How to Mount Tires

Mounting a tire is a part of auto maintenance. You have to make sure every time that the tires are mounted correctly otherwise it can be risky. Most people contact professional mechanics to do this task. However, you can do this at home with little effort and proper tools.

Using a Tire Mounting Tool

Tire mounting tool is a device that makes things easy for you while mounting tires. It is available easily on auto repair shops. If have access to one, tire mounting would be a simple task for you.

Required Items:

• Mounting machine or tire iron
• Bead breaker
• Wheel or rim
• Tire
• Spin balance machine

Direction:

1. Use the tire stem removal tool to release the air from the tire that you want to replace.
2. To break the old tire’s bead, use the bead breaker. Exert a little more pressure to make sure that the there will be maximum bead breaking leverage.
3. To avoid any problem, buy a right sized tire for your rim. You will get a new valve stem also.
4. Carefully put the tire on the rim with the help of mounting machine or tire irons. Do not damage the tire. You can take help from manual instructions of mounting machine.
5. Place the tire in spin balance machine, read the instructions on manufacturer’s manual and work according.
6. In the end inflate the tires properly according to the specified psi pressure for your tires.

Manually Mounting the Tires

Mounting machine is not available every time. Sometimes you have to do this task with hands. You need to be very careful while mounting the tires with hands.

Required Items:

• Tire iron
• Wheel or rim
• Tire
• Lubricants

Directions:

1. Take a wheel and placed it on a stable level surface. Slant the tire on it, the tire touching the ground on the side front of you only.
2. Take oil, water or soap to lubricate the tire bead (part of tire comes in contact with wheel); this will make your task slightly easier.
3. Squat down and rest your knees near the bottom of the tire, straddling the wheel. Place your hands opposite to your knees on the top of the tire. Exert some pressure with your knees and push your hands down on tire bead in swaying motion. The half of the tire will pop down onto the wheel.
4. You have to stand on the tire to get the other part onto the wheel. However, you have a better option of using tire iron to do this task for you. Use the tire iron and put the end over the edge of the wheel. Make certain that it is down about one half inch into the wheel.
5. Pry the tire iron backwards towards you, forcing the tire bead over the edge of the wheel.
6. While prying the tire iron back towards you, use your hands to push the bead down to settle on the rim. If you find it difficult just put your foot on the bead near the tire iron and pry the bead back and forcing your foot down on bead to get it onto the wheel. Do it carefully lest the previously seated tire pop out.
7. Once you are finished with this task, start inflating the tire carefully as it can be dangerous because the force can impel the wheel into the air when the bead seats onto the wheel. Make it secure before pumping the tire.
8. To inflate the tire safely and securely, do it gradually. Once you start inflating the tire the bottom bead will settle first. Then the sidewall will begin to bulge. Once you have 3/4 of the bead seated, stop pumping. Step back and observe the bead. If it is not settled yet on the wheel pump more air gradually. Check the bead position in between. Repeat this until you have got the bead perfectly onto the wheel.

Mounting a tire can be tough sometimes. You can seek help from your friends to make the task easy. It is tough and time consuming; you have to be patient enough to mount the tires. If you have any doubts in your mind contact the professional.