Spring Tire Changeover Tips for Techs

It’s spring! That means warmer weather, baseball is in full swing, and… that’s right — spring tire changeover season is here! Just as MLB teams tightened up their fundamentals during Spring Training, this time of year is when shops should sharpen their processes.

The season brings with it a busy season and spring tire changeover – which means more chances for TPMS service at your shop. With that volume comes a higher risk of sensor damage during changeovers, so attention to detail matters now more than ever.

When removing a tire, technicians often risk catching the sensor body or valve stem between the bead and rim. Using a tire changer not designed for TPMS makes damage even more likely. Even with newer equipment, higher volumes increase the chances for small errors that lead to comebacks.

Avoiding TPMS damage starts with the basics. It’s good practice to always break the bead before touching the TPMS sensor or valve stem. Tire machine rollers or leverless heads help a lot here when it comes to avoiding damage. If you’re using a tool like a bead shovel, make sure to break the bead away from the valve stem.

Pay attention to sensor type when demounting as well. Aluminum clamp-in valves should have the nut removed first, so the sensor falls into the tire cavity. That step alone can help to avoid TPMS damage. If a customer has rubber snap-in valves, break the bead with the valve at either the 12 or 6 o’clock position. That helps avoid contact with the sensor on the opposite side of the wheel.

Regardless of value type, when mounting, make sure the valve is positioned directly under the dismount head. This lets the bead pass over the valve with a low risk of damage. While mounting, your technicians should try to place the valve where the tire meets the rim on the turntable.

Lubrication may seem minor, but it makes a big difference. Always apply lube before pulling a snap-in valve through the hole. This helps seat the stem correctly and prevents twisting or tearing.

Larger sensors increase the risk of damage during service. They take up more space inside the wheel, so be extra cautious when working around them.

To avoid delays and save time, make sure your shop stocks up on TPMS sensors for the season. But more importantly, ensure your team understands the process.

These spring tire changeover tips may seem basic, but they prevent sensor damage and costly comebacks. Treat this busy season like Spring Training—prioritize precision, reinforce best practices, and build your team’s confidence for a successful year.