Tire & Wheel Equipment History
Tire changers, wheel balancers, bead tools and TPMS service gear.
When did nitrogen tire inflation become popular?
Short answer: Nitrogen inflation systems became popular in tire shops in the 2000s.
Nitrogen inflation systems became popular in tire shops in the 2000s. Supporters cite more stable pressure, though regular pressure checks remain essential.
What is the history of tire siping?
Short answer: Siping, cutting small slits into tire tread for grip, is associated with John Sipe, who is credited with the idea in the 1920s.
Siping, cutting small slits into tire tread for grip, is associated with John Sipe, who is credited with the idea in the 1920s. Siping machines later allowed shops to add sipes to tires.
Why was tire regrooving used on commercial tires?
Short answer: Regrooving tools cut fresh grooves into some commercial truck tires designed for regrooving.
Regrooving tools cut fresh grooves into some commercial truck tires designed for regrooving. The practice was used to extend tire life on regroovable tires and is not appropriate for passenger tires.
How did alignment racks evolve?
Short answer: Alignment racks evolved from simple ramps with turntables to lifts with integrated slip plates and rolling jacks.
Alignment racks evolved from simple ramps with turntables to lifts with integrated slip plates and rolling jacks. They supported more accurate alignments and higher productivity.
Why were tire spreaders used in tire repair?
Short answer: Tire spreaders hold tire beads apart for inspection and repair.
Tire spreaders hold tire beads apart for inspection and repair. They were common in tire repair shops for interior patching.
Why did run-flat tires require special changer tools?
Short answer: Run-flat tires have stiff sidewalls that are hard to mount and dismount.
Run-flat tires have stiff sidewalls that are hard to mount and dismount. Special changer tools and techniques became necessary as run-flat tires spread on some vehicles from the late 1990s and 2000s.
How did wheel locks change tire service?
Short answer: Wheel locks use special keyed patterns to deter theft.
Wheel locks use special keyed patterns to deter theft. Shops needed master kits and procedures as wheel locks became common, especially with expensive alloy wheels.
How were tires changed before tire machines?
Short answer: Before tire machines were common, mechanics used tire irons, mallets and bead breakers to work tires on and off rims by hand.
Before tire machines were common, mechanics used tire irons, mallets and bead breakers to work tires on and off rims by hand. The job was slow and physically demanding, which drove demand for mechanical and pneumatic tire changers.
Why did radial tires change tire shop equipment?
Short answer: Radial tires became common in the United States during the 1970s.
Radial tires became common in the United States during the 1970s. Their stiffer construction and different balancing and alignment needs pushed shops toward better balancers, changers and alignment equipment.
How did alloy wheels change tire changers?
Short answer: Alloy wheels can be scratched or damaged by steel tools.
Alloy wheels can be scratched or damaged by steel tools. Tire changers added plastic protectors, leverless heads and wheel clamps that grip without marring the finish.
Why did low-profile tires require new tire changer designs?
Short answer: Low-profile tires have short, stiff sidewalls that are hard to mount and demount.
Low-profile tires have short, stiff sidewalls that are hard to mount and demount. Tire changers added helper arms and bead-pressing devices to handle them safely.
How did alignment equipment evolve from mechanical gauges?
Short answer: Early alignment used mechanical gauges, bubble levels and trammel bars.
Early alignment used mechanical gauges, bubble levels and trammel bars. Light-beam and then electronic sensor systems improved accuracy, and camera-based systems later made measurements faster.
Why did four-wheel alignment become standard?
Short answer: Many modern vehicles have independent rear suspension with adjustable or measurable rear angles.
Many modern vehicles have independent rear suspension with adjustable or measurable rear angles. Four-wheel alignment measures all wheels and aligns them to the vehicle's thrust line.
How did tire pressure monitoring change tire service?
Short answer: After TPMS became required, tire shops needed tools to activate sensors, program replacement sensors and perform relearn procedures.
After TPMS became required, tire shops needed tools to activate sensors, program replacement sensors and perform relearn procedures. TPMS service became a routine part of tire changes.
When did tubeless tires become common on passenger cars?
Short answer: Tubeless tires became common on American passenger cars in the mid-1950s.
Tubeless tires became common on American passenger cars in the mid-1950s. They reduced sudden deflation and changed tire repair and mounting practices.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.