How to Use a Tire Changer Machine?

Are you tired of the hassle and frustration that comes with changing a tire? We know that changing tires all day can be tedious if you don’t have the right tire-changing machines. When you see a vehicle pull into the lot with 4 bald run flats, do you cringe at the thought of having to be the guy who installs these? As if one run flat tire wasn’t enough having to do all four can make even a seasoned veteran want to take an early lunch break and maybe come back late. Changing a set of tough tires safely can come down to having the right equipment and using it properly. That’s why we created this guide to show you how to use a tire changing machine, the ultimate solution to simplify your tire changing process. 

Gone are the days of struggling with tire irons and wrestling with stubborn tires. The tire-changing machine effortlessly removes old tires and mounts new ones with precision and efficiency. Knowing a few safety basics and employing the correct techniques can go a long way to changing easily without injury. Let’s look at a few tips and tricks to make this job quick and simple while minimizing the risk of personal injury or damage to the equipment or tire and wheel itself. 

The R.I.M. Procedure: Ensuring Safety with Coats

One of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of safety is the proper handling and mounting of tires. Tire explosions are a real and dangerous hazard in any automotive repair shop, and they can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. To mitigate these risks, Coats has developed the R.I.M. (Read, Inspect, Mount) Procedure, a straightforward yet essential guideline for tire mounting that can save lives and prevent accidents.

The Coats R.I.M. Procedure

The R.I.M. Procedure by Coats stands for Read, Inspect, and Mount. These three steps are designed to ensure that every tire is mounted safely and correctly, minimizing the risk of accidents.

Read:

Before mounting a tire, always read the tire and wheel sizes to ensure they match. A mismatch can lead to improper seating and potential explosions during inflation. Tires and wheels can look similar but have crucial size differences that must be noted.

For example, a 16-inch tire will not properly fit a 16.5-inch rim, and attempting to inflate it can be extremely dangerous.

Inspect:

Inspect the rim for any signs of damage such as bent flanges, cracks, or rust. These imperfections can compromise the integrity of the tire mounting process.

Similarly, inspect the tire for any defects or damages. Bead damage, sidewall damage, and manufacturing defects can all lead to dangerous situations if not addressed before mounting.

Mount:

Use the proper steps to mount the tire safely. Refer to the operator’s manual if you are unsure of the correct procedure.

Never lean over a tire while inflating it. Always use the correct equipment and techniques to ensure the tire is seated properly before full inflation.

Step-by-step Guide for Using Tire Changing Machines

Are you a beginner who doesn’t know what to do with a tire changing machine? Well, by the end of this article, you will learn how to change tires using a tire changer machine like a pro. Understanding each part and its function is crucial to using the machine effectively. Using a tire changing machine may seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and technique, you can master the process in no time. Here is a step-by-step guide to using a tire changing machine effectively:

• Choose and Prepare the Working Area 

Changing tires requires some free space to dedicate to the operation. This space needs to be free and clear of anything that doesn’t belong that could cause injury, for example tools left on the tire changer or other debris. Changing tires requires a technician to able to maneuver unimpeded so any clutter needs be cleared including old tires, parts or anything else that can collect in an automotive shop. This will create an organized and safe place to mount tires. Next, give your equipment a good once over, are all protective and consumable pieces present and serviceable? Is the machine clean?  Can it be operated safely? 

• Assemble Necessary Material

Now is a great time to make sure we have everything needed to change a tire within easy reach. For starters, we will need a bucket of good paste lube, A clean paste brush, a valve core tool as well as a valve stem tool and also a TPMS service kit. A bead sealer and a wore brush are two things that should be nearby to make sure no matter what happens you’ll have what you need. 

• Deflate Tire

While wearing hearing protection, use a valve core tool to remove the valve core and deflate the tire. Never attempt to loosen the bead on a tire that has not been fully deflated.  

• Loosening the Bead 

Loosening the beads properly is often a step that is taken for granted. Its very easy to cause a lot of wheel damage during this step, so taking your time here and being as deliberate as possible will pay off. Starting on the front side of the wheel with the Valve stem at the 10 o’clock, place the blade of the bead loosener on tire right next to the wheel flange and carefully use the bead loosener to push the tire bead off the wheel.  Start with valve stem at the 12 o’clock position then turn the wheel 180 degrees to the 6 0’clock position and push again. Repeat this process for the back bead on the other side of the wheel.

