Anyone change their own tires?

[desura]

You can buy a tire changer tool and a tire balancing tool for around $50 for each.

If you have multiple vehicles around, this could save some money doing this.

Or is it a really bad idea to do this? Especially the balancing part, which looks like you're eyeballing it and are not using any advanced computer stuff.

 

[HarryLui]

I wouldn't. Buy the real machines.

 

[jlee]

If I had tools like this and this I might, but now I pay $15-30/tire for someone else to do it.

 

[desura]

How can you know that the shops aren't using cheap machines too?

 

[NutBucket]

Because you can see them working?

 

[Torn Mind]

I was able to break the bead with a brake rotor and scissor jack.

Tire irons and free air from nearby gas station got the job done eventually.

Of course, I didn't balance the tire and such a task would be delegated to a shop.

Obviously, if doing more than one tire and no free air, you want an air compressor.

You must have a level surface for the eyeball machine.

 

[Squisher]

Back in the days of bumper jacks (early 70s) I remember doing it quite a few times using the bumper jack to break the bead loose and then using crow bars to get off and put on the tire. It wasn't fun. With truck tires you usually needed to wrap the outside of the tire with a come-along to squeeze the bead out near the rim.

 

[HarryLui]

How can you know that the shops aren't using cheap machines too?

I take it back, buy the tools and do the tires yourself.

 

[Rifter]

I only change my own when im on the trail and have no other option and i only use a crowbar a tire bar and brute force, otherwise i pay the guy.

 

[deadken]

You can buy a tire changer tool and a tire balancing tool for around $50 for each.
...
Especially the balancing part, which looks like you're eyeballing it and are not using any advanced computer stuff.

I've been out of the business for years. But, I have used both the old bubble balance and the newer spin machines. One gives a static balance while the other a dynamic balance (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_balance). They aren't equal.

Simply put, there are things that are worthwhile doing myself, and things that aren't. I pay someone to mount and balance my tires.

Of course, I insist on the proper dot being put near the valve stem (trust me, even if they argue, it is worth it). I usually just state, do it the way I want, and you'll get a tip. If not, you won't.
https://www.yokohamatire.com/tires-101/advanced-information/match-mounting

 

[dave_the_nerd]

How can you know that the shops aren't using cheap machines too?

If they were using hand tools, there'd be four times as many guys running around the shop, they'd all be ripped as hell, and I wouldn't be able to get my tires replaced in 20 minutes on a slow day.