Recipe for DIY Tire Snot.

[Albikes]

One of the DIY projects I undertook on my garage find 95 Aspencade was to re and re the front and rear tires. As anyone who has ever tried this will tell you some sort of tire lubricant is an absolute must if you ever hope to be successful in this project.

I tried several of the most recommended ideas to remove the tires including Windex, soapy water and several others. None of which worked for me. So as I am wont to do I went into the house and spend time online researching DIY Tire Lube - What did we ever do before the internet??

The last time I researched Tire lube I found what for me turned out to be the jackpot.

Take four tablespoons of cornstarch put them into a cup of water and heat slowly to bring to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent the cornstarch from sticking to the bottom. Let it boil for about a minute. Remove from heat and let cool. I poured the cooled "Snot" into a small bottle and then used a small 1/2" paint brush to spread it onto the tire bead. Tire slips off and on relatively easily.

Additionally as it is a Gel it evaporates very slowly allowing a generous working time. Lastly as the water evaporates it leaves behind a benign, harmless powder that has no affect on either the rim or the tire.

[nwkwinger]

I only use soapy water. Not the type that that slightly discolors the water, but VERY soapy water, like 15% or so soap. When it's hot outside, I try to stay out of direct sunlight. If all else fails, I just use straight dish soap.

[Albikes]

I considered using soap but researching online it seems that most dish soaps have an ingredient that over time reacts adversely with aluminum. Additionally dish soaps intended purpose is to cut grease and tires are made from a modified version of grease. Hence my version of tire snot.

[WingAdmin]

Correct, dish soap is by definition alkaline, and will corrode aluminum wheels. It should not be used as a lubricant for mounting tires, or you will soon find your wheels pitted and your tires constantly leaking down.

[nwkwinger]

Thanks. I didn't realize that. I guess I'll have to come up with something different.

[Solo So Long]

How about this radical idea?

Buy some tire lube. It's about 8 bucks a can. Your local tire shop may even give you some (they buy it by the drum).

[WingAdmin]

How about this radical idea?

Buy some tire lube. It's about 8 bucks a can. Your local tire shop may even give you some (they buy it by the drum).

I've got a gallon jug of it just like this, it will probably last me the rest of my life.

https://www.amazon.com/Mounting-Demount ... ref=sr_1_1

[nwkwinger]

This doesn't affect the balance beads as long as you don't get carried away with it?

[WingAdmin]

This doesn't affect the balance beads as long as you don't get carried away with it?

I used a minimal amount, primarily just on the bead of the tire and the shoulder of the wheel rim leading up to the bead seating area, just enough to get the tire to slide into place. It worked, and I have no issues with the beads.