Tire Changer Troubleshooting to Diagnose & Fix Common Issues

tire changer breaking the bead on a tire

Tire changers are valuable machines that make it possible for your mechanics to mount and dismount wheels, remove tires from a wheel, and replace tires with ease. Unfortunately, even the best models can incur wear and tear and begin having problems that make it difficult for your team to do its job. When that happens, tire changer troubleshooting is in order to accurately diagnose and fix the issue as soon as possible.

Common Tire Changer Issues & How to Fix Them

Machine Won’t Spin

One of the most common reasons a tire machine stops spinning is that it needs a new motor. However, this problem can also be caused by problems with the wiring connections. If your machine stops spinning, check the wiring connections for signs of damage and examine the motor to see if it turns by hand. If there are no visible signs of damage and the motor turns fine by hand, you will either need to buy a new motor or invest in a new tire changer machine.

Bear in mind that the average lifespan of a tire machine ranges from eight to twelve years. Auto repair shops that have older machine models may find it’s cheaper in the long run to replace an old machine than it is to continually buy new parts.

Broken Bead Breaker

Lack of proper maintenance can cause a bead breaker to stop working. In other instances, you may need to double-check that the tire is fully deflated and make sure there is sufficient incoming air supply.

If you own a Coats tire machine, the problem could be a misaligned bead breaker arm. If you suspect this is the case, check the Coats tire machine repair manual for instructions on how to realign the arm. Alternatively, you can call a Coats tire machine repair specialist to do the job.

Machine Scratches Rims

Scratched rims aren’t just unsightly. They also decrease the lifespan of the vehicle’s tires and can cause serious vehicular accidents. If your machinery is damaging your customers’ vehicles, you’ll want to address the issue immediately to avoid lost revenue. Thankfully, stopping your machine from scratching the rims is as simple as replacing the tire machine’s steel mounting head with a plastic one.

Slow and Noisy Turntables

If the tire changer turntable is running slowly and/or making noise, the most likely cause is either a motor or gearbox failure. In such instances, you’ll need to call for technical support to diagnose and remedy the problem. Thankfully, you can prevent turntable issues by having your tire changers regularly maintained.

Air Leakage

If you notice a Visually inspecting your tire changer regularly can help you catch and address leaks while they’re still small. Some components you’ll want to inspect include the mainline water separator, hoses, fittings, air lines, cylinders, and foot plate. Any leaks should be immediately addressed to prevent more serious forms of damage.

leak while working with your tire changer machine, disconnect the device from the electric and air supply, open the machinery, and inspect it carefully. If you can’t find the root cause of the leak, call a technician.

Broken Digital Gauge

In most cases, if the digital gauge isn’t working, you just need to replace the battery. However, it’s always a good idea to check that your tire changer is connected to the electric and air supply before you get out a new battery.

Inoperable Pedals

There are several reasons why a tire changer’s pedals may not work properly. If you notice the pedals feel weak or don’t move easily, try oiling them. If there are signs of an air leak, turn off the machine, unplug it and disconnect the air supply. Then, open the machine and tighten any loose connections. Other troubleshooting steps you can take include making sure the pedal is clear and there is enough air pressure going into the machine. If problems persist, call a technician.

Limited Turntable Rotation

If your tire changer turntable isn’t working properly, you’ll need to turn off the machine, disconnect it from the air and electric supply, and open it up to check for problems. Rotation switch problems can cause the device to only turn in a single direction. If the turntable is moving slowly, won’t work smoothly, and/or makes a grinding noise, you may have a problem with your motor or gearbox. A turntable that won’t work at all likely has a faulty motor that needs replacement.

Routine maintenance can prolong the turntable’s lifespan and help it work more smoothly and efficiently than it would otherwise. Additionally, if the turntable only turns in a single direction, you may be able to fix it on your own by reconnecting any loose wires. However, in most cases, if your tire changer has problems, you’ll need to call a technician to address the issue and replace broken components.

Upgrade Your Tire Changer with Our OEM Parts

Keeping your tire changer in good working order at all times will maximize customer satisfaction with your shop and prevent decreases in revenue. At SVI Inc., we understand the many challenges auto shop owners face in properly maintaining equipment and replacing parts and machinery as needed. Our store offers access to over 40,000 alignment products, tire changer parts, and more to ensure you always have what you need, when you need it. What’s more, our team of seasoned mechanical engineers works hard to recreate discontinued parts and even design new parts from scratch. This lessens the odds that you’ll have to replace expensive machinery just because a single component won’t work properly.Are you looking for a reliable one-stop shop for all your mechanical needs? Does fast shipping and stellar customer service sound good to you? If so, contact us at your convenience to find out more about our products and/or services or to get a price quote on specific items.

