What a Coats tire changing machine does

A Coats tire changing machine is an automated tool that removes a tire from a wheel rim and installs a new or repaired tire back onto that rim. The machine uses a combination of mechanical arms, clamps, and rotating motion to break the seal between the tire bead and the rim, peel the old tire away, and then stretch a new tire onto the wheel. Coats is one of the largest manufacturers of this equipment, and their machines are found in tire shops, car dealerships, and fleet maintenance facilities across North America.

The machine does not repair a tire or balance it — those are separate steps. What it does is handle the physical labor of mounting and dismounting, which would otherwise require a technician to use hand tools and significant physical effort. A tire that has been punctured, worn out, or damaged beyond repair comes off the rim through this machine, and a replacement tire goes on through the same process.

Key Takeaways

  • Coats machines are designed to mount and dismount tires on wheel rims using automated mechanical force, not to repair tires or balance wheels.
  • The machine clamps the wheel, breaks the bead seal, and uses rotating motion to separate the tire from the rim in both directions.
  • A technician still needs to position the tire, operate the controls, and monitor the process — the machine is a tool, not fully automatic.
  • Coats equipment is standard in professional tire shops because it reduces the physical strain on workers and speeds up the tire-changing process.
  • Different Coats models handle different wheel sizes and tire types, so a shop may own multiple machines or one with adjustable settings.

The main components and how they work together

A typical Coats tire changer has a rotating turntable at its center where the wheel sits. The wheel is clamped in place by pneumatic (air-powered) clamps that hold it steady while the machine works. Around the turntable are several mechanical arms: one arm holds a tool called a bead breaker, which applies downward pressure to separate the tire from the rim edge; another arm holds a tire iron or similar tool that slides under the tire bead to lift it away from the rim; and a third arm may hold a lubricant applicator to reduce friction as the tire slides.

The turntable rotates slowly while these arms move in and out, working their way around the entire circumference of the wheel. As the tire bead lifts away from the rim, the rotation continues, and the tire peels off. Once the old tire is completely removed, the process reverses: a new tire is positioned on the rim, the arms guide the bead back into place, and the rotation and pressure work together to seat the tire fully onto the rim. The entire process typically takes three to five minutes per tire, depending on the tire size and the machine model.

Why shops use Coats machines instead of hand tools

Before automated tire changers, technicians used a combination of hand tools — a bead breaker (a manual lever), tire irons (flat metal bars), and a lot of physical force — to remove and install tires. This method is still possible and is still used in some settings, but it is slow, physically demanding, and carries a higher risk of damaging the rim or the tire during the process. A technician working eight hours a day doing this by hand faces repetitive strain injuries and fatigue.

A Coats machine reduces the physical labor significantly and produces more consistent results. The machine applies force in a controlled, repeatable way, which means less chance of accidentally bending a rim or tearing a tire bead. For a busy shop that changes dozens of tires per day, the speed and consistency of an automated machine directly affect how many customers can be served and how much wear and tear the technician's body experiences. The machine also allows a less experienced technician to perform the task safely, because the machine itself is doing the heavy lifting.

Different Coats models and what they handle

Coats manufactures several lines of tire changers, each designed for different wheel sizes and tire types. Entry-level models typically handle wheels from 10 to 24 inches in diameter and are common in smaller independent tire shops. Mid-range models expand that range to 28 inches and may include features like a powered information arm that reduces the manual effort required to position the tire. Heavy-duty models used in fleet shops or dealerships can handle wheels up to 30 inches or larger and often include additional features like a helper arm that automatically guides the tire bead into the rim.

Some Coats machines are designed specifically for low-profile tires (tires with a short sidewall relative to the width), which require different techniques than standard tires. Others are built for truck and commercial vehicle tires, which are much larger and heavier. A shop owner typically chooses a machine based on the sizes and types of tires they change most often. A shop that primarily serves passenger cars might own one standard model, while a truck tire shop might own a heavy-duty model or even multiple machines to handle different tire categories.

What happens after the tire is mounted

Once a Coats machine has mounted a new tire onto the rim, the tire still needs to be balanced before it is safe to install on a vehicle. Balancing is a separate process that uses a tire balancer — a different machine that spins the wheel and measures where weight is uneven, then adds small weights to the rim to correct that imbalance. A tire that is not balanced will cause vibration and uneven wear as the vehicle drives.

The mounted tire may also need to be inspected for proper bead seating (the tire should sit evenly on the rim all the way around) and the rim may need to be cleaned or repaired if it was damaged. Some shops perform these steps before balancing; others do them after. The Coats machine is just the first step in the tire replacement process, not the final one.

Common issues and limitations

Coats machines are reliable, but they do have limitations. They cannot repair a tire — if a tire has a puncture in the sidewall, a large gash, or internal damage, the machine will mount it, but the tire will still fail. The machine also cannot fix a bent or damaged rim; if the rim is warped, the tire may not seat properly even after the machine has done its job. A technician needs to inspect both the tire and the rim before using the machine.

Some tire and rim combinations are difficult for automated machines to handle. Very stiff tires, oversized wheels, or rims with unusual bead seat designs may require manual techniques or a different machine. Coats equipment is designed for standard automotive applications, so specialty wheels or tires outside the machine's rated range may need to be changed by hand or sent to a shop with different equipment.

How to know if a tire shop has a Coats machine

Most professional tire shops and car dealerships have at least one tire changer, and Coats is the market leader, so there is a good chance a shop near you owns one. You can ask directly when you call to schedule a tire change — shops are usually happy to describe their equipment because it is a selling point. If a shop advertises "computerized tire changing" or "automated tire mounting," it is likely a Coats machine or a competitor's equivalent.

Independent shops, big-box retailers like Costco and Walmart, and franchise tire shops like Firestone and Goodyear all use tire changers. The presence of the machine does not affect the price you pay for a tire change, but it does mean the work will be faster and the technician will experience less physical strain, which can translate to more careful, consistent work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Coats machine damage my wheel or tire?

The machine itself is designed to minimize damage, but damage can still occur if the wheel or tire has a defect that the machine cannot accommodate, or if the technician does not position the wheel correctly. A bent rim, a tire with a weak bead, or a wheel that is not clamped securely can result in damage during the mounting process. A reputable shop will inspect the wheel and tire before using the machine and will stop the process if something looks wrong.

How long does it take to change a tire with a Coats machine?

Mounting and dismounting a single tire typically takes three to five minutes with a Coats machine, depending on the tire size and the machine model. The entire tire replacement process — including balancing, inspection, and reinstallation on the vehicle — usually takes 30 to 45 minutes per tire, or longer if the shop is busy or if additional work like rim repair is needed.

Do all tire shops use Coats machines?

Most professional shops do, but not all. Very small shops or shops in rural areas may still use hand tools exclusively. Some specialty shops that work on high-end or unusual wheels may prefer manual techniques for certain jobs. If you have a specific concern about how your tire will be changed, ask the shop what equipment they use and whether they can accommodate your needs.

Can a Coats machine balance a tire?

No. A Coats tire changer mounts and dismounts tires only. Balancing is done on a separate machine called a tire balancer. Most shops have both machines, and balancing is usually done when ready after the tire is mounted, but they are two different processes.

What if my wheel is too large or unusual for a Coats machine?

If your wheel is outside the machine's rated size range or has an unusual design, the shop may need to change the tire by hand or refer you to a shop with different equipment. Ask the shop when you call whether they can handle your wheel size and type — most shops know their machine's limits and will tell you upfront if they cannot help.