---

Fitting new tyres is a job that is best left to professionals.

If you don’t know what you are doing, then it could lead to car trouble down the line or, even worse, personal injury. If you are in doubt, then book your appointment at Reg Greenwood today and get your tyres fitted professionally in Pontefract. If you are a tyre fitter, however, then what are the technical aspects of fitting new tyres that you should have at the forefront of your mind?

Inspect and Prepare the Wheel Hub

Before your start tyre fitting, it’s important to inspect the wheel hub meticulously. Any signs of rust, dirt or other contaminants can impede the proper seating of the tyre. In other words, it may jeopardise the vehicle’s safety. Use a wire brush to get rid of all traces of corrosion and debris from the wheel hub. Next, examine the hub for any signs of damage. If you see any deformities or cracks, then replacing or repairing the wheel before proceeding would be highly advisable. A clean and undamaged hub means that the tyre will fit securely and perform optimally on the road.

Always Adhere to Manufacturer Specifications

Unlike some other car maintenance jobs, tyre fitting is not a one-size-fits-all task. Each vehicle and tyre manufacturer will provide specific guidelines regarding the correct tyre size. Not only this but pressure settings will need to be within certain ranges and even torque settings for the wheel nuts ought to be adhered to. Make sure you understand these specifications and stick to them. For example, having a torque wrench at your disposal will ensure that the wheel nuts are tightened with precision. You don’t want to over-tighten, something that can lead to warped brake rotors. Equally, avoiding under-tightening is advisable since you won’t want a potentially loose wheel. The same goes for fitting correctly sized tyres and sticking to the recommended pressure. These guidelines aren’t just in place to optimise vehicle performance – they’re there to keep you and the car’s occupants safe.

Use the Correct Bead Lubricant

As most experienced tyre fitters will know, bead lubricant facilitates a smoother fitting process. In addition, a bead lubricant application should ensure a tight seal between the tyre and the rim is maintained. However, what some professionals don’t appreciate is that they should only ever use a lubricant that is specifically designed for tyre fitting. Typically, petroleum-based lubricants are no good because they tend to degrade the rubber which, in the end, will compromise the integrity of the tyre that’s being fitted. Properly applied, the tyre bead lubricants should ensure the bead can be positioned around the tyre correctly, ideally without any pinches or creases. Proper bead lubricants will extend the life of tyres while helping to deliver optimal contact with the road.

Monitor Tyre Balance and Alignment

Proper balance and alignment are paramount after tyre fitting if vehicle performance and tyre longevity are to be guaranteed. Only make use of professional-grade tyre balancers to ensure even weight distribution around the wheel. Misaligned tyres will lead to uneven tread wear, something that will negatively impact fuel efficiency and handling. For this reason, always realign after fitting a new set of tyres.

---