Guest Blog: How to choose the best tire changer for your auto repair shop
Mounting and dismounting any commercial or passenger vehicle's worn tire is a tiresome and rugged task without a tire changer. Similarly, choosing the right changer for your auto repair shop means taking a lot of factors into consideration to make an informed decision. In this guide we’ll dive into all the options to consider and help you select a tire changer that not only is flexible enough to take on whatever comes into your shop, but also one that is durable and efficient.
Things to consider while choosing a tire changer for your shop
First, you’ll want to decide on which type of power supply is best for your shop equipment. Usually, it's easier and more cost-effective to stick with the method you already use, whether that be air or electric, but there are some other factors to consider before you make your decision on which tire changer to buy.
Choosing between electric and air tire changers
Selecting a tire-changing machine is not like choosing a one-size-fits-all solution; every shop has a different budget and scalability, so it is essential to understand what's most beneficial for your auto repair shop. Both air and electric tire changers offer power and flexibility, but each one has its pros and cons:
Air-powered tire changers
Air-powered tire changers are known for their power and speed, making them an excellent choice for professional use. However, they require a constant source of compressed air and are totally dependent on the quality of the air pressure in your shop. On air model tire changers, you have more control over the way the turntable moves using the foot pedal. They also offer you a budget-friendly option for your shop since you likely already have airlines running throughout the shop. But again, if you want the full capability of your tire changer and all the power that comes with it, you must make sure you have a strong enough air compressor to fully pressurize the unit. Another thing to consider is making sure to have a proper air/water separation or filter system in your airline system. If too much moisture enters the lines, you risk corroding internal parts of the tire changer over time. This can cause costly repairs and potentially shorten the life of the air model.
Electric tire changers
On the other hand, electric tire changers can be just as powerful as air models without some of those nasty issues, making them a popular choice among shops. Electric tire changers offer consistent power regardless of the air pressure in your shop. They are also significantly quieter than air models, and you don’t need to worry about corrosion or damaging internal components. The downside to electric tire changers is usually just the cost to retrofit a shop that doesn't currently have electrical hookups for their machines. Although there is an initial cost upfront with getting electrical, there are usually savings with fewer future repairs down the road.
Understand the types of tire-changing machines
When it comes to tire changers, there are several types available in the market, each designed for specific purposes and applications. Understanding the different types of tire changers can help you narrow down your options and choose the one that best suits your shop's needs. These machines come in various designs with features suited to different types and sizes of tires.
First, let’s talk about the two mounting styles of tire changers: rim clamp and center post.
Rim clamp tire changers
Rim clamp tire chargers use what’s called a tabletop to support and clamp the tire for mounting and dismounting. They are designed to handle a variety of tire and wheel sizes, making them versatile for different types of vehicles. The machine has four adjustable clamps that secure the wheel by the rim. Depending on the design, these clamps can be adjusted to fit different wheel sizes and can either grip the wheel from the inside of the rim or the outside. At Coats, we offer two lines of rim clamp tire changers. Our Maxx Series is our most popular rim clamp option and with good reason. It offers users maximum speed and flexibility to change a wide variety of tire types and sizes, all while being built to last. We also have our RC series, which is our budget basics line of rim clamp tire changers. These tire changers are built for shops that are just getting started or don’t see a high volume of tires daily.
Center post tire changers
Instead of using clamps to secure the wheel, a center post tire changer uses a central post or shaft that goes through the center of the wheel's hub. This method provides a secure hold and is particularly effective for wheels with larger center holes or those that might be damaged by traditional clamping methods. Center post tire changers are particularly useful for high-end, delicate, or specialty wheels where preserving the wheel's finish is critical. At Coats, our C-Series line of center post tire changers focus on precision and wheel protection, two things that are highly important when you’re working on delicate aftermarket wheels.
After you’ve decided which mounting style works best for your application, you’ll want to consider what type of tool head design is best suited for you. Here are some of the most popular styles:
Swing arm changers
Swing arm tire changers, like our Maxx Series, come with an adjustable tabletop capable of handling tough jobs. The swing arm enables the technician to shift the mount/demount arm away from the turntable, providing ample space for positioning rims and tires in the mount/demount clamping area. Their wider clamping range and four simultaneous adjustable jaws make them user-friendly and precise. Swing arm changers are efficient, cost-effective, and popular for high-volume operations.
Tilt-back changers
Tilt-back changers feature a vertical column that tilts back like our APS3000, allowing more room for mounting and demounting tires. They have advanced features like powerful bead loosener disks, Robo-Arm, and leverless duckhead, making them suitable for handling larger and wider tires with ease. Known for its practicality and speed, this type is more user-friendly but also more expensive than swing arm models. It doesn’t require adjustable attachments, making it a safer and more efficient choice, especially for less experienced technicians.
