How to Use a Tire Changing Machine?

Want to swap tires like a pro? This guide details ten steps to use a tire changing machine, perfect for home garage or small shop maintenance. Learn to operate a manual or semi-automatic machine safely, ensuring efficient tire changes for your car with confidence.

1. Gather Tools and Prepare the Machine

Before using a tire changing machine, collect necessary tools and ensure the machine is ready. Proper preparation sets up a smooth, safe tire-changing process.

Having everything in place, from the tire to lubricants, saves time. Here’s how to get started.

• Check the machine. Ensure the tire changer is stable, powered (if electric), and functional, costing $0 if owned.

• Gather tools. Grab a valve core tool ($5-$10), tire lubricant ($5-$15), and a tire pressure gauge ($5-$20).

• Select a new tire. Choose a compatible tire for your wheel, costing $50-$200, based on size and brand.

• Position the wheel. Have the wheel and new tire ready near the machine for quick access.

2. Deflate the Tire Completely

Deflating the tire fully is essential before mounting it on the tire changing machine. This releases air pressure, allowing safe removal from the wheel.

Using a valve core tool ensures a quick and safe deflation process. Here’s how to do it.

• Remove the valve core. Use a valve core tool to unscrew the core, releasing air in 1-2 minutes.

• Ensure complete deflation. Press the tire to confirm all air is out, avoiding resistance during removal.

• Store the core safely. Place the core in a container to avoid losing it, costing $0.

• Check for pressure. Verify no residual air remains to ensure safe handling on the machine.

3. Secure the Wheel on the Machine

Secure the wheel onto the tire changing machine’s turntable to begin the process. Proper clamping ensures stability during tire removal and installation.

Correct setup prevents wheel damage and ensures safety. Here’s how to secure the wheel.

• Position the wheel. Place the wheel on the machine’s turntable, aligning it with the clamping jaws.

• Clamp securely. Engage the foot pedal or lever to lock the wheel, taking 1-2 minutes, costing $0.

• Check for wobble. Ensure the wheel is stable to avoid slipping during the tire change.

• Adjust for size. Set the clamps to match your wheel’s diameter, typically 14-20 inches for cars.

4. Break the Tire Bead

Breaking the tire bead separates the tire from the wheel’s rim, a critical step before removal. The machine’s bead breaker does this efficiently.

Proper technique prevents damage to the tire or rim. Here’s how to break the bead.

• Position the bead breaker. Align the machine’s breaker arm against the tire’s bead near the rim.

• Apply pressure. Use the foot pedal to press the breaker, loosening the bead in 1-2 minutes.

• Repeat on both sides. Break the bead on the inner and outer sides, ensuring complete separation.

• Avoid rim damage. Keep the breaker away from the rim to prevent scratches, saving $50-$200 in repairs.

5. Remove the Old Tire

With the bead broken, remove the old tire from the wheel using the machine’s demount head. This step frees the wheel for the new tire.

Careful operation ensures the rim stays intact. Here’s how to remove the tire.

• Position the demount head. Align the machine’s demount head over the rim’s edge, near the tire bead.

• Lift the tire. Use the machine’s arm to pry the tire over the rim, rotating the turntable, taking 2-3 minutes.

• Remove both beads. Lift both the upper and lower beads off the rim, completing removal.

• Check for rim scratches. Ensure no damage occurs, avoiding $50-$200 repair costs.

6. Clean and Inspect the Wheel

Clean the wheel and inspect it for damage before mounting the new tire. A clean rim ensures a proper seal and prevents leaks.

This step enhances the new tire’s fit and longevity. Here’s how to prepare the wheel.

• Clean the rim. Use a wire brush or cloth to remove dirt and rust, taking 2-3 minutes, costing $0.

• Inspect for damage. Check for dents or cracks, which may require $50-$200 in repairs if severe.

• Apply tire lubricant. Spread lubricant ($5-$15) on the rim’s edge to ease tire mounting.

• Ensure a smooth surface. A clean rim prevents air leaks, ensuring a secure tire fit.

7. Mount the New Tire

Mount the new tire onto the wheel using the tire changing machine’s mount head. This step requires aligning the tire and rim carefully for a secure fit.

Proper mounting ensures the tire seats correctly. Here’s how to install the new tire.

• Lubricate the tire bead. Apply tire lubricant to the new tire’s beads to ease mounting, costing $5-$15.

• Position the tire. Place the tire over the rim, aligning the lower bead with the mount head.

• Mount the beads. Use the machine’s arm to guide the tire onto the rim, taking 2-3 minutes.

• Check alignment. Ensure the tire is evenly seated to avoid leaks or uneven wear.

8. Inflate the Tire

Inflate the new tire to seat it properly on the rim and reach the correct pressure. The tire changing machine often includes an inflation system for this step.

Proper inflation ensures safety and performance. Here’s how to inflate the tire.

• Use the machine’s inflator. Connect the inflation hose to the valve stem, filling the tire in 1-2 minutes.

• Seat the bead. Inflate until the bead pops onto the rim, typically at 40-50 PSI temporarily.

• Adjust to recommended pressure. Reduce to 30-35 PSI, checking with a gauge ($5-$20), per the car’s manual.

• Check for leaks. Spray soapy water on the bead; no bubbles confirm a secure seal.

9. Reinstall the Valve Core

Reinstall the valve core into the new valve stem to maintain air pressure. This step finalizes the tire’s inflation and ensures a proper seal.

A secure valve core prevents leaks and maintains pressure. Here’s how to complete this step.

• Insert the valve core. Use a valve core tool ($5-$10) to screw the core into the stem, taking 1 minute.

• Tighten securely. Ensure the core is snug to prevent air loss, avoiding future leaks.

• Check for leaks. Spray soapy water on the valve; no bubbles mean a tight seal, costing $0.

• Replace if damaged. If the core is faulty, a new one costs $1-$2 at auto stores.

10. Balance and Reinstall the Wheel

Balance the wheel after mounting the new tire to ensure smooth driving, then reinstall it on the car. Some tire changing machines include balancing features, or you may need a separate balancer.

Balancing and reinstallation ensure safety and performance. Here’s how to finish the process.

• Balance the wheel. Use a balancer to add weights, correcting vibrations, taking 5-10 minutes, costing $20-$50 at shops.

• Reinstall the wheel. Mount the wheel, hand-tighten lug nuts, and lower the car, taking 3-5 minutes.

• Tighten lug nuts. Use a star pattern with a lug wrench, ensuring security, costing $0.

• Test drive. Drive briefly to confirm smooth operation, rechecking pressure after 50 miles.

Conclusion

Using a tire changing machine is straightforward with these ten steps, from deflating to balancing. Master the process for efficient tire swaps. For expert help, our mobile tire change service connects you to trusted tire professionals 24/7. Keep your tires road-ready with confidence!