cost.
ZK Golden is really good for value, only issue is their workshop doesn't look modern and they are always booked out
They wanted to upsell her:
- Wheel Balance
- Nitrogen inflation
Should have gone for Helium inflation…
Save on fuel….
If there are two line items for balancing, then she should question it (even after the fact). If they can't justify why it's there, then they should refund the money charged for it.
Certainly if they're removed the tyre, put a patch into it and then reinstalled the tyre, the prudent (and I'd suggest safe) thing to do is absolutely to rebalance the wheel. They may have then offered a balance service on all four wheels to ensure that they're all correctly balanced (yep, this is upsell, but rebalancing the tyre with the repair is completely legit). Maybe they had reason to believe that a rebalance was required though - and if she agreed to it, then shrug.
The tubeless valve is removed when they remove the tyre. It has to be replaced.
Yep, the nitrogen is an upsell as well - one that your friend said no to. And fair enough - some people believe that it helps, some do not. If you believe it may even help a little and are not great at regularly checking your tyre pressures (they'd have checked her tyre pressures, maybe they were all low or all over the shop?) then it's probably not a terrible suggestion.
nitrogen in tyres is flat out a rort. Does nothing at regular tyre temps and would require complete removal of the air before inflating with nitrogen to make a any difference to deflation.
I notice they did an alignment too. That does take time and about normal cost and makes up most of the bill. Was it needed? Explained to customer? Understood by customer?
Certainly if they're removed the tyre, put a patch into it and then reinstalled the tyre, the prudent (and I'd suggest safe) thing to do is absolutely to rebalance the wheel.
I don't have a problem with the balancing the individual wheel (which is what is done normally when you have a new car tyre, but refers to clipping the small wheel weights), just not happy that it's been charged twice.
The tubeless valve is removed when they remove the tyre. It has to be replaced.
That's fine, don't really have a problem with that, though physically the valve is on the interior of the alloy rim only, and not connected to the rubber of the tyre, so a puncture in the tyre wouldn't have affected the valve.
As you suggested, if they had removed the entire tyre and did an inspection and patch, instead of a plug-it, then yep, the $2.50 fee may be justified
Just not happy about the massive upsell with wheel alignment and nitrogen inflation.
Every part of the bill is an up sell and a rort, the only part valid is the 2 minute plug to stop the leak.
I’m surprised so many comments justifying all the redundant items like valves and balancing.
But I guess if you don’t know what you want done to fix the problem then you get talked into lots of extras.
They don’t even need to remove the wheel from the car to patch a leak, jack it up on the stand, find the leak with soapy water, patch, fill with air, drop the car, collect $200 as you pass GO.
Ripped off? If they actually repaired it, then no. If the repair didn’t work, then yes.
Did you pay too much? Sounds like it, but you didn’t ask the price first.
Go to a servo and watch them do it. About $25 for <5 mins. If they can see the screw / nail, don't even have to remove the tyre. Then buy a kit and do it yourself and teach others.
Fantastic advice until it goes wrong because you're not actually a qualified mechanic and don't have any service warranty that you need to offer, or a workshop to keep running.
You need to be qualified to patch a tyre?
A servo? Where you buy petrol? I’d guess that most of the servo operators don’t even know where a tyre gets inflated let alone how to repair a puncture. Servos are for selling petrol and overpriced chocolates and crummy coffee
Servo with mechanic. The first servo I went to the mechanic wasn't working on Saturday so sent me up the road to one that did.
Not too many of them left around here. It’s all bright lights and convenience store.
Last 2 repairs Bob Jane have done for free. Different locations/ states. The 2nd time (recent) I had Bob Jane branded tyres as I went back to the first shop when I needed tyres.
I guess they do it for free in the hope you go back there when you need tyres etc. It worked for me. I will go back to my new local Bob Jane when I need new tyres (and they have a deal on of course).
