Tire Tube Tips
Field experience has shown that tubes sometimes do not "adjust" well to the inside contour of the tire because the tube surface does not always slip when in contact with a tire that has little or no inside lubrication. This is the reason for industry recommendations to "inflate, deflate, re-inflate.”This condition is more pronounced in natural rubber tubes and, as in butyl tubes, may cause folding, tearing or excessive stress on the valve.
It is recommended that natural rubber tubes be lubricated before mounting in addition to the inflate, deflate, re-inflate cycle. This assures that the tube can adjust to the shape and contour of the tire/rim envelopes. As a minimum, the inside (rim side) and the sidewalls should be lightly lubricated with an approved mounting lubricant. An acceptable and easily applied substitute is oil soap available in spray bottles for home use. It can be diluted with tap water.
Proper lubrication along with the inflate, deflate, re-inflate cycle should eliminate or substantially reduce damage to the tube during the mounting operation.
