a method of single stage construction of pneumatic tires of the radial type wherein all components are entirely assembled upon a cylindrical tire building drum and thereafter shaped to toroidal configuration with the requisite relative motion between components during shaping being facilitated by a lubricant , characterized in that the lubricant is contained in a composition including a thermoplastic with the composition applied to certain of the tire components in liquid form and dried prior to assembly of the components into the tire .