How to Maintain Your Coats Tire Equipment

Coats tire changers and wheel balancers are built to work every day, but they still need some basic maintenance.

We service a lot of tire equipment where a relatively small issue has been ignored until the machine either stops working or starts causing problems for the technician.

A few simple habits can prevent a lot of that.

Keep the Machine Clean

Tire changers live in a dirty environment.

Tire lube, rubber, wheel weights, dirt, rust, and debris eventually find their way into moving parts.

Keep the tabletop, clamps, mount/demount tool, slides, and other working areas clean. Pay particular attention to anything that contacts the wheel.

The same applies to wheel balancers. Keep cones, collets, pressure cups, the shaft, and mounting surfaces clean.

A small amount of dirt between the wheel and mounting hardware can affect how accurately the wheel centers on the balancer.

Check Your Plastic Protectors and Mounting Tools

If your tire changer uses plastic protectors, inserts, or a Duckhead-style mount/demount tool, inspect them regularly.

Once those parts become badly worn or damaged, you're increasing the chance of damaging a customer's wheel.

They're wear items. Replace them before they become a problem.

Don't Ignore the Air Lubricator

Most pneumatic tire changers depend on the lubricator in the air system to keep cylinders, valves, and other pneumatic components properly lubricated.

Check the oil level and make sure the lubricator is actually feeding oil.

We see machines where the cup has been empty for who knows how long.

That's an easy maintenance item to catch.

Watch the Water Separator

Compressed air contains moisture.

Make sure the filter and water separator are working properly and draining as intended.

If you're getting excessive water into the machine, don't just keep draining it and forget about it. There may also be an issue with the shop's compressed-air system that needs to be addressed.

Check the Inflation Gauge

If your tire changer has an inflation system, the pressure gauge needs to be accurate.

A gauge that is damaged or reading incorrectly isn't something to work around.

Replace or service it.

The same goes for pressure-limit and safety components. Do not bypass them.

Keep Your Balancer Mounting Hardware Clean

This one causes more problems than people realize.

If the shaft, cones, collets, pressure cups, or wheel mounting surfaces are dirty or damaged, the wheel may not center correctly.

Then a technician can chase a balance problem that isn't actually a balance problem.

Keep the mounting hardware clean and inspect it for wear.

Calibrate the Balancer When Needed

Different Coats balancers have different calibration procedures and requirements.

If you're getting inconsistent readings, excessive weight calls, or a wheel balances differently on repeated spins, don't automatically assume the balancer needs parts.

Start by making sure the wheel is mounted correctly, the mounting hardware is clean, and the machine is properly calibrated according to the instructions for that model.

If it still isn't repeatable, then it's time to diagnose the machine.

Pay Attention When Something Changes

A machine that has worked correctly for years usually doesn't suddenly start acting differently for no reason.

Slow movement, air leaks, unusual noises, inconsistent clamping, balance readings that aren't repeatable, or controls that don't operate normally are all worth checking.

Fixing a small problem today is usually cheaper than waiting until the machine is completely down on a Monday morning with six sets of tires waiting.

Follow the Maintenance Schedule for Your Machine

Coats has produced a lot of different tire changers and wheel balancers over the years.

They don't all have the same maintenance requirements.

Use the operator's manual for your specific model for lubrication points, calibration procedures, inspection intervals, and recommended service.

And if you're not sure what the machine needs, give us the model and serial number.

Northcoast Equipment Specialists has provided Coats tire equipment sales, installation, and service throughout Northeast Ohio since 1993. We are a Factory Certified Coats Service Center and provide onsite service for Coats tire changers and wheel balancers throughout the region.