Tire Repairers and Changers

Career summary

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Tire repairers locate holes and tears in tires and make repairs. Tire changers rotate tires and replace worn-out tires with new ones. Many tire workers both replace and repair tires.

Tire repairers and changers drive cars onto lifts so that they can work with tires more easily. They loosen the lug nuts that hold the tires onto vehicles. Workers remove the wheels and take off the tires.

If the tires are being replaced, tire changers carry or roll the tires to where the other used tires are stored.

If the tires are being repaired, workers examine them for damage. They may put tires in water and watch for air bubbles that indicate where holes may be. They seal punctures by inserting rubber plugs and gluing them into place. They may fix larger holes by gluing on patches.

Repairers put the tires back on the wheels. They place wheels on balancing machines to determine whether wheels need counterweights to balance them. They may attach the counterweights to the wheel rims. They remount wheels onto vehicles.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Automobile Mechanics
• Bicycle Repairers
• Coin and Vending Machine Repairers
• Farm and Ranch Workers
• Floor Sanding Machine Operators
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Parking Lot Attendants
• Production Helpers
• Service Station Attendants

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to tire repairers and changers.

• Raise vehicles, using hydraulic jacks.
• Remove wheels from vehicles.
• Locate punctures in tubeless tires by visual inspection, or by immersing inflated tires in water bath and observing air bubbles.
• Identify tires to determine the correct way to inflate them.
• Drive trucks to respond to emergency calls.
• Seal punctures by inserting rubber plugs and gluing them in place.
• Glue tire patches over ruptures in tire casing.
• Reassemble tires onto wheels.
• Place wheels on balancing machines to determine if counterweights are required to balance wheels.
• Hammer counterweights onto wheel rims.
• Remount wheels onto vehicles.
• Rotate tires to different positions on vehicle.
• Clean and tidy up the shop.
• May order new parts.

Common work activities

Tire repairers and changers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Handle and move objects
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Analyze data or information
• Perform for or work with the public
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Evaluate information against standards
• Control machines and processes
• Process information
• Teach others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Think creatively
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Coach others
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, tire repairers and changers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the health and safety of drivers.
• Have a medium level of social contact. They work alone half the time.
• Communicate by telephone and in person on a weekly basis.
• Are responsible for the work done by others.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations where customers may be rude or angry.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Work both indoors and outdoors. Temperatures usually aren't controlled, so they may be exposed to very hot or cold air as a result.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations, equipment, and contaminants. To protect themselves, they wear protective or safety gear.
• Are exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable on a daily basis.
• May get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.
• Travel to work sites in a car, truck, or van.
• Work near others, within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details of the job are done and their work is exact. Errors could cause safety hazards for tire users.
• Work in a competitive atmosphere where daily deadlines must be met.
• Make decisions that affect customers on a daily and weekly basis. They often consult a supervisor first, but may act alone.
• Must keep pace with the speed of equipment.
• Repeat the same activities.
• Usually set their daily tasks and goals in conjunction with a supervisor.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours per week.
• May work weekends and evenings.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Tire repairers and changers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.

It is important for tire repairers and changers to be able to:

• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for tire repairers and changers to be able to:

• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Tire repairers and changers need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Auto Body Repair
• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Motorcycle Repair
• Truck and Bus Driving

Training

To work as a tire repairer and changer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal training is required beyond high school. Some professional-technical schools offer training in tire repair as part of an auto mechanics program.

On-the-job training

Most tire repairers learn their skills on the job from an experienced tire repairer. While training, you start with simple tasks and then take on more responsibility as you get experience. Training usually lasts up to one month.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Auto Repair Technology
• Introduction to Mechanics
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent.

General knowledge of motor vehicles and the tools necessary for repairs is helpful. Employers look for applicants who have experience and stamina.

Employers usually expect applicants to have a valid driver's license. Some sales ability is important.

Tips

Some employers indicate that a neat appearance and good work record are important. Most important is the willingness to work evenings, weekends, and sometimes on holidays.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Tire Repairers and Changers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by the worker's level of experience and responsibility.

Tire repairers and changers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Tire stores
• Car parts stores
• Auto repair shops

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is declining. Changes in economic conditions effect the tire repair and replacement business. When the economy is strong, people take more trips and put more wear on their cars. When the economy is weak, people still must repair and replace the tires on their cars. However, during a downturn, employers hire fewer workers. Demand is also affected by the increase in reliability of tires. 

Job openings occur as people leave the occupation for other jobs.

Other resources

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Tire Repairers and Changers (49-3093.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Tire Repairer (750.681-010) 
• Tire Repairer (915.684-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled