A tire changer and wheel balancer manufactured by Snap-on Equipment, a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, are essential pieces of equipment in automotive repair shops. These machines automate the processes of removing and installing tires on wheel rims and ensuring proper weight distribution to prevent vibrations during driving. The sophisticated design of modern versions often incorporates pneumatic and hydraulic systems for efficient operation, along with features such as helper arms for handling low-profile and run-flat tires.
These devices dramatically improve shop productivity and technician safety compared to manual methods. The automation reduces the physical strain on technicians and minimizes the risk of tire or wheel damage during the mounting and balancing processes. Historically, tire changing was a laborious and time-consuming manual task. The introduction of automated equipment revolutionized the industry, enabling quicker service turnaround times and higher throughput in repair shops. This technological advancement has also contributed to the development of more complex wheel and tire designs.
