A customer asks for a new inner tube. Before treating it as a quick counter sale, ask whether this is the first puncture or the third one on the same wheel. That small question can turn a repeat visit into a useful inspection booking.
With autumn approaching, tyre condition is a timely subject for commuter, road and mountain bike customers. Cycling UK's seasonal guidance highlights road debris, puncture protection and checking clearance before changing tyre width. This guide was checked against the sources below on 17 September 2026.
Start with the rider's problem
Record which wheel loses air, how quickly it happens and whether the rider has noticed a cut, rubbing or a change in handling. Ask about recent tyre changes and normal use: daily commuting, trail riding or carrying luggage.
Keep symptoms separate from findings. “Rear tyre goes soft overnight” is a customer report, not proof that the tyre needs replacing. Agree the inspection charge and the point at which the workshop will contact the customer before fitting parts.
Inspect more than the centre tread
Schwalbe's tyre wear guidance says a tyre must be replaced when its casing threads or puncture protection layer become visible through the tread. It also explains that sidewalls can deteriorate before the tread wears out. A quick glance at the centre strip is therefore an incomplete check.
Record the tyre make, model and marked size, then document the condition around the tread and both sidewalls. Photograph the specific area that supports the technician's recommendation. Follow the tyre maker's inspection guidance and escalate damage that needs closer assessment before returning the bike for riding.
Some road tyres have model-specific wear indicators. Schwalbe's Pro One range, for example, uses small tread indentations marked by T.W.I. arrows on the sidewall. Check the instructions for the actual tyre fitted rather than assuming every small hole or moulding mark has the same purpose.
Explain the reason for replacement
Write a finding the customer can understand: “The protective layer is visible through the rear tyre tread; replacement is required” is clearer than “tyres worn”. Keep front and rear findings separate so a recommendation for one tyre does not look like an unexplained charge for two.
Where replacement is recommended, quote the tyre, any related materials and labour clearly. If further investigation is still needed, say so. A fresh tyre should not be sold as a guaranteed cure for an air-loss problem whose cause has not been established.
For a customer choosing a wider tyre, check the proposed fit before ordering. Cycling UK warns that insufficient clearance can allow rubbing and damage. Record the compatibility checks required for the particular bicycle and wheel, including the manufacturer's instructions, rather than relying on the nominal tyre width alone.
Give a pressure recommendation for this setup
Schwalbe explains that suitable pressure depends on the load and tyre setup; there is no single figure for every bicycle. Its guidance recommends using a pressure gauge because squeezing the tyre by hand is unreliable, and it flags additional limits for tubeless tyres on hookless rims.
At handover, document the front and rear pressures used, the units and the guidance followed. Check the applicable tyre and wheel limits, and explain the agreed setting for the rider's normal use. Avoid a blanket instruction to inflate every tyre to its printed maximum or reduce every tyre by the same amount for wet weather.
Schwalbe recommends checking pressure at least monthly, with checks before each ride for latex tubes. Match the customer's advice to their actual equipment and manufacturer instructions. A short demonstration of their valve and pump can make that advice much easier to follow at home.
Leave a useful collection note
A concise collection record can include:
- the reported problem and inspection findings for each wheel;
- the tyre model and size fitted, if replacement was approved;
- the customer's approval and agreed price;
- pressures set and any equipment-specific care instructions;
- remaining work or follow-up checks explained to the rider.
A shareable customer message might read:
> We have recorded the condition of each tyre and explained the work listed on your repair record. Your collection notes show what was fitted and the pressure settings used. If air loss returns or you notice new damage, contact us so we can inspect the cause.
This is a tyre workflow, not a complete bicycle service. Keep the scope of the job clear when discussing other checks with the customer.
Keep tyre findings with the repair history
Inspection photos and previous work are more useful when the next mechanic can find them alongside the booking. Explore Manage Repairs for bike repair shops and the bike repair shop software guide when organising your workshop records. Compare plans on the pricing page, or read more practical guidance on the Manage Repairs blog.
Sources
Pages checked on 17 September 2026. The booking, approval and record-keeping workflow is Manage Repairs' editorial guidance.