Bob Jane branded tyres come with a guarantee
A Bob Jane in Queensland recently charged me $30 for a puncture, and he made quite a fuss to tell me “the usual price is $40 but he was giving me a good deal because I’m an Aged care worker” (I went in wearing my uniform after work)
Honestly after reading some of these comments I think these shops just take a stab at how competent or stupid you look and charge accordingly.
but then you have to drive Bob Jane branded tyres…
“But they’re made by Bridgestone”!
Brb, gonna join Arcare
OP you are lucky to have a repairable punchers, last two occasions I had to replace the tyer 😝
You are probably lucky you replaced whole thing, only thing is the tyre retailer should give you some sorta free repair for a short period as a peace of mind
When puncher is from slightly off the grid, there are no choice but to replace. 😞
How much would a new tyre would have had costed you ??
i am guessing $70-$100 roughly may be cheaper with some targated offers etc.
The new tyres always come with like some sort of tyre protection guarantee that gives some peace of mind for the next puncture within like 24 months AND GIVES you free
BRAND NEW THREAD
NEWLY BALANCED WHEEL
NEW TYRE FEEL
WORRIES YOU FREE OF HAVING LOW THREAD OF OLD TYRE
With no idea what level of thread was on the existing tyre, how can you make this claim?
And if there was significant wear, then you're looking at two tyres, not just one (or worse, four if you have certain AWD drivetrains).
if there was significant wear
then you should already be looking to have it replaced soon, just gonna be having to do it sonner by suggestion of replacing tyre instead of repairing an ALREADY SIGNIFICANTLY WORN tyre. The other tyre has nothing to do with it, one could technically wait a little while for the 2nd tyre being replaced (like 1 month easily) if they are tight on budget.
paying for puncture repairing only really makes sense when
I haven't had a puncture in my car's tyres for since i bought it, (about 3 years ish)_but have had family member's tyre damaged (like puncture and buldges). Even for puncture parent suggested getting it repaired I strongly suggested sis NO, get a new tyre. In her condition, tyre (front) was from 2020, wear is quite signficant though (may be like only 60% - 70%) left, and front two are different branded than rear one, so cant just replace rear one to front one. Instead she's tight on budget, so ordered 1 of same brand of tyre as front one that got puncture (or some other damage). Will wait a bit to replace other front tyre, (although i suggested get both done at same time but she was tight on budget).
I hope the tyre had at least $66 worth of tread left.
Remember that if there's significant tyre wear, you want to replace at least both tyres on the same axle…
NRMA members get a free puncture repair at Beaurepaires, NRMA being NSW based i am not sure if this offer is available from other roadside organisations in other states.
interesting, wonder if offer only applies to tyres purchased from them (can't find any details in T&C) ? local shop I purchased tyres off has shut down and I'll need a rotation later down the track.
Member offer
NRMA Members save on the following Beaurepaires products and services:
in regards to puncture repair, i would say any tyre regardless where purchased as they repaired my brother inlaws puncture which was on the vehicle original from new.
$66 would cover the cost of 2 repair kits. I would’ve done it myself, and then had the remainder of the kit to fix 20+ more leaks, and money in the pocket.
So yeah, ripped off, but then again you didn’t have to plug the leak yourself, so I guess that’s a win?
To repair the tyre properly:
Take tyre off rim
Insert puncture repair patch, glue in place
Reseat tyre
Balance tyre
It would be nothing for this to take 20 minutes.
The business has to pay rent, wages, insurance etc
I dont really think it is unreasonable all things considered.
You have to decide if the tyre was worth repairing. Some tyres are as little as $80, some as much as $600
Depends on puncture is an important point! A nail puncture is simple repair kit fix, a side puncture is different!
Didn’t think sidewall punctures were legal to fix in AU?
This is for patches. I believe OP was talking about 'dog shit' repairs where they don't take the tyre off.
Some branded retailers run professional businesses with clean facilities for staff and customers, good quality equipment, well paid staff, and someone to greet and serve customers. Others operate on a shoestring. Some use low price minor repairs as a way of attracting return customers, others don’t.
