# How I Saved $5000 in My First Year
When I bought my LCTX tire changer last year, my wife thought I was crazy. "We're not mechanics," she said. Here's how it paid for itself in under a year.
## The Breaking Point
I was tired of paying $25-40 per tire for mounting and balancing. With a family of four drivers and eight seasonal tire changes, that's $800-1,280 annually just for mounting.
## The Investment
LCTX tire changer: $599
Added equipment:
- Tire balancer: $300 (basic model)
- Air compressor: Already had one
- Tire lubricant: $20
Total investment: $919
## Year One Savings
### Personal Use
- Spring/fall tire changes (4 vehicles × 4 tires × $30): $960
- Two sets of new tires mounted: $240
- Helped three neighbors (free): Priceless goodwill
### Side Income
- Word spread quickly in my neighborhood
- Started charging $15/tire for local friends
- Completed about 200 tires over the year
- Income: $3,000
**Total first-year benefit: $4,200**
**Net profit after equipment: $3,281**
## Unexpected Benefits
1. **Convenience**: Change tires on my schedule
2. **Learning**: Gained valuable mechanical skills
3. **Community**: Became the "go-to guy" in my area
4. **Quality Control**: Ensure my family's tires are mounted correctly
## Second Year Outlook
With equipment paid off, year two is pure profit. I'm on track for:
- $1,200 personal savings
- $4,000-5,000 side income
The LCTX didn't just save money - it created an income stream.
## Final Thoughts
Best purchase I've made in years. If you're handy and change tires twice a year, this pays for itself fast. Add a little side work, and you've got a serious money maker.
*Would I recommend it? Absolutely. My wife now admits I was right!*