Top 10 Most Profitable Auto Repair Services to Offer in 2025

The auto repair and maintenance market was valued at $825 billion in 2023. What’s more, its value is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, reaching a whopping $2.1 trillion by 2032. Even so, some repair jobs generate a lot more revenue than others. Understanding the most profitable auto repair services for 2025 can help your shop maximize profits while minimizing expenses.

1. Diagnostics Inspections

In times past, it was far easier for drivers to diagnose their vehicles than it is now. Computerization has greatly improved the auto industry but also made it challenging for many vehicle owners to figure out what’s wrong when problems occur.

Investing in diagnostic testing equipment for your shop has the potential to pay off many times over. If you’re able to provide customers with knowledgeable answers, they’re likely to hire you to fix the problems. What’s more, if they’re happy with your work, they could become regular patrons.

2. Oil Changes

Every single car needs an oil change every six months, and mechanics who earn a reputation for providing fast, high-quality work may be hired for other repair and maintenance jobs.

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to start providing oil changes to customers, making it an ideal service for new auto shop owners with a limited budget. However, as your business grows, you’ll likely want to purchase a lift and other tools that can make the work faster and more efficient.

3. Brake Jobs

Common brake problems such as overheating, pulling to a side, reduced stopping power, and fluid leaks need immediate attention to prevent serious accidents. If you’re able to accurately diagnose and address common brake problems, car owners will not only keep coming to you for brake work but also trust you with other repair jobs. What’s more, the tools and replacement parts you need to do your job aren’t difficult or expensive to come by.

4. Wheel Alignments

Experts recommend that vehicle owners have the wheels aligned every 6,000 miles, and you should not hesitate to offer this service to all customers who come to your store for auto maintenance and repair work. Wheel alignment benefits the vehicle owner because it reduces the likelihood of accidents while prolonging the lifespan of the vehicle’s tires. At the same time, offering wheel alignment services increases revenue for your store. A wheel alignment shop with knowledgeable mechanics and the right tools and parts for the job can have a profit margin ranging from 30% to 40%.

5. Tire Changes

The tire replacement market had an estimated worth of $40 billion in 2020, and it’s not hard to see why. All traditional and electric vehicles need regular tire changes to operate properly, so demand will likely be high no matter where your shop is located. Furthermore, mechanics who are proficient in tire replacement services can also provide other related services such as wheel alignment and tire rotation. You’ll need a lot of high-quality parts and equipment for this line of work, but it’s a worthwhile investment.

6. Exhaust System Replacements

The exhaust system market, which was worth nearly $40 billion by the end of 2023, is expected to grow by over 7% over the next eight years. A vehicle’s exhaust system should be inspected twice a year and a shop owner should recommend replacement if problems can’t be addressed by replacing individual exhaust system components.

7. Climate Control Repairs

Every single driver needs a reasonably comfortable ambiance. A vehicle that’s too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter can cause health problems or even distracted driving that could lead to accidents. If you’re a new auto shop owner, you can start by offering manual checks; however, you’ll want to invest in machinery to get the job done faster and more efficiently as soon as you can, in order to improve customer service standards and keep drivers coming back to your shop.

8. Battery Repairs

Battery problems are one of the top fifteen most common car problems. However, some problems that may appear to be caused by battery failure could be caused by other issues, including alternator problems. You’ll need to have knowledgeable mechanics and the right tools to deal with a range of vehicular problems, but being able to provide battery repair and replacement work can significantly boost your auto shop’s profit margin.

9. Body Fabrications

Body fabrication is a specialized service. You’ll need to choose a location with care to ensure a good profit margin. You’ll also need qualified mechanics, a good working relationship with insurance agencies, and specialized tools for the job. Even so, this line of work has the potential to be one of the most profitable auto repair services in 2025, with potential profit margins as high as 15%.

10. Headlight and Taillight Replacements

Headlights and taillights are essential vehicle components. Every car, van, truck, and bus needs them and vehicle owners need a place they can trust to replace these quickly and efficiently. You don’t need a lot of complex equipment for the job, making it an ideal service for new auto repair shops to offer potential customers.

Enhance Profitability with Quality Car Lift Parts

Every single auto repair service needs high-quality shop equipment in order to offer top-tier repair work and protect mechanics from on-the-job mishaps. At SVI Inc., we take pride in offering a huge selection of auto repair shop machinery and replacement parts for machinery and vehicles alike. What’s more, we also have a team of mechanical engineers that specializes in recreating discontinued machinery and parts, so you don’t have to invest thousands of dollars in new equipment when a current piece of equipment just needs a single new piece in order to work well. Contact us by phone or email to find out more about our products and services or to get help with placing an order.

