When a tire changer goes down mid-shift, everything grinds to a halt. One missed job becomes a stack of delays. Your techs are standing around, customers start calling, and your revenue for the day just took a hit.

That’s why the parts you use to maintain your shop’s most-used machines—like your tire changer—aren’t just a line item. They’re a decision that affects uptime, technician safety, customer satisfaction, and your bottom line.

And when it’s time to swap out a worn duckhead, clamp, or cylinder, the question always comes up:

Do I go OEM, or can I save a few bucks with aftermarket?

Let’s break down what that decision really means for your shop—because it’s not just about the price tag.

What Are OEM Tire Changer Parts?

OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. In our world, that means a part built by Coats, to our exact specs, to fit and function seamlessly with our machines. We engineer every part—from bead loosening cylinders to motor brushes—to the standards our machines were designed around.

So when you order a part for your Coats MAXX 90, RC Series, or legacy tire changer, you’re not getting a “close enough” component. You’re getting the real thing:

• Made from the right materials
• Tested in real-world shop conditions
• Built to the same tolerances that made your machine a workhorse in the first place

No modifications. No fitment hacks. Just the right part, the first time.

What Are Aftermarket Parts?

Aftermarket parts are built by third-party companies, often without full access to the original design specs. Some are good. Some are junk. And you won’t know which you’re holding until it’s too late.

• They’re cheaper up front. But there’s usually a reason for that:
• Cheaper metal, looser tolerances, less QC
• Inconsistent performance and lifespan
• Poor fit that causes wear to surrounding components

If you’ve ever bought an aftermarket duckhead and had to grind it just to make it fit, you know the drill.

The Case for OEM Parts

Here’s the thing: You don’t need a lecture on “quality control.” You need a tire changer that just works. And you need parts that keep it that way.

Let’s talk about what really happens when you choose OEM:

1. Zero Guesswork on Fit and Function

Your tech has a job to do. They don’t have time to mess around with modifying a new part to make it work.

With OEM, it bolts in and works. No shimming. No spacing. No “I think it’ll hold.” That kind of confidence matters when you’re trying to run a smooth operation.

2. Built to Handle Real-World Use

Coats parts aren’t just made to fit. They’re made to last under stress—run-flats, oversize truck tires, aluminum rims with custom finishes. Whether you’re running a MAXX tire changer on high-volume dealer work, or keeping an older RC unit going strong, OEM parts are built for that grind.

3. Prevents Bigger, Costlier Problems

Let’s say you use a cheap clamp that doesn’t sit quite right. Now you’ve got uneven force on the turntable. That strain travels—into your motor, your gear assemblies, your hydraulics. One bad part can start a chain reaction, that could lead to costly downtime or even cause injury to a technician

Saving $80 on a part that leads to a $2,000 repair job? That’s not savings. That’s avoidable pain.

4. Keeps Your Warranty—and Your Reputation—Intact

Most equipment warranties require OEM parts. Use aftermarket, and you’re rolling the dice. And even if your machine’s out of warranty, you still have something bigger on the line: your name.

A scratched $1,500 wheel from a knockoff duckhead? That’s not just a bad day. That’s a lost customer, a negative review, and a hit to your reputation.

The Risks of Aftermarket Tire Changer Parts

While the appeal of lower cost is understandable—especially for small or budget-conscious shops—the risks associated with aftermarket parts can outweigh the benefits:

Inconsistent Quality

There’s no guarantee that aftermarket parts are made to the same standards. Inconsistent casting, weak welds, or poor fitment can lead to sudden part failure—putting your techs and equipment at risk.

Damage to Customer Wheels

This is a big one. Improperly designed duckheads, clamps, or bead loosening tools can scuff, scratch, or chip expensive wheels—especially those on luxury vehicles with specialty finishes. One mistake could cost you a client, a 5-star review, or worse.

Increased Downtime

Aftermarket parts may not last as long as OEM components. More frequent replacements and unplanned repairs mean more downtime—and lost revenue.

Safety Hazards

Tire changers deal with high-torque components, heavy loads, and rotating parts. Using untested or ill-fitting components can pose serious safety risks to your technicians.

Are There Times Aftermarket Works?

We’ll be honest: if you’re replacing a cosmetic cover or a control knob on an old machine that’s out of circulation, aftermarket might be fine. But for any part involved in clamping, rotating, loosening, or guiding—don’t risk it.

Those components deal with torque, friction, high-pressure hydraulics, and wheel-contact points. It’s where the work happens—and where the damage starts if something’s off.

How to Spot the Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket

Not all aftermarket parts are clearly labeled, and some are even marketed as “OEM-compatible” when they’re not. Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the real deal:

• Buy from the manufacturer directly or through the Coats Service Network.
• Check part numbers against official documentation or your equipment manual.
• Look for manufacturer branding or identifiers.
• When in doubt—call! At COATS, our support team is always ready to help verify the right part for your machine.

A Real-World Example: When the Wrong Part Wrecked a Week

One of the most replaced parts on a tire changer is the duckhead—the curved tool that guides the tire onto or off the rim. It’s also one of the easiest places to cut corners.

A COATS OEM duckhead is precision-molded for perfect fitment—with proper hardware when required—engineered for long-lasting durability and finished to minimize wear on expensive wheels.

On the other hand, a generic duckhead might have rough edges, inconsistent dimensions, or soft material that wears out after a few uses—leaving you with damaged wheels or a call-back job that could’ve been avoided.

A tire shop in the Midwest submitted a service request after their tire changer stopped clamping securely. Their technician had replaced the duckhead with a cheaper aftermarket version sourced online. It looked close enough, but the fit was off—and they didn’t realize it until damage had already been done.

Within a week:

• The part slipped mid-operation, scratching a customer’s alloy wheel
• The misalignment caused premature wear on the mount/demount head bracket
• The entire machine needed a service call to realign components and swap in the correct OEM duckhead

The shop lost nearly two full days of productivity in that bay. According to their notes, the cost difference on the duckhead was about $90. The service, repairs, and lost business? Closer to $1,100.

This isn’t rare. Our service techs see these kinds of issues regularly—especially with tire changers in high-volume shops. That’s why Coats always recommends using our OEM parts, built specifically for your machine’s torque, tolerances, and wear expectations.

The Bottom Line

Choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts for your tire changer isn’t just about price—it’s about performance, safety, and peace of mind.

When you choose OEM, you’re investing in:

• Longer equipment life
• Reduced downtime
• Safer, more efficient operations
• A better experience for your customers and your team

Aftermarket parts might save you a few bucks up front, but they can cost you in the long run through frequent replacements, equipment damage, and even lost business.

You Don’t Cut Corners—Your Parts Shouldn’t Either

You demand a lot from your shop. Your machines work hard. Your techs work harder. They need equipment they can trust—and parts that don’t leave them second-guessing every install.

Coats OEM parts are made to do the job right the first time. That means fewer breakdowns, smoother service, and no compromises.

Need help finding the right part for your Coats tire changer? Give us a call. We’ll get you what you need—fast, accurate, and no BS.