Tyre changers – automatic or semi-automatic? How to choose tyre service and car repair tools
Still wondering what would be the best tyre changer for you? Is it a good idea ot pay a bit more and get an automatic tyre changer? We have a range of tips for you!
A properly chosen tyre changer is an essential tool for any service. Be it a tyre service or car repair company. In case you are wondering whether getting an automatic tyre changer is worth the money, read on.
What is the difference? Read here.
Question#1 Automatic or semi-automatic?
We already talked about this many times. However, it might be a good idea to talk about the difference between various types of changers. So, as a reminder, the difference lies in the way the arm is used:
- semi-automatic changer – arm swung to the back
- automatic changer – arm works on pneumatics, automatically swung to the back,operated with a pedal.
What does it mean for you as the end user? Automatic tyre changers are much more convenient during the use. So, most things happen automatically, so it goes faster.
Semi-automatic tyre changers are a great thing for those who treat tyre changing as additional source of income. Examples? You run a car repair service and tyre changes are just an additional thing you do from time to time. However, if you make most money out of tyre changing/servicing, better take an automatic.
Imagine the lines of cars waiting in front of your service’s gates. The automatic tyre changer means a much faster work.
Question #2 Rim sizes
When you look for tyre changers, check the tyre sizes it is able to work with. Remember about two parameters:
- internal clamping
- external clamping
How to understand these parameters? The first one is exceptionally important in case of steel rims. And the external clamping is something you need to consider in case of ALU rims. How to understand this? Let’s consider our REDATS M-221-3D.
As per parameters, the tyre changer deals with:
- internal clamping – 12”-24”
- external clamping – 10”-21”
In practice, it means you can easily work with rims of the following sizes:
- ALU – 10”-20”
- steel – 10”-23”
Question #3 Would it handle RUNFLAT tyres?
Would you be able to deal with RUNFLAT tyres without the assistant arm? Well, you would. But is it really necessary to toil with it? An assistant arm means much easier work with RUNFLAT tyres. Plus to that, it protects the ALU rims against possible damage.
Would you take off a RUNFLAT tyre? Without a helper arm? Remember about one thing. The RUNFLAT tyres should closely fit the rim, even if there is no air inside. In other words, taking it off would take more time. Obviously, you can use a tyre lever but there is a risk you damage the tyre or scratch the rim.
Question #4 Are RUNFLAT arms worth it?
Obviously getting a tyre changer like that means more money. Are they worth it? Well, RUNFLAT tyres are installed even in cheaper cars. They used to be a rarity many years back. Now, you can find them in budget cars. Just a few examples:
- Ford Mondeo IV
- Toyota RAV4 II gen.
- BMW 5 F10
- Audi A3 8P
So, there is much chance that cars like that come to your service. Obviously, if you don’t have the assistant arm ,you would waste much time on every tyre.
No need to waste time on that. There is risk that you scratch the rim. Or damage the tyre. And one angry client can be bad-mouthing your comapny all around town.
Question#5 What if it breaks down?
Tyre service equipment undergoes much pressure every day. This means, the quality is of extreme importance. This pertains to components – like ones not visible at a first glance. But they are extremely important for the work of the tyre changer.
Take pneumatic installation, for instance. It is vital for the work of the changer. Take quick couplings. They transfer the air through the system. Also, the air preparation systems are important. They provide a perfectly clear air for the whole system, which translates into hassle-free work
Various components should be of top quality. Like jaws, for instance. In our tyre changers they are made of single cast.
