The Basics of Operating and Caring for Car Tire Changers

Overused tires can be hazardous. In addition to a higher possibility of causing your vehicle to hydroplane and skid, they are also more prone to having weak spots that may lead to blowout. Changing your own or your clients’ worn-down tires every couple of years helps keep everyone safe on the road and prevents accidents caused by a lack of vehicle control.

To do this, you will need to operate a car tire changer machine. Our experts at JMC Automotive have put together a handy guide for you:

Safety Precautions

There are a few things you need to keep in mind before changing tires or conducting maintenance on your tool:

• First and foremost, always wear personal protective equipment. This includes shop aprons or coats, tight-fitting mechanics gloves, sturdy work shoes that have oil-resistant soles, back belts (if you will be doing any heavy lifting), hearing protection, eye goggles, and face shields.
• Inspect the wheel diameter on the tire’s sidewall and double-check whether it matches the wheel’s actual size.
• Limit yourself to using 40 PSI when you seat tire beads and stay within the tire manufacturer’s recommended pressure when you have seated them. Properly mounting your tires keeps them from leaking or vibrating.
• Always make sure pneumatic and electric supplies are disconnected before proceeding with maintenance to ensure your safety.
• Break the tire’s bead 3-4 times to release the pressure in the circuit and allow air to flow.
• In the event that you encounter any defective parts, it’s best that you replace them with pieces from the original manufacturer to avoid further damage.

Proper Operation

To start off, make sure your car lift, tire changer, and other essential auto shop upgrades are ready for use. Begin by deflating the tire and breaking its beads. Then, place the rim on the tire changer and secure it in place. Use the tire changer’s center as a pivot point while you lift one side of the tire and continue lifting the sides of the tire until it’s removable. Proceed to clean the new tire and double-checking for any obstructions before placing it on the rim.

General Maintenance and Cleaning

Car tire changers are one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment in auto shops. Caring for them properly allows you to maximize their lifespan and get the most out of your investment. Here’s what you need to do:

• Every week, clean the turntable using diesel fuel to prevent dirt formation. Make sure to grease its clamp sliding guides as well.
• After using the machine for the first 20 days, retighten its clamp by tightening the turntable slides’ screws.
• Every 30 days, check your lubricator tank’s oil levels. Refill it when necessary.

Maintenance

Performing regular maintenance on a vehicle’s car tires allows it to continue operating smoothly and efficiently. On average, vehicle owners need to have their tires inspected after 5 years to determine whether they need them replaced. Still, if you are a shop owner, encourage your clients to inspect their tires themselves regularly to stay safe and prevent any accidents. And to easily and efficiently assist them, make sure you take proper measures when operating your tire changer machine and other equipment.

To learn more about car tire changer machines, get in touch with JMC Automotive today.