• Clamp the Wheel

Expand the clamps by pulling up on the clamp pedal, place the assembly on the tabletop, and begin the clamping process. Ensure the clamps are in good condition and set properly to prevent wheel damage. For high-end wheels, it’s recommended to always clamp from the outside-in. If the machine is a Maxx 80 or 90, use the Robo Arm Bead Depressor to press the tire down past the clamps to allow them to clamp the wheel. 

• Lubricate and Demount the Tire 

Lubricate the top bead using the Robo-roller arm to help apply the lube with the lube brush to the bead, sidewall of the tire and also the drop center. Properly adjust the Duck head against the rim. Insert the toolbar over the duck head, under the bead, then use the Robo arm to press 180 degrees from the duck head to relieve stress on the bead and making the demount process easier and pull the tire bead over. Press the rotation pedal to turn the tabletop and demount the top bead using the 220-volt electric motor. Once the top bead is demounted, pull up on the tire, insert the toolbar, and repeat the process to remove the bottom bead. Use the Robo arm to assist with holding the opposite bead in the drop center if needed. 

• Mounting the New Tire

Lubricate both beads of the new tire and the drop center and bead seat of the wheel. Place the bead of the tire over the tail and under the head of the duck head.  

Press the rotation pedal to rotate the tabletop and mount the bottom bead. Repeat with the top bead, using the Robo arm and Robo-roller helper devices as needed to help the tire in the drop center. 

• Inflating the Tire

Unclamp the wheel, then attach the clip-on chuck to the valve stem and hold the tire up slightly to ensure it touches the upper bead seat. Press the air hose pedal halfway to start the airflow, then fully press to seal the bead with the air jets. The Maxx Series is equipped with Dual Nozzles for increased airflow to seal tough beads twice as fast to get your jobs done more efficiently. Always ensure the beads are properly seated before inflating to the recommended pressure and never exceed 40 psi if the bead doesn’t seat. 

•  Balancing the Wheel

Whenever you choose a tire changer for an auto repair shop, ensure it fits all your shop’s demands. Once you’re done with changing the tire it’s a best practice to make sure it is balanced, using a wheel balancer to do the job right. This will increase your customers’ satisfaction by providing a safe and smooth ride.

Common Sense Safety Tips:

• Wear Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes.

• Stay Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings to avoid accidents.

• Verify Tire and Wheel Sizing: Ensure the tire and wheel sizes match perfectly.

Safety Precautions When Using a Tire Changing Machine

While tire changing machines are designed to simplify the tire changing process, it’s essential to prioritize safety when using these machines. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind when operating a tire changing machine:

1. Wear Protective Gear: Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection, when using a tire changing machine. This gear can protect you from injuries and hazards associated with tire changing tasks.
2. Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines before using the tire changing machine. Understanding how the machine operates and its safety features can help prevent accidents and ensure smooth operation.
3. Secure the Machine: Make sure the tire changing machine is securely anchored to the ground or a stable surface to prevent tipping or movement during operation. Check the stability of the machine before use and make any necessary adjustments.
4. Use Proper Techniques: Follow the recommended procedures and techniques for using the tire changing machine to avoid injuries or damage to the machine or tires. Avoid using excessive force or sudden movements that can lead to accidents. To prevent back injuries use the Coats Maxx Wheel Lift to help lift heavy-duty wheels onto the tabletop. 
5. Inspect the Machine: Regularly inspect the tire changing machine for any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Replace any worn or damaged parts and perform routine maintenance to keep the machine in optimal condition.
6. Stay Alert: Remain focused and attentive when using the tire changing machine to avoid distractions or accidents. Avoid using the machine when fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

By following these safety precautions and staying vigilant while using a tire changing machine, you can ensure a safe and efficient tire changing experience. Prioritizing safety not only protects you from harm but also contributes to the longevity and performance of the machine, allowing you to enjoy its benefits for years to come.

Change Tires Safely with Coats

Changing tires with tire-changing machines is a revolutionary step. Although this guide pinpoints the many steps for using tire changers, how will you find a cost-effective and customer-centric machine? At Coats Company, the changes are efficient, modern, and reliable. By investing in the right equipment and properly maintaining it, you can say goodbye to frustrating and time-consuming tire changes and hello to seamless and effortless ones.

By following the R.I.M. Procedure and using COATS tire changers, technicians can enhance their safety and efficiency. Always remember to read the tire and wheel sizes, inspect for any damage, and mount the tire correctly. By doing so, you not only protect yourself but also ensure a safer shop environment for everyone.

Stay safe and remember: Read, Inspect, Mount – your key to a safer tire-changing process. If you’re interested in learning more about Coats Tire Changers don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more!