Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Tyre / Exhaust Fitter- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Working Life
To change a tyre, fitters jack up the axle, take off the wheel using hand tools or a machine, and remove the old tyre from the wheel using hand tools or a special device. Then they fit a new tyre, inflate it to the correct air pressure and replace the wheel on the vehicle, tightening the wheel nuts with a wheel brace or air powered machine. They rotate the wheel on a balancing machine. This shows where the fitter must add lead weights to the rim to 'balance' the wheel.
Fitters advise customers which tyres need replacing. They suggest the most suitable type of tyre and tread for their vehicle. Sometimes tyre fitters mend punctures on tyres, or replace faulty valves.
Those fitters who work with heavy vehicles carry out regular inspections of tyres for nails, stones and cracks. They remove, inspect inside and repair them if possible, and check tyre pressure.
To change an exhaust, fitters raise the vehicle on ramps or drive it over a pit. Next, they use power and hand tools to detach the old exhaust and to re-attach it after replacing faulty parts, or fit a complete new exhaust.
On cars and vans, a fitter may work alone. On large vehicles, fitters usually work in teams of two or more people.
Those working for larger tyre/exhaust companies are often trained to deal with other tasks such as repairing suspension, steering or brakes. They may also be required to carry out pre-NCT test checks.
Fitters wear overalls or boiler suits and use hand barrier cream to protect against dirt, oil and grease. Garages and workshops are large covered spaces that can be cold in winter and hot in summer. There may be a lot of vehicle exhaust fumes.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
- Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.
- Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.
- Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorised sanders.
- Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
- Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.
- Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.
- Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.
- Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.
- Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.
Qualities - Tyre / Exhaust Fitter
You must have good practical skills and a high level of technical knowledge. You need to be physically fit to cope with bending, lifting and stretching.
You must have good communication skills; you will need to explain faults and repairs clearly to customers. Good number skills may be needed to handle cash and credit card payments. You must be able to work as part of a team. You should have good customer service skills.
Some employers required applicants to have a full clean driving licence, or the willingness to learn to drive. You would need to be aware of current legal and safety regulations.
Interests - Tyre / Exhaust Fitter
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Entry / Progression - Tyre / Exhaust Fitter
Employers usually provide training on-the-job. Trainee fitters usually watch an experienced fitter at work and then begin working under their supervision. Motor technology is increasing at pace, and keeping up to date is important via SOLAS Skills to advance programs.
Key Skills
Manual Handling
Welding Mig or Tig
Full Drivers Licence to comply with Road Safety Authority & Health & Safety Authority safety procedures.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: engineering, motor technology.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: motor maintenance, light engineering, motor technology, motor vehicle maintenance.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Motor Mechanic, Aircraft Mechanic, Commercial Driver, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, Vehicle Body Repairer, Agricultural Mechanic.
Search for Apprenticeships
Pay & Salary - Tyre / Exhaust Fitter
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €36k
Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Glassdoor
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Tyre / Exhaust Fitter
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians, Vehicle body builders and repairers, Vehicle paint technicians, Aircraft maintenance and related trades, Boat and ship builders and repairers, Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
Vehicle technicians and mechanics account for the majority share of employment in this occupation. Employment growth was below average with employment declining marginally since 2022. Employment permits issued in 2023 related mainly to vehicle roadworthiness testers and aircraft mechanics. The large volume of job adverts through the DSP were for vehicle roadworthiness testers along with various mechanics (aircraft, HGV and car). Skills for Growth data highlights issues recruiting HGV mechanics and auto electricians.
The number of apprenticeship awards issued for aircraft mechanics remains small (28 in 2023). Awards for HGV mechanics rose from 78 in 2022 to 115 in 2023; new apprenticeship registrations in 2023 for this role were higher than seen previously at 232 persons. The number of awards for motor mechanics stood at 225 awards in 2023 although new apprenticeship registrations were substantially higher in 2021 and 2022, indicating increases in awards for this trade in the short-to-medium term.
Given the lack of employment growth in this occupation, issues with sourcing HGV mechanics should ease in the short-term with increased numbers undertaking apprenticeships and the recent removal of this occupation from the ineligible list for employment permits (along with bus/car mechanics) subject to a quota of 200 general employment permits. Upskilling/reskilling will be a key requirement for these roles as we move increasingly towards electric vehicles.
Useful Contacts - Tyre / Exhaust Fitter
-
Society of the Irish Motor Industry
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Irish Tyre Association of Ireland
