Tire Removal and Replacement Safety
It may seem simple at first glance, but tire work presents significant risks due to the weight of wheel and tire assemblies and the pressurized contents inside.
Risks of tire removal and replacement
Whenever tires are inflated, there's always a risk of a tire bursting and causing severe injuries. Never try to remove, repair, or replace a tire unless you're trained in these procedures.
Tire-related injuries can also be caused by the improper physical lifting of tires, by using the wrong tools, or by using tools improperly.
Proper handling of tires
When unloading tires from a truck, never throw them to the ground. Place them gently down like you would with any other part. If possible, hand them to a co-worker on the ground.
To lift a tire, bend at your knees and grasp the tire with both hands. Tires should be carried to the desired location, not rolled along the ground.
Before any work is performed on the tire or wheel, the tire must be deflated entirely.
Tire changer machine safety
Before using a tire changer machine, you should be thoroughly familiar with the information in the operator's manual. Pay particular attention to the manufacturer's recommended safety precautions.
Never remove or modify any of the safety devices built into the machine. Ensure that all machine guards are in place and properly adjusted.
Inspect the machine before each use. Check the hoses and other accessible components for damage. If anything looks wrong, don't use the machine until it receives any needed maintenance. Inoperable machines should be locked out / tagged out (LOTO) to let others know not to use them.
Each machine has tire size guidelines provided by the manufacturer. A machine should only be used to change tires that fit within these guidelines.
Inspecting rims and wheels
According to Yokohama, you should always inspect the tires and wheels for damage. If any part of the wheel or rim is bent, broken, cracked, corroded, or otherwise damaged, don't use it. Valves that are damaged or leaky must be replaced.
All mounting surfaces including rim flanges and gutters, rings, bead seating areas, and tire bead areas must be clean prior to mounting. Check and remove any dust, debris, rubber build-up, or rust.
Mounting and dismounting tires safely
Tires must be mounted on wheels of compatible bead diameter and width. Mounting and dismounting should be performed from the wheel's narrow ledge side. Take care to avoiding damaging the tire beads.
Tool selection is important. Use the appropriate tool based on the type of rim/wheel, and don't try to force the side and lock rings into position by striking or hammering them when the tire is inflated. Heat should never be used on a wheel that has an inflated tire mounted on it.
Inflating the tire
According to Continental, a safety cage or other restraining device should be used if the tire changer machine doesn't have a positive lock-down device.
When inflating the tire and seating the beads, adhere to the manufacturer's recommended maximum psi for the tire, or a maximum of 40 psi. During inflation, the beads should be checked around 20 psi for proper seating.
Installing the wheel on the vehicle
Follow these steps to install the wheel while limiting the risk of injury:
- Position the lift so that the axle hub of the vehicle is about waist-high.
- Place the wheel on the repair shop floor in front of the hub, with the inside of the wheel facing you.
- While down on one knee, pull the top of the wheel toward yourself and "flip" it up onto your thigh.
- The inside of the tire should now be facing the car.
- Guide the tire and wheel toward the hub.
- Position the wheel and hub hole on the hub and align the lugs with the holes.
- Tighten the lugs to the appropriate torque.
Reverse this procedure when removing the wheel.