Leverless changers
Leverless tire changers aim to transform the tire-changing process. These modern machines use bead lifters and clamp tires in the middle to work with many tires like run-flats and low-profile tires. This makes the job safer for technicians. It also lowers the chance of damaging the tire's bead, which makes changing tires quicker and safer. Although they require some training, these machines are highly efficient and adaptable to future technological advancements. They automate the lifting and setup of heavy tire rims. Leverless changers are a significant investment but offer superior efficiency and are best for skilled workers.
Heavy-duty changers
Heavy-duty tire changers are designed for large tires on off-road, agricultural, and construction vehicles, handling wheels up to 56" in diameter and 43" wide. For example, the Coats CHD 6330 Heavy Duty Tire Changer is ideal for most heavy-duty, off-road, and agricultural applications. Some models can manage even larger tires, up to 95". These machines use a hydraulic, self-centering four-jaw chuck for mounting and dismounting, and advanced versions can clamp jaws from 14" to 58" from the wheel’s center bore.
Key shop factors to consider
When choosing a tire-changing machine for your auto repair shop, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you make the right decision. These factors will help you determine which equipment is best suited for your needs:
Day-to-day shop volume
What's the average number of vehicles in/out of your shop? What's the daily, weekly, or monthly ratio of mounting/demounting vehicles? This information is used to select tire changers for your shop. It's necessary for the future of your business but also aligns with the current and anticipated volume of tire changes in your shop.
Type of vehicles serviced
Is your shop dealing with heavy trucks, small cars, or commercial vehicles? What are your shop's most serviced vehicles? Ask these questions before buying tire-changing machines to make sure you get the right one. Every vehicle has a different rim diameter, and different tire changers are designed to handle different types of tires. Pick the appropriate servicing category and place machines in your shop accordingly.
WxLxH of shop
Every tire-changer machine has different dimensions, so it’s important to consider your space and how much room you have to work with. Check the tire changer's placement before purchase. Consider all the factors, like where to install it, what area it is in, and where it will fit. It's crucial to avoid purchasing a tire changer that is either too small or too large for your shop's requirements. A tire changer that is too small may not be able to handle the volume or size of tires you work with, while a machine that is too large may take up unnecessary space and lead to inefficiencies in your shop's layout. Be sure to use our free installation for your chosen Coats tire-changer machine to keep your warranty.
Technical features
What should a buyer look for in a machine from a technical perspective? Technology is rapidly evolving, so the auto repair industry needs to keep up with the ever-changing times. In addition to improved efficiency, investing in a high-quality tire changer can enhance the safety of your shop's operations. Advanced features such as robo-rollers, integrated wheel lifts, and extended clamps can help prevent accidents and injuries during tire changes, ensuring a secure and reliable process for your technicians.
Budgeting plans
Regardless of your shop's size or budget, it's important to prioritize quality and reliability when selecting a tire changer. Look for reputable brands with a track record of producing durable and high-performance tire changers like Coats and consider factors such as warranty coverage and customer support when making your decision. One common mistake is selecting a tire changer based solely on price without considering factors such as the machine's features, specifications, and compatibility with your shop's needs. Choosing the most expensive machine also does not mean that it will be the most compatible with your shop and your needs. Consider your technicians’ abilities; will the changer make your shop more efficient or slow everyone down with a huge learning curve? Of course, an expensive machine with all the bells and whistles will look nice in any shop, but is it really what you need to get the job done right? Will it make your business more profitable? Calculate your expected cost, financial situation, and ROI to determine if the investment is worth chasing. Use this ROI calculator to see how quickly your purchase will pay off.
Maintenance and care tips for your tire changer
Regular maintenance
To ensure the long-term performance and durability of your tire changer, it's essential to follow proper maintenance and care practices. Regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning the machine, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting for wear and tear can help prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your tire changer.
Follow the guidelines
It's also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and servicing, including recommended intervals for replacing consumable parts such as clamps, seals, and hydraulic hoses. By staying proactive with maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and downtime that can impact your shop's operations.
Train your technicians
Another important aspect of caring for your tire changer is training your technicians on proper operation and safety procedures. Provide comprehensive training on how to use the tire changer correctly, including best practices for handling different tire sizes, operating the machine's controls, and ensuring a secure fit for the tire on the wheel.
With the information and tips provided in this article, you are now equipped to find the perfect tire changer that meets your shop's requirements and helps you take your tire-changing game to the next level. Make the right choice for your shop and enjoy the benefits of a reliable and efficient tire changer from The Coats Company that will enhance your business operations. You can buy our Coats Maxx Series Tire Changer or any of our tire-changing machines by understanding your shop’s needs and allocated budget. Invest wisely, and your new tire changer will become a cornerstone of your shop's success, helping you deliver top-notch service to your customers and keeping your operations running smoothly.
Choose the best, and watch your shop thrive!
