Repairs and trades

Tyre fixing and puncture repairs

Fix punctures, fit and balance second-hand or new tyres, and offer roadside help, from a roadside spot or a small workshop.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

To startR3 000 to R15 000
First randabout 2 weeks
WhereIn person
Effort Fairly easy

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

Practical, strong people near a busy road who can work safely with tools and compressors.

In South Africa: Strong in townships and towns.

What you need

A phone is enough to start
Works on everyday data
No camera needed
No cold selling
At least 15 hours a week · age 18+
Practical/hands-on work (competent or better)

The money

What it can earn

Pocket money
A top-up
A second income
Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

R40 to R120 per repair

Published prices: plug R40 to R60, gaiter R80, mushroom plug R120 (Journeyman, Thibela). Scenarios assume about two repairs an hour when busy.

Costs to plan for

Start-up: R3 000 to R15 000
Every month: Plugs, patches, valves, compressor upkeep.
Payment fees: Cash, QR or card.
Margin: High on repairs; tyres sold carry a smaller margin.

How it is paid: Price per repair; fitting and balancing. Our viability score for it: 63 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

1
Test it cheaply Before you spend
- Count cars and taxis passing your spot
- Learn repairs from an experienced fitter for a week
- Success signal: 30 repairs in a month
2
First week Days 1 to 7
- Get permission for your spot
- Price a compressor, jack, plug kit and gauge
- Write a price board
3
First month Days 8 to 30
- Open and record every job
- Tell taxi owners and drivers your hours
4
By three months Days 31 to 90
- Add fitting and balancing
- Offer call-outs for regulars

Work starts once you have a compressor and a spot. First income usually takes 3 to 45 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Tyre fixing and puncture repairs: your step-by-step start

18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Drivers, taxi owners and delivery riders.

Back on the road quickly and cheaply.

Is there demand?

Tyre shops publish puncture prices: plug R40, gaiter R80, mushroom plug R120 (Journeyman, Johannesburg); tubeless plug R60 (Thibela).

Roadside spot near a busy roadTaxi rankMobile call-outs

Getting customers

A visible spot with a clear sign and fair prices.

Word of mouth and referralsResponding to enquiries

Risks and rules

Watch out for

Unsafe repairs on sidewalls cause accidents: refuse them
Selling worn second-hand tyres is dangerous: check tread and age
Injury from tyres and compressors

Competition: Moderate.

Room to grow: Grows with a workshop and a balancing machine.

Legal and tax in South Africa

Repairs carry a three-month warranty under the Consumer Protection Act.
A roadside spot needs the landowner's or municipality's consent.
Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start tyre fixing and puncture repairs in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R3 000 to R15 000. Recurring costs: Plugs, patches, valves, compressor upkeep.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 14 days, and between 3 and 45 days. Work starts once you have a compressor and a spot.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Repairs carry a three-month warranty under the Consumer Protection Act. A roadside spot needs the landowner's or municipality's consent. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

Journeyman Fitment Centre: puncture repair (second-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
Thibela Quality Tyres: tyre repairs (second-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
Consumer Protection Act s57: warranty on repaired goods (first-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)

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