How much does tire sidewall repair cost

There is no safe, permanent repair for a punctured, cut, or bulged tire sidewall; reputable shops will refuse to fix it. In practice, you’ll be buying a replacement tire. In the U.S., expect roughly $120–$300 out the door for a typical passenger car tire, $180–$400+ for SUVs and light trucks, and $250–$500+ for performance or run-flat tires once mounting, balancing, and fees are included. Prices vary by size, brand, region, and whether you must replace more than one tire to match tread depth.

Why sidewall damage usually can’t be repaired

Sidewalls flex thousands of times per mile and contain critical structural cords. Industry standards from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) specify that only small punctures in the tread area are repairable; damage in the shoulder or sidewall is not. Plugs, patches, “boots,” liquid sealants, or string repairs in the sidewall won’t restore strength and can fail at speed. Cosmetic scuffs that do not expose cords are different, but any bulge, cut, or visible fabric/steel requires replacement for safety.

What you’ll likely pay to replace the tire

The core cost is the tire itself, plus mounting, balancing, and shop fees. Urban markets and larger wheel sizes trend higher; economy brands and smaller sizes trend lower. If you drive an AWD vehicle, the need to match tire circumference can add cost (details below).

The following ranges reflect typical retail prices for a single tire (tire only) in 2025 U.S. markets; installation and taxes are extra.

• Economy passenger (15–16 inch): $80–$150
• Mainstream sedan/crossover (17–18 inch): $120–$220
• CUV/SUV (18–20 inch all-season): $150–$350
• Light truck/AT or LT-rated: $180–$400+
• Performance/summer UHP: $200–$500+
• Run-flat versions (various sizes): typically $220–$500+ (often $50–$150 more than non-run-flat)

These ranges are broad because brand tier, speed rating, load index, and seasonal type (all-season, all-weather, winter, UHP) move the price up or down. Local promotions and rebates can meaningfully reduce the tire-only cost.

Beyond the tire itself, most shops add line-item charges. Here’s what to expect.

• Mounting and balancing: $15–$45 per tire (road-force balance: +$20–$40)
• Valve stem or TPMS service kit: $5–$15 per wheel (metal valve stems can be higher)
• TPMS sensor replacement (if failed/damaged): $40–$120 per sensor
• Tire disposal/recycling fee: $3–$6 per tire
• Shop/environmental fees: $2–$8
• Wheel repair (if bent from impact): $80–$150+ per wheel, if needed
• Wheel alignment: $90–$150 (only if alignment is out or after major impact/suspension work)
• Mobile or emergency roadside service fee: $20–$50 for mobile install; $75–$150+ for emergency calls, plus tire
• Road-hazard protection plan (optional): $15–$30 per tire
• Tire shaving to match tread (specialty service): $25–$40, where offered

When comparing quotes, ask for the “out-the-door” total including taxes and all fees; add-ons can swing the final bill by $30–$100+ per tire.

One tire or more? Matching depth matters

Mixing tires with significantly different tread depths can stress drivetrains and affect handling, especially on AWD vehicles. Automakers vary, but many advise keeping tread depth differences within about 2/32–4/32 inch across axles; some AWD systems are more sensitive and may recommend all four tires be closely matched.

Use these rules of thumb to decide how many tires you’ll need.

• FWD or RWD: If the other tire on that axle is nearly new and you can match brand/model/size, a single replacement may be acceptable. Otherwise, replace in pairs on the same axle.
• AWD: If tread depth differences exceed roughly 2/32–4/32 inch (check your owner’s manual), you may need two or even four tires to match circumference.
• Tire shaving: Some shops can shave a brand-new tire so its tread depth matches the remaining tires, letting you replace only one on AWD when the difference is small.

A quick tread depth reading and a look at your owner’s manual will clarify whether you can safely replace one tire, must replace a pair, or should fit a full set.

Can cosmetic sidewall scuffs be “repaired”?

