When to Lubricate a Tire Plus Dos and Don’ts

Tire lubrication is an important step in the tire demounting and mounting process. Professional tire installation technicians are trained to understand the importance of proper lubrication and what substances can be used.

Failure to properly lubricate a tire during the demounting and mounting process can lead to improper mounting or corrosion on the rim. This can be dangerous for the vehicle owner when driving and can cause traffic accidents, resulting in serious injury or death.

How/When to Lubricate a Tire

Tire lubrication is necessary during the removal of the tire from the rim and then again when mounting the new tire onto the rim. Tire care professionals will follow these steps. 

1. Fully deflate the tire and place on tire changer. Remove the valve core and ease tire and wheel assembly off the vehicle.
2. The beads must be broken with a tool, and then the tire will need to be lubricated to remove it from the rim.
3. Prior to mounting the new tire, use lubricant to prepare the tire for installation on the rim. 

Laypersons should not attempt to demount and/or mount tires on their own. The process requires training and many professionals use special equipment like a tire changer machine to assist with the process. Attempting it on one’s own might lead to improper mounting, and increase risk of an accident.

Dos and Don’ts to Lubricating a Tire

The following are some dos and don’ts to safely lubricate a tire. Tire care professionals should always keep these in mind when demounting and mounting a tire. Using caution and adhering to industry guidelines can help ensure safety and customer satisfaction, while careless practices can cause or contribute to traffic accidents, injuries and fatalities. 

• Do: Use non-water based lubricant. Do not use anything water-based because of its potential for future rim corrosion.
• Do: Use vegetable oil soap or animal soap.
• Do:Use commercial lubricants designed for tire mounting. These commercial solutions may offer a rust inhibitor to protect the rim.
• Don’t: Use lubricating solutions inside the tire. The tire must stay clean and dry on the inside. Use caution when applying the lubricant to ensure it only adheres to the outside of the tire.
• Don’t: Use an excessive amount of lubricant on a tire.
• Don’t: Use silicones, anti-freeze or petroleum-based products to lubricate the tire.

If your tire care professional fails to follow proper safety guidelines and uses subpar materials or fails to follow the right steps, it can compromise tire quality and safety.

Protecting Yourself from Faulty Tire Manufacturing

If you are concerned about the condition of your rims and tires after you’ve had new tires and/or rims installed, speak to the professional responsible for your services. You are entitled to services that keep you safe and protect the quality and longevity of your property. If you’ve been involved in accident as the result of improper tire mounting procedures – such as failing to lubricate a tire correctly – you could be entitled to compensation for your damages.

The negligent party could be liable for the following. 

• your medical bills.
• loss of wages (if applicable).
• property damage.
• and, pain and suffering.

At Chalik and Chalik, we focus on helping people injured by faulty tires recover losses they’ve incurred as a result. Contact us to set up a consultation to discuss your accident, damages, and liability; a tire manufacturer or a tire care professional may be liable for a tire-related accident. Call us today at 855-529-0269 to set up a your appointment.