Tire & Wheel Equipment History
Tire changers, wheel balancers, bead tools and TPMS service gear.
How did the shift from bias-ply to radial tires happen in the United States?
Short answer: Radial tires were widely used in Europe before gaining popularity in the United States during the 1970s.
Radial tires were widely used in Europe before gaining popularity in the United States during the 1970s. Their adoption required shops to learn new handling, rotation and alignment practices.
Why did tire rotation become a routine service?
Short answer: Tires wear differently on each axle and position.
Tires wear differently on each axle and position. Tire rotation became a routine service to even out wear and extend tire life.
How did wheel weights change?
Short answer: Clip-on lead wheel weights were common for decades.
Clip-on lead wheel weights were common for decades. Environmental concerns led to steel and zinc weights and more adhesive weights for alloy wheels.
Why did hub-centric wheels require new balancing practices?
Short answer: Hub-centric wheels center on the hub rather than the lug nuts.
Hub-centric wheels center on the hub rather than the lug nuts. Balancers and adapters evolved to center wheels accurately using hub bores.
How did tire pressure gauges change?
Short answer: Tire pressure gauges evolved from pencil-type stick gauges to dial gauges and digital models.
Tire pressure gauges evolved from pencil-type stick gauges to dial gauges and digital models. Digital gauges improved readability and accuracy for many users.
Why did spare tire designs change?
Short answer: Full-size spares gave way to compact temporary spares in many vehicles to save space and weight.
Full-size spares gave way to compact temporary spares in many vehicles to save space and weight. Some newer vehicles use sealant and inflator kits instead of spares.
How did TPMS sensors change tire mounting?
Short answer: Valve-stem TPMS sensors can be damaged during tire changes.
Valve-stem TPMS sensors can be damaged during tire changes. Technicians adopted new mounting techniques and sensor service kits.
How did wheel sizes change over time?
Short answer: Passenger car wheel diameters have generally grown over the decades.
Passenger car wheel diameters have generally grown over the decades. Larger wheels and lower-profile tires required equipment capable of handling them.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.