Introduction: Tire Changing Made Easy

HI, my name is Cole Soulek. I have been changing tires for many years. I worked for my grandfather in his tire service business and he showed me the ins and outs of tire changing. I started learning how to do this at a very young age and have figured out the best ways to get it done. This is the easiest and most efficient way to change a tire. I am going to show you nine steps on how to change a tire using a tire machine. Anyone can do this with the correct tools and a few muscles. This is a great way to save money if you can do this at home.

Supplies needed: sockets, air wrench, jack, tire machine, tire iron

Step 1: Jack Up the Car

The first step is to jack up the car so that the tire you are taking off is off the ground. Make sure you put the jack in a solid place under the car. If you don't do this correctly, you might mess some stuff up under the car and have bigger problems than just the tire.

Step 2: Taking the Tire Off

Now you are ready to take the tire off. You will need to find the correct size of socket that fits your lugs. Not having the correct size socket could round off the lugs and you will need to get new ones. Take all of the lugs off of the posts and pull the tire off.

Step 3: Take Out Valve Core

The next step is to take the valve core out; this is inside the valve stem. Taking this out will ensure that there is no more air in the tire. It is important to have all of the air out of the tire so that when you go to the next step, it is safe.

Step 4: Pop the Tire Off the Bead

Popping the tire off the bead is the next step. If this step is not done correctly, you will not be able to get the tire off of the rim. Try not to hit the rim as well. You could possibly ruin the rim if you squeeze it too much. You have to make sure that you push the tire far enough so that it is off all the way around the rim.

Step 5: Taking the Tire Off the Rim

Time to take the tire off the rim. First, you have to put the clamp on the top of the rim. Next, you will grab the tire iron and put on end under the tire and push it over the top of the clamp so that the clamp does the work. The same thing will be done for the bottom and when it is done, the tire will be off.

Step 6: Putting the Tire Back on the Rim

Step 7: Airing Up the Tire

Once the tire in on the rim, you will have to put air back into the tire. Sometimes you will have to lift the tire a little bit to get it to take air but is usually pretty easy. You want to make sure you put the correct air pressure in the tire. Over or under inflation of the tire can cause uneven wear on the tire and they will not last as long or may blow out while driving.

Step 8: Put Valve Core Back In

Once the tire is aired back up and seated to the bead, you will have to put the valve core back in the valve stem. Without the valve core, the tire will not hold air. Don't go too tight with this, just snug so you don't break the valve stem.

Step 9: Put Tire Back on the Car

Now you can put the tire back on the car. To do this you just have to line the holes in the rim up with the post on the car. Hand screw on the lugs just a little bit to ensure they are started straight and won't be stripped out. Take the air gun and finish tightening the lugs to make sure the tire will not fall off while driving.