How to Start a Tire Shop (10 Step Guide)

Introduction

Starting a tire shop is an exciting and profitable venture, but success isn’t just about getting customers through the door—you need the right tools and equipment to provide top-quality service. Whether you're performing tire repair, wheel balancing, or alignments, investing in high-quality automotive equipment ensures efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Many new shop owners make the mistake of cutting corners when purchasing tools, only to realize later that low-quality equipment leads to slower turnaround times, safety hazards, and costly mistakes.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what’s needed to run a successful, efficient, and profitable tire shop.

Tire shop equipment list

Beyond hand tools, your tire shop needs specialized equipment to handle tire mounting, balancing, and alignment efficiently. Here are the nine must-have machines every professional shop needs:

1. Tire changer

A tire changer is the core machine of any tire shop, allowing fast and damage-free tire mounting and removal. A high-quality automatic tire changer saves time, protects expensive alloy wheels, and enables your shop to handle a higher volume of customers efficiently.

Tire changers come in a few variations to accommodate for different tire sizes and needs. When you are ready to make a purchase, consider the price, time to train your technicians, energy usage and return on investment. Here are some of the popular choices:

• Swing Arm: Affordable and easy to use, the swing arm tire changer is a popular choice. They are appropriate for tires up to 50 inches in diameter. The only drawback is you have to reset the head position every time you change tire sizes.
• Tilt-Back: If you are looking for a faster option, the tilt-back may be the right choice for you. They can adjust to varying tire sizes much easier that a swing arm but they typically cost more.
• Leverless: Leverless tire changers provide the most automated experience but also come at a premium price point. This tool can be exceptionally helpful if your technicians deal with larger truck tires or if you want to reduce the risk of employee injuries.
• Heavy-Duty: Handling up to 90in diameter tires, this tool will be your best friend if you work on construction or heavy duty vehicles regularly. They have a high price point but it will be justifiable if you service enough large tires.

2. Wheel balancer

A wheel balancer ensures perfectly balanced tires, preventing vibrations and uneven tread wear. Investing in a wheel balancer for your auto repair shop helps you achieve precise results, improving customer satisfaction, and reducing comeback work. Wheel balancers come in a few variations:

• Dynamic balancers: Using more advanced technology, dynamic balancers spin the tire to assess any variations in the tire. Once the tire is assessed, the technician can make any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. These machines tend to be more precise but also come with a bigger price tag.
• Static balancers: Static machines use a more basic measurement technology to balance tires. The basic idea is that gravity will pull the heaviest part of the tire downwards as the tire is suspended on the machine. They tend to be cheaper and take up less space but because they are stationary, the readings can be less accurate than dynamic balancers.
• Bubble balancers: Bubble balancers are ideal for shops looking to save money or smaller operations that don’t service tires as often. They work by using a bubble level to check for imbalances in the tire. These machines are less reliable but they are also cheaper and take up less space.

3. Alignment machine

Alignment machines are critical to any tire repair shop because misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear and poor handling. A high-tech alignment machine allows your shop to offer wheel alignment services, a high-profit service that improves customer retention. Alignment machines are expensive, ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 but can provide years of service that often justify the upfront cost.

Proper tire alignment leads to improved handling, fuel efficiency, tire life, and safety. All of these benefits help your customers get the most out of their new tires which leads to better customer loyalty.

4. Inflation equipment

Many of your shop’s tools, including impact wrenches and bead seaters, rely on compressed air. A large-capacity air compressor ensures consistent air supply, keeping your operations running smoothly.

• Air compressor: Air compressors provide the necessary air for many of your power tools and machines. They are also the key to proper tire inflation to make sure your tires leave the shop with the right PSI. Remember to have the right adapters needed to connect to the tire valve stem.
• Tire inflators: If you are servicing enough tire volume, you may want to invest in dedicated tire inflators. They often include pressure gauges and make it a little easier than using a regular air compressor.

5. Tire inventory and storage

Finding the right balance between having enough tires in stock and crowding your shop layout can be challenging. To maximize efficiency, keep track of which tires you sell the most of and reduce inventory of seasonal tires that you only need once a year.

Heavy-duty tire storage racks allow you to store new and used tires efficiently. If your customers can see your inventory, make sure it is organized and professional looking. Lastly, ask your technicians for feedback and how you can help them be more efficient by adjusting your layout or inventory.

6. Vehicle lifts

A car lift makes tire rotations, inspections, and alignments easier and faster for your technicians. While they are expensive, they can be used for tire repairs as well as general automotive repairs. There are multiple types of lifts on the market so make sure to find the lift that works best for your shop. Consider price, size, lift speed, lift height, and load capacity.

