Keep Your Garage Running Smoothly: Tips for Maintaining Your Tyre Changer

A reliable tyre changer is the workhorse of any busy garage. It tackles countless tyre changes each week, battling through grit, grime, and the relentless demands of keeping customers rolling. But just like any piece of equipment, your tyre changer needs some TLC to ensure it continues to perform at its best.

Here at JHM Butt, we understand the importance of keeping your garage equipment in its best condition. We've compiled some essential tips for maintaining your tyre-changing machine and ensuring it delivers years of great service, so you don’t need to worry about any potential downtime for your workshop due to unavailable tyre equipment.

Daily Maintenance:

• Safety First: Before each use, conduct a quick visual inspection. This is just a quick check for any loose bolts, damaged hoses, or electrical wiring issues. It goes without saying, but never operate a faulty machine – it's a safety hazard for everyone in your garage.
• Cleanliness is Key: Dirt, dust, debris and other contaminants can affect the performance of your tyre changer machine. Small tasks as simple as wiping down the turntable, jaws, and guiding rails regularly can help to remove any build-up.
• Listen Up: Pay attention to any unusual noises during operation. Grinding, squeaking, or excessive vibration could indicate a potential problem requiring further investigation. The more you get to know your tyre changer, the more you will be able to notice any unusual noises should they occur. This will help prevent unexpected breakdowns of your garage equipment.
• Keep it Flowing: Most tyre chanign machines have an air-operated bead breaker arm. Check for leaks in the pneumatic hoses and ensure proper air pressure for optimal performance.

Monthly Maintenance:

• Oil Up: Refer to your tyre changer's manual for the recommended oil type and lubrication schedule. Typically, a monthly top-up of the oiler is required. Remember, consistent lubrication keeps moving parts functioning smoothly and reduces wear and tear.
• Oil Distribution: Check if the oil is being distributed evenly. Ideally, one movement of the bead breaker arm should trigger a single drop of oil from the lubricator.
• Tighten Up: Give your tyre changer a thorough once-over, checking for loose nuts, bolts, and fasteners. Don't underestimate the importance of a secure machine. While this isn’t necessary for a daily check, making sure you do this at least once a month can help you keep on top of the security and stability of your tyre machine.

Yearly Maintenance:

• Professional Touch: Schedule an annual service with a qualified engineer to perform a more in-depth inspection. This is a service we provide at JHM Butt through Supalign, a division company of JHM Butt. We send one of our Supalign wheel technicians to your garage to check for wear and tear on critical components, ensure proper calibration, and identify any potential issues before they escalate.

Bonus Tip: Invest in a workshop manual or consult the manufacturer's website for specific maintenance instructions tailored to your tyre changer model.

By following these simple, yet effective maintenance procedures, you can ensure your tyre changer remains a reliable asset in your garage. Remember, a well-maintained tyre machine translates to happier customers, increased productivity, and ultimately, a more profitable business.

At JHM Butt, we understand the importance of keeping your garage running smoothly. We offer a comprehensive range of high-quality spare parts for all leading tyre changer brands. Additionally, our team of experienced technicians are always here to assist you with troubleshooting, repairs, and servicing.

Visit more of our website or contact us today to learn more about how we can support your tyre changer maintenance needs and keep your garage running at peak performance.