Tire installation using grease

[Jack's95gt]

I just had my new rear tires mounted. I bought a pair of Nitto's 555 285/40/17 from tires.com. I brought them to a repair shop that also sells tires to be mounted and balanced. I never used this shop before. I saw that they used regular red grease as a lubricant to fit the tires over the rims. I asked "whats this grease doing on the rims." He said "we use it all the time on low profile tires."

Is grease ok to use for this purpose?
If not, what are the drawbacks?
Are they morons?

I was having a good day until this happened. This is why I do most of my mechanical work. I have no confidence in the people in the auto repair business. I have at least 20 stories where I got screwed.

 

[OrangeMustangGt]

seems like it was a good idea for them to use grease. it cant hurt anything, and helps the machine get the tires on easier. just make sure its all off teh rim cause it looks bad.

 

[Dave95GT]

Grease wont hurt anything, it just keeps the bead from sticking to the wheel and tearing the bead. Just clean it off and dont worry about it.

 

[89MustangGX]

I've never used grease, but I've used auto tranny fluid - which is also red. Possible that's what they used?

 

[SlowGT]

I would've never tried grease or oil had I not seen this post. All I've ever seen used is liquid dish soap.

 

[final5-0]

I would've never tried grease or oil had I not seen this post. All I've ever seen used is liquid dish soap.

I agree

This is the first time I have seen the grease thing

However, I have heard some places use motor oil for a tire dressing.

Later
Grady

 

[1105]

I used dishsoap to mount my Nitto's and didnt have any problems. If the guys know how to set the machine up it shouldnt matter what they use on the tire to mount it.