Jack stands may be a cheaper alternative if you have a smaller budget to work with and don’t service a large volume of tires. However, they ares slower to use and may reduce effieiciencies in your shop workflow.

7. Tire repair tools

Some customers will just be looking for a quick patch or repair on their tire. Make sure you have patch and plug kits readily available so you can win easy business.

8. Tire shop software

Your tire shop isn’t just about changing tires—you need to track inventory, invoices, and customer records. A modern workstation with tire shop management software (like Tekmetric) keeps operations organized, efficient, and profitable.

9. Miscellaneous items

• Waiting area: Make a good first impression by offering a comfortable waiting area with chairs, TV, and basic refreshments. Keep the climate at a comfortable temperature to make sure your customers feel at ease.
• Marketing: Tekmetric makes it easy to market your business with modern marketing and CRM capabilities. Let us build your website and provide an online booking software to make it easy for customers to find you and book with you.
• Point of sale (POS) software: Tekmetric has you covered with payment options and solutions for your customers. Provide customers with multiple ways to pay plus financing options.

Essential tools for your tire shop

Even with high-tech machinery, manual tools are essential for precise tire work. These tools allow your technicians to handle tire mounting, balancing, and repairs efficiently and safely. Here are the nine tools every tire shop needs:

1. Tire irons & pry bars

These are critical for manually mounting and demounting tires. Even with a tire changer, stubborn tires (such as off-road or low-profile tires) often require extra force. Pry bars and tire irons allow your techs to work efficiently and prevent rim damage.

2. Air impact wrench & torque wrench

Lug nut installation and removal is a daily task in any tire shop. An air impact wrench speeds up this process, while a torque wrench ensures that lug nuts are tightened to manufacturer specifications, preventing over-tightening (which can damage wheel studs) or under-tightening (which can lead to wheel detachment).

3. Bead seater tool

A bead seater blasts a strong burst of air to seat the tire bead onto the wheel, ensuring a secure and leak-free fit. This tool is especially valuable for handling low-profile, oversized, and performance tires, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency.

4. Valve stem tools

Valve stems regulate tire pressure, and a valve stem tool kit allows for quick replacements and repairs. Properly maintaining valve stems prevents slow leaks and customer complaints, improving the overall quality of service.

5. TPMS tools

A tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) is an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure inside pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles. Having the right tool can help you make sure a customers TPMS light doesn’t come on after they leave your shop. These tools can do light resets and reprogram tire positions when necessary.

6. Tire pressure gauge & inflator

Proper tire pressure improves fuel efficiency, tire lifespan, and vehicle safety. A high-quality tire pressure gauge ensures accurate readings, while an inflator allows quick and precise air adjustments, reducing customer wait times.

7. Tire repair kit

Not all punctured tires need to be replaced—some can be repaired! A tire repair kit with patches, plugs, and rubber cement lets you fix minor punctures, offering customers a cost-effective alternative to tire replacement while increasing your shop’s revenue.

8. Breaker bar

Sometimes, lug nuts are too tight for an impact wrench due to rust or excessive torque. A breaker bar provides extra leverage, making it easier to remove stuck lug nuts without damaging wheel components.

9. Wheel weight hammer & adhesive weights

Proper wheel balancing ensures a smooth ride and even tire wear. A wheel weight hammer allows your techs to install or remove clip-on weights, while adhesive weights are ideal for balancing modern alloy wheels.

Conclusion

Setting up a successful tire shop requires more than just skills—you need the right tools and equipment. If the startup cost is daunting, consider leveraging vendor/supplier relationships to help with the cost. Or, leverage a line of credit from Tekmetric Payments. By investing in high-quality tire changers, wheel balancers, and shop management software, you’ll improve efficiency, customer satisfaction, and long-term profitability. You can learn more about Tekmetric's tire shop software here.

In the fast-paced auto repair industry, delivering exceptional service and ensuring vehicle safety is paramount. This is where Tire Suite comes in — a solution that simplifies tire management, letting you save time and gain peace of mind.

Tire Suite is a comprehensive solution designed specifically for tire shops. Whether you're struggling with time-consuming DOT# registration processes, concerned about protecting your shop from risk, or looking to save money and boost profits, Tire Suite has you covered.

Streamline Your Processes, Save Valuable Time

Time is money, especially in the fast-paced world of tire shops. With Tire Suite, you can say goodbye to the days of manual paperwork and tedious DOT# registration processes. Our platform automates the entire registration process via Tiremetrix, saving you valuable time that can be better spent serving your customers or growing your business. By streamlining your processes, Tire Suite allows you to focus on what matters most – delivering exceptional service to your customers.

