Tire Tubes … Simple but Confusing
Talking about tire tubes may seem like an irrelevant waste of time for many people, but in the specialty tire world it is a very important subject. And once again, the true experts in the tire business know what their talking about…unfortunately, most don’t! You definitely DO NOT want the wrong tube for your application. Call an expert at 1-800-225-9513. It could save you time, money, frustration or even serious injury.
Rather than writing a huge post, I thought I might make it simple and list the top ten tips about specialty tire tubes:
#10 Tire tubes are available in bias, radial, severe service radial and natural rubber.
#9 Tubes are not made for every tire size. Never put an oversized tube in a smaller tire.
#8 You cannot put a bias tube in a radial tire, however you can use a radial tube in a bias tire.
#7 You should not use an old tube in a new tire because an old tube grows over time and it could crease itself if put in a new tire, causing a blowout.
#6 Tubes come with a variety of valve stems. The correct valve depends on the rim, equipment use and tire size.
#5 You can calcium fill and foam fill (flat-proof) tires that use a tube.
#4 Tube Type tires require a tube, where as a tube is optional in a tubeless tire.
#3 Single piece tire rims generally don’t require a tube. Conversely, multi-piece tire rims require a tube to hold air.
#2 Rear Tractor Tube / Forestry Tube Installation – 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 the industry recommendation to “inflate, deflate, re-inflate”.
#1 Safety is #1. Tubes can be pinched or twisted during installation. All foreign material must be cleaned out of the tire casing before installing the tube. Lubricate the tube, tube flap, tire beads and rim. Finally, always use caution when airing up tires with new tubes installed.
Specialty tires and tubes require expert knowledge. We’re here if you need us. Give us a call.
Have a great week!
Brian
