Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Tire Builder
What tire builders actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a tire builder?
Check component carts. From there, the day usually includes load components, build tires on drums, and splice plies. Full time, rotating shifts common.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a tire builder working full time.
- Check component carts.
- Load plies.
- Build green tires.
- Inspect splices.
- Change beads.
- Build a new size.
- Log count.
Where tire builders work
Builders work in tire plants.
Hours and schedule
Full time, rotating shifts common.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Load components
- Build tires on drums
- Splice plies
- Place beads and belts
- Inspect green tires
- Meet production targets
- Maintain machines
Tools you’ll use every day
- Tire building machines
- Drums
- Stitchers
- Knives
- Gauges
- Carts
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Good plant pay
- Union jobs common
- No degree needed
- Skill builds
What’s hard
- Repetitive
- Heat
- Rotating shifts
- Production quotas
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like precise hands-on work
- I work quickly
- I can work rotating shifts
- I want plant pay
- I’m reliable
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Tire Builder fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Keep hands clear of drums
- Use guards
- Lift carts safely
- Follow lockout/tagout