Take-away is to be clear about what is being done, and for how much.
Depends on the type of puncture etc it not very unreasonable.
Still cheaper than a new tyre tbf.
Back in 2021 I got 195 65 R15 tyre fitted for from tyroola for $64 each. (There was no such offer like buy 4 free shipping etc, We just chose it's best to replaced 5+years old tyres all at once)
proof
https://i.imgur.com/aVawjdJ.png
I paid about $60-$80 once can't remember but that was for run flats which is a bit more expensive to do since its not the standard patch kit.
For a standard tyre, $25-$35 is reasonable. Maybe max $40. $66 is taking the piss.
Blame the greens and their leftist policies.
DIY kits are great, haven't had an issue since doing myself 1 year ago
Yeah, I've always just used the sticky string DIY thing. Works well and never had an issue.
Yes. Under $30 at Tyrepower just last year.
Hi. If your a member of Costco, you can get 4 tires for the price of 3 (regularly on special) and any tyre you ever buy has a lifetime free puncture repair, (Just go in and shop while its getting fixed). I have already used this service. I have a friend who worked for Holden and he said he cant even wholesale the good tyres i got from Costco cheaper than i could get them. (Note : The lifetime of the tyre lasts until the tyre is unroadworthy) I don't shop heaps at Costco, but i save more than the $55 i pay for the Business Membership. (its also got an eye centre cheaper than Budget direct and a cheap hearing centre, about 40% cheaper than hearing aids in shopping centres). Frig… how did this become about Costco :-)
eye centre cheaper than Spec Savers maybe? Or if there's cheaper place then I definitely need to know - prices getting ridiculous.
+1 Costco tyre services are great and consistent
I have a current PC that I would like to sell to you. Can edit videos and play games
Was it built in the last 12 mths?
It was indeed built in the last 12 months.
Good old 3.5% inflation, never fear the RBA and the LNP are all over it pumping more stimulus in to the economy.
It's not inflation when the other shops prices are the same.
I got mine done recently for $25 hacketts discount tyres
I got mine done for free like the guy above. Not sure if it was Bob Jane.or.Tyrepower…. But they did it for free! I didn't even buy the tyres there!
paid $50 so more or less the same
Were you pressured into paying?
Seems like it was a low pressure situation.
Initially it was low pressure but after the bill came out the pressure was right up there.
I drove in to a tyre place and they were fully booked, but the guy still have a look at my tyre and says he'll see if he can squeeze me in. Asked me to go shopping center and have a walk.
about 1.5 hours later, it's done and dusted. gave me a call to pick up my car. All that cost - $0.
He earned me a customer going forward.
Did you ask how much prior to having the work done?
Nope.
I moved to a new city and literally have little to no knowledge of the surroundings. at that time, I am prepared to pay $120 bucks for it as I literally walk-in without appointment
If you don't ask you're saying "Hey charge me what you like"..
And they did.
Does anyone know if you can just leave the TPMS sensors when they fail / button batteries die?
Seems like an unnecessary cost to replace.
Yes
as always you have to make a judgement call
if a new tyre is $120 then $65 makes no sense
$65 sounds like more than I would pay and yet at the same time the last time I did this 5yrs ago it was $20 and well… inflation (LOL)
always remember a plug is never going to be as good as a new tyre
if your tyre is a Pilot Sport Cup 2 then $65 maybe ok? I guess?
I’ve always been told you should replace tyres in pairs (for safety as one side may have different traction)… so the cost difference would be higher (I.e., 2*120 > 66)… but a lot of people here say that you can just replace them individually🤷🏻♂️
again this is a judgement call
i had one tyre out when the tyres were like 5,000km new and i just replaced the single one and got on with life
if your tyre is 2mm deep and you blow one then just replace both since you're almost about to replace both anyway
Thanks, that makes sense.
Two weeks ago paid $15 in Melbourne
i cannot for the life of me understand how this makes sense
lemme get this right
you have to remove the wheel, deflate, remove the tyre
fix the hole w/ patch, rubber glue, heatgun etc..
fit tyre to run, inflate, fit tyre to car
FOR $15???
FOR $15???
Not for a tyre.
BHR is talking about a Coffee & muffin…
The coffee and muffin was next door. :)
I expected to pay way more than $15, but that’s what it was. May be a loss leader for them, I don’t know… if it was, it worked. Moved here a year ago and will definitely go back for tyres and car service.
you have to remove the wheel, deflate, remove the tyre
fix the hole w/ patch, rubber glue, heatgun etc..
fit tyre to run, inflate, fit tyre to car
You don’t have to. It might have been one of those quick repair hobbies where they punch the rubber string stuff into the tyre from the outside while it’s still inflated and on the car.
Last time I had three nails in my tire, I bought a puncture repair kit from Supercheap for less than $20, and fixed my tire, still 2/3 of the kit left for other repairs
I'll toss this in here - don't know what it cost as it was probably covered by my rental car insurance in the South of France - at least the truck lift recovery from the top of Gorge du Verdon with a screw-punctured flat tyre to a valley below village car repair place was - I might have paid something like $10 for the 5 minute puncture repair
the guy having found and unwound the screw from the tread - simply got a small can of blue thickish liquid, dipped some fabric tape into it, and then poked the liquid-coated tape into the hole with a pointed tool - wait like 1 minute, pump it up, and ready to drive away
I was WTF was that !?!? I still don't know but I was hella impressed.
I have the supercheap auto kit and done 2 punctures so far without issue.
It's not just the cost of repair, but having to shower, put clothes on, drive to the tyre shop, waiting 45min then driving home. And I have lost half a day.
Do at home 15min tops and can do it in ya pjs.
Tyre shops are full of sweaty workers. You don’t need to shower. They also don’t care what you’re wearing, you don’t need to changed out of regular day clothes. Just saved you 20min.
You failed to consider the other customers in the waiting room. I take back your 20 minutes.
I spend that 20 mins changing the tyre at home (or side of road) and use the spare until it’s convenient to drop off the tyre. then will go back later when it’s fixed.
Of course if you need to get showered and dressed to go out you’ve probably got the type of car that has a space saver spare. In that case you may need to wait for the repair to avoid having to drive slower with the space saver on.
Oh thought this was for a bicycle
I'm surprised Mechanics, would do anything for under $50
Not worth getting pumped up over the charge
Local GOODYEAR - Sedan 17" $20, SUV $25.
Had 4 in 3 months (probably tradies dropping nails).
Currently got my first curb gouge, In sidewall so needs new tyre.
It is a bit on the dear side, I had a puncture repair from Bridgestone last week which is also inner Brisbane (Newstead), cost $49 and ready in 30 minutes. I know I could shop around but it's close to home and willing to pay the premium as it's inner city. Still cheaper than going back to the dealership thou. Not bad when my tyre can cost $400+.
My local bridgestone charges 45
Recently got a screw stuck in my front tyre for the first time, drove it home whilst still having the screw inside to avoid a fully deflated tyre.
Purchased a tubeless tyre repair kit that has those bacon strip looking things on Amazon. ~$20
Took 10 minutes to:
- take out screw/object
- Rough up hole with the included tool
- Insert bacon strip to patch up hole with included tool.
All this with the wheel on the car. Drove to the petrol station and pumped up all tyres to 32 PSI, Job done.
The wife could of easily done it and she is not very "handy" to say the least.
Definitely ripped off.
A friend of mine recently paid $30-40 for a puncture repair.
Always call ahead and get quotes.
Check Google reviews to ensure that no one else has had issues with their puncture repairs
Never pay cash as if the puncture repair fails then they may (or may not) pretend they don't know you.
No, you didn't. It's the fee for a lesson learnt.
I'm guessing op has no basic car maintenance skills. Happy to be wrong.