Kart tyre changer: how to change tyres in the pits without damaging the rim
Updated: Oct 23
Tyres worn out halfway through the day, a new set to fit before the race, wets to put on quickly because rain is coming: changing tyres is one of the most frequent jobs in the pits. With the right kart tyre changer it becomes a quick, clean job. Here is how to do it, step by step, and which tool to choose.
In short With a kart tyre changer you change tyres in the pits in a few minutes, without damaging rim or bead. The sequence is always the same: deflate, break the bead, remove, fit the new tyre the right way round, seat the bead and bring the pressure to the working value. With the REVOLUTION Tyre Changer you have a dedicated tyre station, at the track or in the workshop.
Why use a kart tyre changer instead of levers
Kart tyres have stiff beads and delicate rims, often in magnesium or aluminium. With levers it is hard work, you lose time and it only takes a moment to scratch the rim or pinch the bead. A tyre changer locks the rim, breaks the bead with controlled force and guides the tyre off and onto its seat without forcing it.
To learn more about rims, read the complete guide to kart wheels.
How to change kart tyres with a tyre changer
• 1. Deflate the tyre completely: remove the valve core and let all the air out. Working with residual air makes everything harder.
• 2. Break the bead: with the tyre changer, push the bead off the rim seat, first on one side and then on the other. This is the step that wastes the most time with levers.
• 3. Remove the tyre: with the rim locked, bring the bead over the rim edge one side at a time, without levering against the rim.
• 4. Prepare the new tyre: check the direction-of-rotation arrow printed on the sidewall and make sure the rim is clean and the valve in good order.
• 5. Fit and seat the bead: put the tyre on the rim, refit the valve core and inflate just enough for the bead to seat properly, never exceeding the maximum pressure shown on the sidewall.
• 6. Set the working pressure: go down to the right value for the tyre and the track. For the Rotax Mojo D5 tyres there is the guide on Mojo D5 pressures, management and wear.
The kart tyre changer we use: REVOLUTION Tyre Changer
It is a tyre changer designed for kart tyres and rims, with electrical and mechanical components integrated in a single body and side handles for transport. It fixes onto the REVOLUTION benches and the REVOLUTION Cabinet, creating a dedicated tyre station at the track, in the paddock or in the workshop. Ideal for teams and drivers who change tyres often: REVOLUTION Tyre Changer.
To discover the whole line read REVOLUTION line: the electric trolley and the equipment that changes life in the pits.
Mistakes to avoid when changing tyres
• Fitting the tyre the wrong way round: always check the direction-of-rotation arrow.
• Exceeding the maximum pressure to seat the bead: it is dangerous. The maximum value is written on the tyre sidewall.
• Levering on the rim edge: let the tyre changer do the work and avoid scratches and deformation.
• Forgetting the valve core: without it the tyre does not hold pressure.
• Not rechecking pressures with hot tyres: after the first laps pressures rise, so they must be checked with a gauge. Revise the guide to karting tyre pressures.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a tyre changer to change kart tyres?
You can also change them with levers and a lot of patience, but a kart tyre changer breaks the bead and removes the tyre without forcing it: you work faster and avoid scratching the rim or damaging the tyre bead.
Why choose the REVOLUTION Tyre Changer?
It is designed specifically for kart tyres and rims, with electrical and mechanical components integrated in a single body and side handles for transport. It fixes onto the REVOLUTION benches and the REVOLUTION Cabinet, so you have a dedicated tyre station at the track, in the paddock or in the workshop.
What pressure do you inflate the tyre to after fitting it?
First inflate it just enough for the bead to seat properly on the rim, never exceeding the maximum pressure shown on the tyre sidewall. Then go down to the working pressure, which depends on the tyre, the track and the temperature.
Product data: REVOLUTION Tyre Changer technical sheet (REV-005).
Questions about this topic?
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Read also: Kart tyres: the complete guide → · Kart wheels: magnesium or aluminium? → · REVOLUTION line: the equipment that changes life in the pits →
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Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 18 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
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