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Garages - Tire Precautions

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What is important to know when removing wheels?

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  • Loosen wheel nuts before lifting vehicle off the ground.
  • Raise vehicle only a few centimetres (one inch) from the floor when doing operations on a freewheel or frame-contact lift.
  • Block a vehicle securely on a lift to prevent rolling.
  • Remove or replace the wheel from a squatting position. Minimize back strain by not bending forward.
  • Do not place hands or wrists under wheel well while vehicle is suspended.
  • Do not service split rim-type tires unless specifically trained in their repair and hazards.

What are some tips for inspecting tires and rims?

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  • Clean rims to ensure that all dirt and rust are removed from lock ring and gutter.
  • Check all parts. Discard any damaged, worn or corroded components after removal.

When using a tire-changing machine, what should I know?

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  • Consult the operator's manual and follow all safety precautions.
  • Lock wheel hold-down device securely.
  • Remove valve core.
  • Keep hands clear of pinch points.
  • Use the correct tools.
  • Use proper lubricant to seat tire.
  • Do not mount damaged tires or wheels.

What are tips for mounting a tire?

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  • Refer to vehicle's owner manual for any special instructions or precautions.
  • Mount the tire fully before inflating.
  • Make sure all rim components are properly in place and secured before inflating.
  • Support tire securely with lifting equipment before attempting to attach the tire to the hub.
  • Use the manufacturer's recommended rim size for the tire.
  • Ensure that the trunk lid stays up before checking for a spare tire.
  • Check tire pressure to prevent over-inflation or under-inflation with a tire pressure gauge.
  • Guide the air hose back by hand on air pumps that have an automatic or weighted hose rewind. Do not let the hose fly back because the metal chuck or gauge may whip and cause injury or damage. If the hose does not retract automatically, re-coil it and return the hose to the hanger.
  • Follow ventilation instructions for patching compounds and liquids.
  • Do not hammer on rims or components with a steel hammer to correct seating of flanges and to lock ring. Use rubber, lead, plastic or brass-faced mallets and make sure the tire is uninflated.
  • Do not weld on an inflated tire rim. Carry out welding repairs to rims with the tire removed from the rim and only if specially trained for such work.
  • Do not inflate a tire that is in poor condition as a blowout could occur.
  • Do not attempt to repair tires larger than your equipment can handle.

  • Fact sheet last revised: 2017-01-25