A good tyre changer makes wheel work faster, safer and more profitable. Whether you run a small independent garage, MOT station or a busy tyre bay, choosing the right machine has a big impact on speed, staff fatigue and customer satisfaction.

This guide explains the main types of tyre changers, key features to look for and what suits different workshop setups. For all current models, visit our tyre changers page.

1. What a tyre changer does

A tyre changer is designed to remove and refit tyres on a wheel safely and efficiently. The machine helps with:

  • Breaking the bead between tyre and rim
  • Clamping the wheel securely in place
  • Demounting the tyre from the rim
  • Mounting a new tyre with controlled effort

Modern tyre changers reduce physical strain on technicians and lower the risk of damaging alloy rims and tyre beads.

2. Who needs a tyre changer

You need a tyre changer if your workshop regularly:

  • Fits new tyres
  • Repairs punctures
  • Offers seasonal tyre swaps
  • Works on performance or low profile tyres
  • Handles commercial or van fleets

Tyre changers are essential in tyre depots and fast fit centres, but they are also increasingly common in general garages and fleet workshops that want to keep tyre work in house.

3. Key features explained

When you compare tyre changers, these are the core features to understand.

Tabletop clamping range

The clamping range defines what diameter wheels the machine can safely hold. Check both internal and external clamping sizes and consider current and future vehicle types.

Bead breaker type

  • Side mounted bead breaker blade - common on car changers, quick and familiar.
  • Roller bead breaker systems - often used on leverless and heavy duty machines, better for stiff sidewalls.

Turntable drive

Most professional machines use a motorised turntable with foot pedal control for rotating the wheel during demounting and mounting.

Column style

  • Swing arm column - compact and suited to lower volume work.
  • Tilt back column - faster setup and better for higher volume and larger wheels.

Inflation system

  • Standard inflation via valve
  • Optional blast inflation system to seat difficult beads

All of these features are available in different combinations across the tyre changers range.

4. Main types of tyre changers

Manual and basic semi automatic

  • Lower cost
  • Simple controls
  • Best for low volume or occasional tyre work

Full automatic swing arm

  • Power assisted turntable and bead breaker
  • Swing arm column that locks into position
  • Better for regular day to day use

Tilt back tyre changers

  • Column tilts back for easier loading
  • Faster and more consistent setup for different wheel sizes
  • Ideal for higher volume workshops and tyre bays

Leverless tyre changers

  • Do not require a traditional tyre lever
  • Lower risk of rim and bead damage
  • Best for run flat and low profile tyres
  • Suited to premium and performance wheel work

5. Assist arms and difficult tyres

Modern tyres such as run flat and low profile designs can be difficult and physically demanding to remove and refit. This is where assist arms come in.

Single assist arm

  • Provides extra pressure on the bead during mounting
  • Helps with stiffer sidewalls
  • Useful upgrade for general workshops

Dual or multi assist arms

  • Offer additional bead pressing and lifting functions
  • Ideal for run flat tyres and larger SUV wheels
  • Standard on many leverless and high end machines

If you regularly work with performance tyres, an assist arm on your chosen tyre changer is highly recommended.

6. Car, van and truck tyre changers

Car and light commercial tyre changers

  • Designed primarily for passenger car and SUV wheels
  • Clamping range typically up to 24 inches on premium models
  • Side mounted bead breaker and assist arms available

Van and light commercial

  • Require a larger clamping range and stronger bead breaker
  • Look for heavy duty construction and optional adaptors

Truck and bus tyre changers

  • Specialist heavy duty machines
  • Roller bead breaking and different clamping systems
  • Much larger footprint and different installation needs

Most general garages will be best served by a robust car and light commercial tyre changer. Dedicated truck tyre changers are more suited to commercial fleet and truck tyre specialists.

7. Space and power requirements

Before you order a tyre changer, confirm you have enough space and the right power supply.

  • Floor space: allow for the machine footprint plus space for wheel handling and operator movement.
  • Air supply: most machines require a suitable compressed air supply for bead breaking and inflation.
  • Power: many tyre changers run on 230V single phase. Heavy duty or commercial machines may require 3 phase.
  • Door and access: check you can move the machine into the building safely.

8. Best tyre changer by workshop type

Small independent garage

  • Automatic swing arm tyre changer
  • Side bead breaker
  • Optional single assist arm

Busy general workshop

  • Tilt back tyre changer
  • Assist arm for low profile tyres
  • Good clamping range for SUVs and vans

Tyre bay and fast fit centre

  • Tilt back or leverless machine
  • Dual assist arms
  • Blast inflation system
  • Wide clamping range and heavy duty construction

Fleet or commercial specialist

  • Dedicated truck tyre changer alongside a car and van machine
  • High capacity bead breaker and robust chassis

For current models that suit each of these profiles, you can browse the tyre changers category or contact us for advice.

9. Tyre changer comparison table

Type Column style Best for Tyre difficulty Cost level
Basic semi automatic Swing arm Low volume use Standard tyres £
Automatic swing arm Swing arm General garages Standard and some low profile ££
Tilt back automatic Tilt back Busy workshops and tyre bays Low profile and SUV tyres ££
Leverless with assist arms Tilt back or special design High end and performance work Run flat and low profile £££

10. Tyre changer FAQs

Do I need an assist arm on my tyre changer

If you work with low profile, run flat or stiff sidewall tyres, an assist arm is strongly recommended. It reduces physical effort and lowers the risk of damage.

What clamping range should I look for

Most modern cars and SUVs sit comfortably within a 10 to 24 inch clamping range. If you work on very large wheels or specialist vehicles, check the upper end of the range carefully.

Is a tilt back tyre changer worth the extra cost

In a busy workshop, yes. Tilt back machines are quicker to set up on different wheel sizes and offer a smoother workflow for technicians.

Can one tyre changer handle cars and vans

Many mid to high range machines can handle both, as long as the clamping range and bead breaker strength are suitable. Check the specification if you regularly work on heavier vans.

Do I need a leverless tyre changer

Leverless machines are ideal if you focus on premium, performance or run flat tyres. For general work, a good tilt back machine with assist arms may be enough.

Where can I compare different models

You can see current specifications and options on our tyre changers page or speak to our team for tailored advice.