Understanding Automotive Lift Safety Standards & Procedures

An automotive lift is an integral part of any auto repair shop and thus needs proper maintenance to ensure it’s in good working order at all times. Keeping your lift clean, lubricating rollers and pivot points, tightening bolts and screws, and replacing lift components as needed can prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your lift.

It’s also important to take safety measures to make sure your lift doesn’t pose a danger to mechanics or customers. Some maintenance tasks also double as safety precautions, such as tightening bolts and replacing damaged components. Other safety measures aren’t found on a typical maintenance checklist but are important nonetheless.

The Importance of Car Lift Safety

The average weight of a small car ranges from 2,600 lbs. to 4,400 lbs. SUVs can weigh as much as 6,600 lbs. Commercial vans weight about 12,000 lbs., while commercial buses weigh between 30,000 lbs. and 40,000 lbs. If a vehicle isn’t completely secure on a lift, it could lean too far to one side or fall off completely, causing devastating vehicular damage and seriously injuring anyone in range of the fall.

Furthermore, a damaged lift can cause safety problems even if it’s not being used. Leaking hydraulic fluid from a lift can damage the respiratory system, cause skin burns, and/or start a fire. Failure to properly ground the lift can cause electric shocks.

Proper Automotive Lift Procedures

Get Lift Certified

Call an ALI-certified lift inspector to inspect the lift after it’s been installed. A good inspector will make sure the lift is properly installed and working well. You’ll also want to schedule annual inspections to ensure the lift is safe and in good working order at all times. As an added benefit, lift certification builds trust in your auto shop, as customers know that you put a priority on safety.

Know the Lift You’re Using

All car lift operators should be properly trained to use the lift in question. As lift specifications vary greatly depending on the brand and model of lift, regular training will likely be in order even for experienced lift operators. Knowing the lift you’re using will help you follow best practices when operating the lift. It will also enable you to notice problems that could pose safety risks to other mechanics. If your lift operator is inexperienced or still undergoing training, proper supervision from an experienced operator is in order to prevent lift damage or mishaps.

Never attempt to use a lift for a vehicle that weighs more than the lift’s weight limit. Furthermore, bear in mind that you can’t safely use a traditional car lift for an electric vehicle. EVs have a different weight distribution than gas-powered vehicles; what’s more, an EV’s weight changes significantly when you remove components such as a battery pack. If you plan on working on EVs, invest in an EV vehicle lift designed to safely handle the type of EVs you’re maintaining and repairing.

Position the Vehicle Correctly

Every lift has instructions on vehicle positioning. Follow these closely and never settle for “almost” or “close enough”. Each lift component plays an important role in keeping a vehicle steady. What’s more, the lift’s safety locks are unlikely to work properly if the vehicle isn’t in the right position.

Follow All Work Safety Guidelines

Even a secure lift won’t guarantee lift safety for your mechanics. Each person in your shop should follow basic safety guidelines to prevent injury.

Personal protective equipment and proper clothing are a must. Mechanics should wear proper work clothing, tight-fitting gloves, and sturdy work shoes when working in the shop. The area around a lift should be free from tools, devices, parts, and other items that could cause accidents. Clean oil spills right away to prevent slips and falls.

All mechanics should have the right tools for any repair job. Using improper tools and machinery while working on a vehicle raised by a lift can cause damage and/or injury.

The recommended temperature range for operating a lift is 41° – 104° F. If the temperature of your shop is outside this range, adjust the thermostat and wait until the temperature is right before turning on the lift.

Regularly Inspect the Automotive Lift

An auto shop manager or qualified mechanic should visually inspect each lift in the shop every single morning before the workday starts. Check the cables and sheaves for signs of wear and tear. Wipe down cables if needed, check the anchor bolts, and lubricate parts in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the adapter for signs of damage and make sure the hydraulic fluid is at the right level.

It’s also important to inspect the area around a lift for potential hazards. Corrosive fluids should always be stored away from the lift. Move nearby machinery and tools away from the lift to prevent accidents. Make sure the warning and safety labels on the outside of the lift are clearly visible.

Elevate Your Shop with Our OEM Lift Parts

Every auto shop owner needs a reliable auto shop equipment and parts supplier to ensure all machinery is in good working order at all times. That’s why auto shop owners throughout the United States turn to SVI International for products and services.

At SVI, we specialize in providing auto shop owners with a huge selection of parts from leading brands. Our stock also includes discontinued parts and our team of mechanical engineers can even create custom parts on request to help you save money. What’s more, all parts in stock at one of our ready-ship warehouses are sent out the same day to ensure you get your order as quickly as possible. Contact us at your convenience to find out more about our products or to get a price quote. Our team of experts will work with you to help you find what you need and the best possible deals.