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Our platform not only streamlines your processes for DOT# registration but also helps streamline tire sourcing. Access vehicle-specific tire specifications swiftly, facilitating seamless tire selection for your team. Easily search your inventory or seamlessly add tires as needed parts, enabling effortless tire sourcing through integrated parts ordering.

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Protect Your Shop, Ensure Compliance

Compliance issues can be a nightmare for tire shop owners, leading to costly fines and penalties. With Tire Suite, you can rest easy knowing that your shop is fully compliant with DOT# regulations. Our platform simplifies the registration process and provides ongoing support, helping you avoid unnecessary risks and protect your business from potential liabilities. By investing in Tire Suite, you're investing in the long-term success and sustainability of your shop.

Take Your Tire Shop to the Next Level with Tire Suite

Ready to take your shop to new heights of efficiency and success? It's time to discover the power of Tire Suite. Say goodbye to wasted time, compliance concerns, and unnecessary expenses – and say hello to a brighter future for your shop.

Today’s vehicle owners look for shops that prioritize their evolving needs, and many gravitate towards shops that take care of their entire vehicle in the most efficient manner, from the engine to the tires. As vehicle owners look for a one-stop auto repair shop, shop owners have the unique opportunity to expand their business by also selling tires. This is where Tekmetric’s Tire Suite comes in — a solution that simplifies tire management, letting you save time while leveraging the opportunity to expand your service offerings.

Tire Suite is a feature that your shop can add onto your existing Tekmetric plan. With this add-on, you have access to tire-specific features that allow you to view data specific to your tires and in turn make informed decisions to support that area of your business. By maximizing the information in Tire Suite appropriately, you can open the door to this new business stream – without losing efficiency in your shop. Here are three ways you maximize tire management in your shop:  

1. Time is money – streamline processes to maintain efficiency 

Effective shop management saves you time and money – and there are several simple ways you can apply this strategy to the tire portion of your business. For instance, with Tire Suite, you can reduce the amount of time it takes to register Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers when you sell a tire. DOT registration with Tire Suite registers DOT identification numbers electronically with the appropriate tire manufacturer via the Tiremetrix integration. In addition, you get real-time feedback when entering a DOT number in the system to ensure the validity and recall status of the tire.

Instead of having to worry about compliance or losing hours of time to DOT# entry, your service advisors can gain time back with Tire Suite’s automated registration process. Typically, DOT number registration is a manual task, and the time it takes to enter each number can add up to hours of labor time depending on your shop’s sales. Tekmetric’s Tire Suite allows your service advisors to spend less time entering information and more time with the customer.  By streamlining manual processes like DOT registration, your shop can handle more work in less time and maximize profitability – all while offering a more convenient and comfortable process for vehicle owners.

2. Leverage accurate data to maximize tire shelf life

In addition to tire compliance, it is also important to set up a system where the tires are used in a timely fashion. Tire Suite allows your team to track inventory and maximize the use of available tires while also making sure tires do not sit too long on the shelf. This requires a bit of finesse, and that’s where Tire Suite comes in. Now, service writers can quickly look up all tires for preferred brands that will fit a vehicle and source them directly from inventory or add as a needed job part. 

In addition, tire fitment data allows you to access detailed tire specifications in the RO sidebar for a specific vehicle. For example, if you have a vehicle that needs staggered tires, the data will ensure you get two tires of each type rather than four of the same size. That attention to detail is made possible by leveraging tire-related data – and it can make a significant impact on growing that portion of your business.

3. Build and retain customer loyalty

Once a dealership warranty ends, 70% of customers will seek a repair shop they know they can trust and remain loyal to. Customers value convenience and comfort. When those needs are met, they are more likely to trust your shop and return to do business with you time and time again. 

Shops with the highest retention rates often make tires a part of their business because customers are looking to kill two birds with one stone. Conversely, by not selling tires, you can even hurt your retention rate. When you choose to offer tire management services and provide them in an efficient manner, you are more likely to maintain your customer retention rate because vehicle owners will have everything they need in the hands of their favorite shop.

Adding tire services to your auto repair offerings may seem daunting – but the opportunities far outweigh the challenges. When you leverage the appropriate tools for tire management, such as Tekmetric’s Tire Suite, you can maintain your shop’s efficiency and meet vehicle owners’ needs without missing a beat. The result? Happy, returning customers – and growth in your bottom line over time. 

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