Superficial abrasions that don’t expose cords and don’t cause bulges are cosmetic. There’s no structural repair to perform; some owners gently clean and dress the rubber. A shop may lightly trim loose rubber for appearance ($0–$50), but if cords are visible, there’s a cut, or a bubble forms, the tire must be replaced.

How to lower the replacement bill

You can often trim the total without compromising safety by shopping smart and matching correctly.

• Price-match across local shops and reputable online retailers; factor shipping and install fees.
• Choose a respected mid-tier brand rather than premium; performance differences for daily driving are small.
• Look for seasonal rebates and bundle deals (buy-3-get-1 offers appear periodically).
• Consider a quality used tire only if it precisely matches size/spec and tread depth; avoid any tire with sidewall repairs or multiple plugs.
• Ask for an out-the-door quote that includes valves/TPMS kits, balancing, fees, and taxes.
• If AWD, ask about tire shaving to match tread and avoid buying pairs/sets when differences are small.
• Check whether you have road-hazard coverage from a prior purchase or a credit card benefit.
• Verify alignment before authorizing it; only buy it if measurements show it’s needed.

These steps can easily save $40–$150 on a single-tire replacement and much more if an AWD system would otherwise require multiple tires.

Safety red flags — do not drive on this

Some sidewall symptoms point to imminent failure and warrant immediate replacement or towing.

• Bulge or “bubble” in the sidewall
• Visible cords/fabric or a cut deep enough to expose layers
• Puncture, tear, or gash in the shoulder or sidewall area
• Rapid air loss traced to the sidewall
• After a hard pothole/curb impact: vibration, pulling, or thumping

Continuing to drive on a compromised sidewall risks a blowout, wheel damage, and loss of control; swap to a spare or call roadside assistance.

Fast estimate examples (2025, U.S.)

Here are ballpark “out-the-door” totals that combine a typical tire price, mounting/balancing, and standard fees; taxes vary by location.

• Economy sedan (205/55R16 all-season): Tire $120 + install/fees $35 ≈ $155
• Mid-size SUV (235/60R18 all-season): Tire $220 + install/fees $40 ≈ $260
• Light truck (LT275/65R18 A/T): Tire $260 + install/fees $45 ≈ $305
• Performance car (245/35R19 UHP run-flat): Tire $360 + install/fees $55 ≈ $415
• AWD pair scenario: Two $200 tires + install/fees ~$90 ≈ $490; four tires would scale accordingly

Your actual number depends on brand choice, wheel size, local labor rates, and whether alignment or TPMS parts are needed.

What to tell the shop

Providing a few details up front helps the shop quote accurately and ensures the right fitment and safety decisions.

• Your tire size (e.g., 225/65R17) and load/speed ratings from the door placard
• Brand/model you prefer or want to match
• Vehicle drivetrain (FWD/RWD/AWD) and current tread depths on the other tires
• Whether you have a full-size spare that could be rotated in
• Description and photos of the sidewall damage
• Any existing road-hazard plan or manufacturer warranty paperwork
• Request for an out-the-door quote and whether alignment is needed based on measurements

These specifics reduce surprises and help the shop advise whether you can replace one tire, need a pair, or should consider shaving.

Sources and standards

USTMA repair guidelines, widely followed by tire manufacturers and retailers, restrict repairs to the tread area; sidewalls and shoulders are non-repairable. Major chains (and insurers) align with this standard for highway use. Technical resources from tire makers and retailers echo the same: if cords are exposed, there’s a bulge, or the puncture/cut is outside the tread, replace the tire.

Summary

Tire sidewall damage isn’t repairable for safe, on-road driving. Plan on replacing the tire, with total costs typically $120–$300 for cars and $180–$400+ for SUVs and trucks, higher for run-flat and performance sizes. Add mounting, balancing, and small fees, and consider tread-depth matching—especially on AWD—which can require two or four tires or a shaving service. Shop for out-the-door quotes, match specifications carefully, and don’t drive on a bulged or cut sidewall.