12 steps to fitting new tyres
Avoid the labour costs and follow these 12 easy steps to change your own tyres
1 Get your wheels out and check the direction of rotation. If there aren't rotation marks on the wheel itself, stick a bit of tape on it and mark the direction with an arrow
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NB: Before starting read the in depth guide to tyre changing here to find out what you need
1 Get your wheels out and check the direction of rotation. If there aren't rotation marks on the wheel itself, stick a bit of tape on it and mark the direction with an arrow.
2 Position the wheel in the bead breaker and take up the slack on the threaded clamp to hold it all in place, making sure the clamp isn't going to foul the rim once tightened.
3 Wind the handle on the bead breaker to squeeze the tyre away from the rim. Once the bead starts to break, move around until its all free. Turn over and repeat on the other side.
4 Put the rim protectors in place and move in with the tyre levers, kneeling on the tyre to hold it in place on the floor. Quite a bit of effort might be needed, so hold on tight.
5 Once the first lever has lifted the bead over the rim, hold it in place and move to the next rim protector with lever two. Continue around the rim until the bead is clear.
6 Once it's clear on one side, use the rim protectors and levers to pull the other bead clear, working from the same side as before. A bit of pulling and puffing may be needed.
7 Being pikeys, we're fitting used tyres. Here, Daryll spots the Pirelli's rotation arrow. The red blobs of paint near it are balance marks, which must be fitted next to the valve.
8 Check and clean up the rim, then lube the edge of the new tyre with tyre soap or washing-up liquid. Put the tyre on the floor and push the rim down onto it.
9 Turn the wheel over and lay the rim flat on the floor, then use the levers to work the bead into place all the way round the tyre, being careful not to mark the rim.
10 Almost there now. Work the opposite bead into place, making sure the tyre's balance marks are lined up with the valve.
11 Inflate the tyre with a compressor or petrol station airline until both beads pop into place. Check all the way round, then let the air out and re-inflate.
12 Finally, balance the wheel. It might take a bit of practice at first, but be patient. It must be done properly or you'll be all over the shop down the bypass.
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