Changing tyres

[PhilTimo]

I'm almost embarrassed to ask this but..

How do I go about getting the tyres changed?
I have a track day coming up, and fancy getting some stickies (not slicks) for the outing. But how do I go about this?
I cant change them myself, and Im sure I cant go down quick fit and get them to do it?!!

This is a serious question!

[phil4]

Take wheels to a tyre place and ask them to change them. Or if you're feeling brave, take the car.... but that's just temping a "test drive" accident.

Realistically it's a bit more complex than that, as the local tyre place may not do the type you want, so you may need to use BlackCircles or Camskill or some other specialist tyre place. But then even the local fitters should, for a small fee, change one tyre to another.

Alternatively, the factory can sell you a new set of wheels, with tyres, which you can just swap back and forth as you need.

[PhilTimo]

I like the idea of the factory supplying. I dont think my Mrs will! But thank you!

[PhilTimo]

I dont have a jack low enough to get get my car off the ground!

[John Scherrer]

Here's some pointers re suitable car jacks for the Atom :-

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=17765&p=297737&hili ... ow#p297737

Ideally, you need to find a fitter who will fit them by hand and not use one of those machines that grinds the edges off your lovely rims.

[PhilTimo]

Thanks! I was looking at some inflatable ones on Amazon. What a ball ache!

[Karl V]

Top tip: put some timber or a brick in front of each wheel and drive up onto the material of choice.

[Rooney1000]

Anyone have good link to a low profile jack that works and doesn't cost the earth. The Sealey one on that link doesn't seem to exist anymore, can find their 2 tonne one but seems overkill - must be something cheaper that fits ?!

Also, can someone confirm where the rear jacking point is? I have the handbook but the image doesn't overly help...is it being jacked from the side of the car or from behind - looks like from the rear ?

Luckily I have spare set of rims and wheels so assuming I can work out how to jack the thing up without ruining it then I should be ok !!!

[Sledgehammer]

Hi, rear jacking point is the rear bar in the middle, so it jacks the hole rear at once. I use a big jack(to get it high enough in the front for oil change) it fits under the rear bar, for front jacking i use plastik ramps (8cm) then it fits under.

[Rooney1000]

Thanks. Where do you jack the front from, near the wheel or as per the Atom handbook ?

[Sledgehammer]

Under the lower arm front frame fixing point, like in the handbook.

[mapes]

Try Machine Mart for a low level cheap jack (£42), that what I have used...

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke- ... -trolley-/

[Fastlane]

Hi, rear jacking point is the rear bar in the middle, so it jacks the hole rear at once.

This isn't recommended by the factory. From the Atom 3 handbook:
"The rear jacking point should be at the most forward of the two suspension mounts. Always jack as near to the chassis as possible (looking out for wiring, pipes etc.).

[K20A2]

Scissor Jack

Screenshot_20210507-143944_Gallery.jpg (1.27 MiB) Viewed 440 times

Due to cobblestone pavement a common hydraulic jack unfortunately was not usable for me, but I am quite happy with a scissor jack.
Mine is only 82mm high and due to the little weight of the Atom it handles very well and quick.

[Fastlane]

Due to cobblestone pavement a common hydraulic jack unfortunately was not usable for me, but I am quite happy with a scissor jack.
Mine is only 82mm high and due to the little weight of the Atom it handles very well and quick.

The scissor jack is fine, but this jacking position isn't recommended as it can upset the geometry. The jack should be as near to the chassis as possible.