by Jay Bee » Sun Feb 19, 2023 6:20 am
mick -
I agree wholeheartedly with Puffs - I find the biggest single influence on how easy (or difficult) a tyre change might be is ambient temperature. I've fitted all my own tyres and tubes for decades, and try to avoid doing any such work at cooler times of the year. Not always possible, I know, but you can help the situation by warming up the tyre indoors, or using a warm air gun, maybe.
Another factor is the use of proper tyre lube, definitely not washing-up liquid, WD40, or the like. This can be available at motorist accessory shops, or maybe you can scrounge some from your friendly neighbourhood tyre shop the next time you buy tyres for the car.
If ever I'm struggling to fit a tyre I tend to take a step back and ask myself "What am I doing wrong ?" and if you are lacking manual strength a second pair of hands can also be a great help.