Quick answer
A new budget-brand tyre in Lagos costs about ₦45,000 to ₦65,000 for common saloon sizes (15 and 16 inch) and ₦75,000 to ₦115,000 for SUV sizes (17 to 19 inch). Premium brands like Michelin and Bridgestone cost about two to three times that.
Tokunbo tyres start from about ₦18,000, but check their age first.
Tyre prices by size (each)
| Size | Budget brands, new | Premium, new |
|---|---|---|
| 195/65 R15 Many older Corollas | ₦45,000 – ₦58,000 | ₦90,000 – ₦180,000 |
| 205/55 R16 Many Corollas, Civics | ₦50,000 – ₦60,000 | around ₦120,000 |
| 215/60 R16 Camry 2007 to 2011 | ₦53,000 – ₦65,000 | ₦110,000 – ₦150,000 |
| 225/65 R17 Mid-size SUVs | ₦75,000 – ₦90,000 | ₦230,000 – ₦285,000 |
| 235/65 R17 Mid-size SUVs | ₦77,000 – ₦105,000 | ₦165,000 – ₦290,000 |
| 235/55 R19 Larger SUVs | ₦90,000 – ₦115,000 | around ₦230,000 |
Always check the size on your current tyres. Different trims of the same car can use different sizes.
How to read your tyre size
Take 205/55 R16: 205 is the width in millimetres, 55 is the sidewall height as a percentage of the width, and R16 means it fits a 16 inch wheel. Buy the same numbers, or what your door sticker lists.
Check the date, not just the tread
Every tyre has a 4-digit date code on the sidewall, after the letters "DOT". 2423 means week 24 of 2023. Rubber hardens and cracks with age and heat, even if the tread looks deep. Many tyre makers advise replacing tyres around 6 years old, whatever the tread.
This matters most with tokunbo tyres. They're cheap (from about ₦18,000 to ₦48,000 depending on size) because many are old. Check the date code and look for cracks before you buy.
Signs you need new tyres
- Tread is worn down to the wear bars in the grooves.
- Cracks in the sidewall or between the treads.
- A bulge or bubble on the side. Replace it now, it can burst.
- Uneven wear on one edge, which also means you need an alignment.
- Vibration at speed that balancing doesn't fix.
Before you pay
- Match the size and load rating on your current tyres.
- Check the date code on every tyre, new ones too.
- Change in pairs on the same axle at least.
- Ask for balancing, and an alignment if the old tyres wore unevenly.
Questions drivers ask
How much is a tyre in Lagos?
A new budget-brand tyre for a common saloon size costs about ₦45,000 to ₦65,000. SUV sizes cost about ₦75,000 to ₦115,000. Premium brands cost two to three times more.
Are tokunbo tyres safe?
Some are, many aren't. Check the 4-digit date code after 'DOT' on the sidewall and look for cracks or bulges. Old tyres can fail even with good tread.
How do I know my tyre size?
It's printed on the tyre sidewall, like 205/55 R16. Your car's door frame sticker also lists the recommended size and pressure.
Should I change all four tyres?
Not always. Change at least the pair on the same axle so the car handles evenly. On four-wheel drive cars, check the manual, as some need all four matched.