Tire maintenance: the best tire changers

The tire changer is, like the jack, a very practical piece of equipment, especially if you want to service your vehicle. Designed especially for handling car tires, it is mainly used indoors for non-professionals, such as in a garage. As a rule, classic models for individuals are inexpensive and very versatile. There are also professional, high-end models that are much more expensive and can weigh up to 250 kilos. This is why it is important to mature your choice before any purchase. So what are

the best tire changers for your wheel maintenance?

? Mainly, this equipment should allow you to do four manipulations safely and with greater ease. You can change your tire sets yourself according to the season.

The tire changer is used to bead off your tire, i.e. to separate the rim from the tire. In the same vein, it can also be used for mounting, namely installing a tire on the rim; and vice versa. Finally, it facilitates the inflation and therefore the pressure of your tires. So many possibilities that allow you to avoid soliciting the services of a mechanic. This is why the tire changer remains profitable in the long term by limiting optional and often expensive consultations. The compatibility of the model with your tires is the main criterion to be taken into consideration for your purchase. Most models on the market are suitable for wheels from 10 to 22.5 inches (almost all tires). For more specific vehicles,you will also find tire changers up to 63 inches.

Our selection :

VidaXL Professional Motorcycle Tire Stripper  

VEVOR hydraulic tire changer

Car manual tire changer kit 13 to 21 "

Tire changer kit 13 to 21 "manual 4x4

Professional automatic tire changer

Topcar semi-automatic tire changer

Universal tire changer up to 21 "

How to use a tire changer?

The tire changer allows you to maintain and change your tires safely and without great effort.

However, like any technical manipulation, there are a few things you should know.

It is essential to do things properly, especially if you have beautiful rims that should not be damaged.

Rest assured: using a tire iron is not very complex, but some good practices are to be known, depending on whether you want to bead on, assemble, disassemble or re-inflate.

Uncalibrate your tire

As a reminder, the relief allows the tire to be separated from the rim.

This is an often common manipulation that precedes the assembly or disassembly steps.

It is very important to follow this procedure, in particular to avoid tearing or damaging your tire, but also to preserve your rims.

The relief allows the bead to lift off the rim by several millimeters.

The bead breaker is only possible with a professional tire changer, thanks to the bead breaker.

It is imperative to completely deflate the tire before the relief.

Remove your tire

Once the relief has been done and the tire beads have come off, you can start removing your tire. You can use a tire iron for this. Using a fixed point, you can introduce the lever through the space created. Very important: you must absolutely protect your rim when using the lever. Some models of tire changers are supplied with rim guards, which will make handling easier.

If you use a professional tire changer, handling is simpler: all you have to do is use the clamping claws which provide you with control of the tire spacing, and position the tire horizontally.

You can then place the removal head at the level of the rim, so as to remove the beads.

Once you have managed to separate the tire from its rim, you can tilt the dismantling column to move on to assembly.

Fit your tire

Even if its title may suggest otherwise, the tire changer is just as useful for mounting your tire. However, this requires going through the previous two steps. To do this, it is first of all necessary to lubricate the rim and the tire in order to avoid any tearing or damage. You should also check that the valve, tire or rim you replaced is suitable for your vehicle. Remember to brush the inside of the rim with a soft bristle brush so as not to damage it. You can reassemble your tire using the rim mounting arm, then replace the tire beads by exerting pressure on the tire portion attached to the rim. Normally, the tire should fit perfectly into the hollow of the rim.Use the classic tire iron to make sure the bead portion is securely attached to the shoe.

With a professional model, you just have to turn the chainring so that the device replaces the lower bead and the upper bead of the rim with the tire.

You can then proceed to the tire inflation step.

No need for a tire iron in this specific case, although it can be useful to keep the tire stable, the time to restore the necessary pressure.

Where can I find a cheap tire changer?

A professional tire changer can be very expensive.

Entry-level models start at around € 800, and can reach over € 7,000 for the most high-end tire changers.

It is therefore a very expensive investment which invites you to manage your budget properly.

The tire changer for individuals: an alternative to the professional tire changer

Fortunately, manufacturers have also set up models for individuals, much cheaper, but much less complete. Often the home tire changer is a kit with levers and rim guards, as well as a manual tire balancer. In other words, it has the same attributes as a professional model, without the automation or the electrical system. You will therefore have to do everything manually to achieve the same results as a tire changer used in a garage.

These tire changers have variable prices that can go up to € 300.

It is therefore a significant economic advantage.

But that presupposes mastering the maintenance steps for your tires.

There's no point in turning to an inexpensive manual model if you don't know or don't master the various steps that go with changing your tire.

Cheap tire changers: in-store or online?

You will first find inexpensive tire changers at car dealerships.

These have the advantage of offering you personalized advice and directing you more precisely to what you are looking for.

It is also possible to find what you are looking for in specialized online stores, such as ManoMano.

By going through an online store, you will already have an overview of the quality of the models thanks to the opinions of previous buyers.

Likewise, you will have time to study the characteristics of each tire changer.

Which tire changer to choose for ease of use?

What good is having a tire changer if its use is too complex or requires too much effort?

It is therefore important to prioritize your purchase towards an easy-to-use model.

But that's easier said than done.

Manual tire changer for easy use

If you don't have a big budget, you can turn to a manual tire changer designed for individuals.

Obviously, this is not the best solution if you want fast, efficient and easy use.

However, there are some kits including all the necessary tools as well as a user manual if you want to make the process easier.

Professional tire changer for easy use

The type of tire changer that will greatly facilitate the maintenance procedures for your tire is undoubtedly the professional model.

Electric or hydraulic, this system automates or semi-automates most steps for unmatched precision and speed.

Nevertheless, it will be necessary to put the hand in the wallet, since the best models are at least 2,500 €.

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