Mounting & balancing tires yourself: Difference between revisions

Line 18:

[[Image:mount balance 1.JPG|150px]]

Not shown, above, is the valve core tool. I like 11" tire irons personally, as they're just long enough to forgive sloppy technique, but not long enough to give enough leverage to easily bend a rim. Note, I do NOT use tire lube of any sort as I don't find it necessary. But, it does make the task a bit easier... so if you're going that route, buy some purpose-made tire lube. Don't try to make ~~due~~ with something, and '''DO NOT''' use dish soap and water, as that stuff can, and will, eat at the tire. It's designed to attack grease (oil), and tires are a petroleum product. I've seen a few nasty looking tires that had gooey, melty rubber from dish soap.

Not shown, above, is the valve core tool. I like 11" tire irons personally, as they're just long enough to forgive sloppy technique, but not long enough to give enough leverage to easily bend a rim. Note, I do NOT use tire lube of any sort, as I don't find it necessary. But, it does make the task a bit easier... so if you're going that route, buy some purpose-made tire lube. Don't try to make do with something, and '''DO NOT''' use dish soap and water, as that stuff can, and will, eat at the tire. It's designed to attack grease (oil), and tires are a petroleum product. I've seen a few nasty looking tires that had gooey, melty rubber from dish soap.

Dish soap is also not kind to your wheels. After a few years, it has eaten away the rim on this one to the point that it will no longer hold air.

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 [[Image:mount balance 1.JPG|150px]]
-Not shown, above, is the valve core tool. I like 11" tire irons personally, as they're just long enough to forgive sloppy technique, but not long enough to give enough leverage to easily bend a rim. Note, I do NOT use tire lube of any sort as I don't find it necessary. But, it does make the task a bit easier... so if you're going that route, buy some purpose-made tire lube. Don't try to make due with something, and '''DO NOT''' use dish soap and water, as that stuff can, and will, eat at the tire. It's designed to attack grease (oil), and tires are a petroleum product. I've seen a few nasty looking tires that had gooey, melty rubber from dish soap.
+Not shown, above, is the valve core tool. I like 11" tire irons personally, as they're just long enough to forgive sloppy technique, but not long enough to give enough leverage to easily bend a rim. Note, I do NOT use tire lube of any sort, as I don't find it necessary. But, it does make the task a bit easier... so if you're going that route, buy some purpose-made tire lube. Don't try to make do with something, and '''DO NOT''' use dish soap and water, as that stuff can, and will, eat at the tire. It's designed to attack grease (oil), and tires are a petroleum product. I've seen a few nasty looking tires that had gooey, melty rubber from dish soap.
 Dish soap is also not kind to your wheels. After a few years, it has eaten away the rim on this one to the point that it will no longer hold air.