If you have ever had to have your tires replaced due to damage or normal wear and tear, chances are you worked with a tire change technician. Tire replacement is one of the top five most common automotive services that are performed by vehicle owners. When you think about it, tires sustain the most wear over time due to their direct contact with the road, so it makes sense they would need regular maintenance. 

What Is A Tire Change Technician?

A tire change technician is an automotive specialist that focuses solely on tire services. While this includes tire replacement, it may also include tire repair, balance and rotation, and even emergency roadside assistance. While much of their work is performed in the garage, it is also essential for a tire change technician to possess customer service skills since they are generally working directly with the vehicle owner to diagnose and perform maintenance. Tire change technicians may work for a general car repair shop or a specialized tire change provider. 

Training

There are no requirements for tire change technicians to acquire special training before working in a shop; however, most companies prefer to employ individuals who have attended a trade school for auto maintenance or have a background in mechanics. Technicians are generally required to have a GED or high school diploma. In situations where a tire change technician does not have prior educational or professional automotive maintenance experience, they are required to complete extensive on-the-job training and comply with industry standards before working independently. 

Services

The services that a tire change technician provides may vary depending on whether they work at a full-service garage or for a tire change provider. They will usually perform basic tire services ranging from minor repair to full replacement. Services may include tire rotation and balancing, tire inspection, flat repair, tread replacement, demounting and mounting tires from rims, responding to emergency roadside assistance calls, and performing test drives on repaired vehicles. 

Safety

When performing tire maintenance, safety is of the utmost importance to tire change providers and technicians. By maintaining safety protocols, technicians ensure that they remain safe while performing the repairs and that their customers remain safe after the repair has been completed. These protocols include wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), practicing safe power tool handling procedures, performing regular inspections before and after performing work on a vehicle, and maintaining proper documentation.