In this episode of the On The Ramp podcast, Leo sits down with Quentin from GiPA UK to explore a side of the industry most garages overlook — tyres. But this isn’t a conversation about upselling or offers. It’s about missed opportunities, changing customer behaviour, and what electrification really means for your workshop.
See Full Episode On:
YouTube – https://youtu.be/ZT1SixI2rN4
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VAz8QUPtaVuooZxU3SWEm?si=Hv1DSX_rS0ObZX6eo_uuKQ
Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-problems-with-tyres/id1742771842?i=1000722032866
The 20% Blind Spot
Quentin brings the data – and it’s eye-opening. According to GiPA’s research, around 20% of all workshop visits are prompted by tyres. That’s not just people needing new rubber – that’s entry-point visits. If you don’t have a visible tyre offering, you might not even be considered when someone searches for a garage.
And while many independents can supply and fit tyres, they don’t always advertise it – meaning those visits (and customers) go elsewhere.
EVs Are Wearing Through More Than Just Range
As EVs grow in popularity, the nature of workshop visits is shifting. These cars are heavier, deliver instant torque, and typically see fewer service visits – but the tyre wear? That’s increasing. In fact, EVs are now failing MOTs on tyres more frequently than combustion vehicles, despite being six years newer on average.
This is creating a new challenge: EVs are often hitting workshops for the first time when their tyres fail. And if your garage isn’t set up to capture those visits, you may never see those customers again.
Retention Over Acquisition
The conversation turns to retention – and why it costs almost nothing to have a meaningful tyre conversation with an existing customer. Whether it’s offering reminders, presenting multiple tyre options, or educating drivers on safety, garages have a powerful touchpoint in front of them – and most are missing it.
As Quentin puts it, “Budget tyres dominate the UK market – but that’s a problem of education, not preference.” Customers don’t know what they’re buying – and no one is telling them.
Takeaway
This episode isn’t about panic-buying a tyre machine. It’s a call to think long-term. Whether it’s EVs, fleet contracts, or changes to MOT regulation – tyres are going to matter more and more. Quentin’s advice? Start now. Build the operation slowly. And elevate the way you talk about tyre safety with your team and your customers.
Episode Below
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