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Tire Repairers and Changers

SOC 49-3093.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers tire repair and replacement work performed in commercial tire shops and automotive service centers, spanning hands-on vehicle service tasks, equipment operation, customer interaction, and shop administration.

Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Hydraulic jack operationlearn and perform vehicle-raising procedures under direct supervisor guidance in a busy tire service bay.
  2. Lug wrench and impact tool handlingremove wheels from passenger vehicles following step-by-step instructions on the shop floor.
  3. Wheel remounting proceduresreattach wheels to vehicles using correct torque sequences under close technician supervision.
  4. Balancing machine setupplace wheels on balancing equipment and read basic readouts with guidance from an experienced coworker.
  5. Tire size and ply identificationrecognize and interpret sidewall markings to select correct inflation pressures under direct oversight.
  6. Valve stem replacementremove damaged stems and install new ones following standard shop protocols on routine tire jobs.
  7. Counterweight installationhammer specified weights onto wheel rims as directed by balancing machine output under supervision.
  8. Tire-to-wheel reassemblymount tires back onto rims using tire mounting equipment following demonstrated shop procedures.
  9. Active listening on the shop floorreceive and follow multi-step verbal instructions from lead technicians during routine service tasks.
  10. Puncturing object removallocate and extract nails or debris from tire treads using basic hand tools under direct technician direction.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Vehicle lifting sequenceraise a variety of car and light-truck models safely using hydraulic jacks with minimal supervisor prompting in a production shop environment.
  2. Wheel removal efficiencyunbolt and remove wheels using power and hand tools at consistent production pace while maintaining safety standards.
  3. Wheel balancing analysisoperate balancing machines independently, interpret readout data, and select correct counterweights for standard passenger and light-truck tires.
  4. Inflation specification complianceidentify tire size, ply rating, and load index and inflate tires to manufacturer-recommended pressures without prompting.
  5. Valve stem and puncture repairreplace valve stems and perform plug or patch repairs on common puncture types following shop repair standards.
  6. Counterweight precisionhammer and seat counterweights accurately on rims to achieve balance tolerances within shop quality benchmarks.
  7. Tire mounting qualityreassemble tires onto wheels correctly, checking bead seating and air retention on a variety of tire and rim combinations.
  8. Customer communicationexplain recommended tire services and basic findings to customers clearly and professionally at the service counter.
  9. Time management on the floorprioritize and complete multiple tire change and repair jobs within scheduled time windows during peak shop hours.
  10. Basic service recordsenter completed job details and parts usage into shop management or database software accurately at end of shift.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex vehicle lifting situationsraise specialty vehicles, trucks, and AWD models safely using appropriate equipment and adapters without oversight in a full-service tire center.
  2. Diagnostic tire assessmentevaluate tread wear patterns, sidewall damage, and structural integrity to determine repairability or replacement across a full range of tire types.
  3. Advanced wheel balancingperform road-force balancing on low-profile and performance tires and resolve persistent vibration complaints using systematic diagnostic reasoning.
  4. Non-routine puncture repair decisionsassess puncture location, size, and angle on run-flat and specialty tires and apply correct repair method per industry standards.
  5. Full-service wheel package executioncomplete tire rotation, mounting, balancing, torque verification, and TPMS reset as an integrated workflow across diverse vehicle makes.
  6. TPMS sensor servicediagnose, reprogram, and replace tire pressure monitoring sensors using scan tools and manufacturer procedures without technical assistance.
  7. Service quality troubleshootingidentify root causes of comeback issues such as vibration or air loss and implement corrective repairs efficiently in a high-volume shop.
  8. Customer service problem resolutionhandle escalated customer concerns about tire service quality, communicating findings and solutions with confidence and professionalism.
  9. Inventory tracking accuracymonitor tire and parts stock levels using database or spreadsheet software and flag reorder needs to maintain shop operational continuity.
  10. Workstation safety enforcementensure hydraulic jack stands, torque wrenches, and mounting equipment are inspected and used correctly by all team members on the floor.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Shop productivity leadershipset daily workflow priorities, assign jobs, and optimize bay utilization to maximize throughput and service quality across a multi-technician tire facility.
  2. Technical training program deliverydesign and conduct hands-on onboarding for new tire technicians covering hydraulic lifting, mounting, balancing, and TPMS procedures.
  3. Quality standards developmentestablish shop-wide repair and inspection protocols aligned with industry codes and manufacturer specifications to ensure consistent service outcomes.
  4. Performance metrics oversighttrack key indicators such as comeback rate, cycle time, and upsell conversion using spreadsheet or shop management software to drive continuous improvement.
  5. Customer experience strategyimplement service processes and communication standards that increase customer retention and satisfaction scores across the location.
  6. Vendor and inventory managementnegotiate tire and parts procurement terms with suppliers and manage stock levels using database tools to control cost and availability.
  7. Safety compliance leadershipconduct regular equipment audits, enforce OSHA-aligned safety practices, and lead incident investigations to eliminate shop floor hazards.
  8. Mentorship and career developmentcoach developing technicians through skill assessments, targeted feedback, and stretch assignments to build team depth and advancement pathways.
  9. Cross-functional coordinationcollaborate with service advisors, parts staff, and management using email and project management software to align scheduling and customer commitments.
  10. Operational planning and forecastinganalyze seasonal demand trends and labor capacity data to develop staffing and inventory plans that sustain shop performance year-round.

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Alignment Technician · Automotive Tire Worker (Auto Tire Worker) · Brake and Alignment Technician (Brake and Alignment Tech) · Commercial Tire Service Tech (Commercial Tire Service Technician) · Commercial Tire Tech (Commercial Tire Technician) · Lube Technician · Maintenance Technician · Mobile Tire Tech (Mobile Tire Technician) · Repair Technician (Repair Tech) · Roadside Technician (Roadside Tech) · Service Technician · Tire Balancer
RAPIDS apprenticeships
O*NET skills
Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingService OrientationTime Management
Knowledge domains
MechanicalCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementSales and Marketing
Abilities
Trunk StrengthMultilimb CoordinationManual DexterityStatic StrengthExtent FlexibilityNear VisionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation Ordering
Work styles
DependabilityAttention to DetailCautiousnessStress ToleranceIntegrityPerseverance
Technology
Accounting softwareSpreadsheet softwareElectronic mail softwareWord processing softwareProject management softwareData base user interface and query software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Raise vehicles, using hydraulic jacks.
  2. Remount wheels onto vehicles.
  3. Unbolt and remove wheels from vehicles, using lug wrenches or other hand or power tools.
  4. Place wheels on balancing machines to determine counterweights required to balance wheels.
  5. Identify tire size and ply and inflate tires accordingly.
  6. Replace valve stems and remove puncturing objects.
  7. Hammer required counterweights onto rims of wheels.
  8. Reassemble tires onto wheels.
CIP education codes
46.030146.030347.000047.060047.061747.0618

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.