The core holds in air, so removing it deflates the tire. The valve core removal tool is a relatively inexpensive item that looks like a small screwdriver. It’s available at most auto parts stores.
You may need to drive over the rubber a few times to break it. The bead tends to be the most stubborn part, especially with older tires. Another way to loosen a bead is with a jack. Raise the vehicle on a jack, slide the tire underneath the jack, then lower the vehicle down onto the rubber part of the tire. [3] X Research source If you have a hard time with the bead, you may be better off cutting through it with a sharp knife or saw. Be careful not to cut into the metal rim. This will destroy the tire, but if it is done correctly, it won’t damage the rim.
Doing this gives you more leverage against the tire bead and reduces the chances of scratches on the rim. To reduce the possibility of scratches further, always pry off the back side first.
Some people choose to use cooking oil, WD-40, or similar products. Another option is to purchase tire lube from an auto parts store.
Flatter, wider pry bars and screwdrivers work best for this. They are less likely to scratch the rim than smaller tools.
Appy soap as needed to the other side of the rim in order to lubricate it. If you’re having a hard time with it, stand the wheel up or flip it over. Try using the pry bar from a different angle and a wood mallet to strike the tire off of the rim
Manual tire changers are available online or at many tool shops. They’re relatively cheap and are much more efficient than prying the tire off by hand.
To position the bolts properly, set the machine on the plywood and trace the base with a pencil. Mark the location of the bolt holes. For more stability, secure the tire changer to a concrete surface. This is a bit more difficult, since you need a masonry drill bit, but otherwise it attaches the same way.
Set the valve stem aside in a safe place in case you need it again.
Secure the wheel tightly to the base before attempting to remove the tire. Push down on the arm to ensure the hanging wedge is firm against the tire.
To loosen the bead further, push down on the tire by hand or with your foot. Go around the entire wheel to free the rim.
To avoid scratching the rim, place a piece of paper, a rubber mat, or some other material on the changer’s base. You only need to do this when you place the front side of the rim face down.
The bracket piece looks like a flat cylinder with 4 spokes. If you don’t have an old shirt to use, try placing pieces of rubber between the bracket and the rim. Doing this protects the rim from scratches.
A regular grease-cutting soap will do a lot of good for used tires. Other substances, including cooking oil and WD-40, may also help. For the best results, get tire lube from an auto parts store.
Using a pry bar or a similar tool also works well. The best tools to use are ones with wide, flat blades, since they are less likely to scratch the rim. Keep the shirt or other material in place for protection.
The tire changer is a great way to fit a new tire onto the rim without much hassle. Basically, you do the steps in reverse. You use the arm to leverage the tire onto the rim, then replace the valve stem and add air.
