Car Tyre Valve Stems: Functions, Types and Replacement Tips

What is a car tyre valve stem?

The car tyre valve stem is a small tube that allows air into your tyres. It is like a one-way door, and it only lets the air go into the tyre. No air escapes. There are different kinds of car tyre valve stems.

Why do we need car tyre valve stems?

Most tyres have valves either on cars or bicycles, and these are mostly the types used. These valves allow you to change the tyre pressure. After the air is filled in the tyre, the valve keeps the air from leaking out on its own.

A tyre stem is a device that keeps tyres at the right pressure. It consists of three parts: the body, the core, and the cap. They play together to keep the air in the tyre and maintain the correct pressure. These parts are responsible for holding the air in the tyre and keeping it at the expected pressure.

The different components of the car tyre valve stem work together to maintain the safety of the tyre. Air may leak from the valves if they are damaged. Provided that the valves are operating properly, keeping the air inside, and the tyres are running smoothly, these are the factors to be considered.

Different types of car tyre valve stem

Car tyre valve stems are the small parts on your tyres that allow you to add air. There are several car tyre valve stems in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Selecting the right car tyre valve stem replacement for your car is very important for your tyre's performance and safety.

Here are the different types of car tyre valve stems you can choose from:

• Rubber valve stems

Rubber valve stems compare to your tyres like straws to drinks. They are the most common types among those that are made of hard rubber. They are applicable for daily driving.

• Snap-in valve stems

These snap-in valve stems are like the air nozzles used for inflating the tyres of your bicycle or car. They are easy to insert and remove, which is not only time-saving but also convenient.

• Metal valve stems

Metal valve stems efficiently and reliably transfer air to spinning wheels such as those found in sports cars. They are capable of dealing with hot temperatures as well as air that is pressurised heavily.

• Bolt-in valve stems

Bolt-in valve stems are similar to the air valves on your bicycle's or car's tyres. These bolt-in valves are more solid and as the name suggests, you have to bolt them in. They are commonly used in large or heavy vehicles like trucks and off-road vehicles.

Steps to replace the car tyre valve stem

1. First, find the tyre that has a faulty valve stem.

2. Take off loosened lug nuts for the wheel that will have a new valve stem.

3. Use the jack underneath to raise the car on the jack stands.

4. Untighten the wheel nuts until they are completely detached.

5. Have the tyre stand with the valve stem pointing in an upward direction.

6. Remove the valve stem cap. After that, carry out the valve stem tool (the valve core tool) to remove the old core from the free valve stem to deflate the tyre and decrease the air pressure.

7. Through a tyre lever, get the tyre bead removed from the rim.

8. Using a hammer, separate the tyre bead from the wheel.

9. Carry out the tyre lever near the edge of the wheel until the tyre is removed.

10.  Take the tyre off the wheel. Just insert the new valve stem from the inside.

11.  Grab needle-nose pliers and set the new tyre valve stem.

12. Put the tyre back on, making sure the tyre reaches over the wheel. The air compressor helps in adjusting air pressure as well as inflating the tyre.

13. Mount the wheel back and then secure the wheel nuts back on.

NOTE: 

The car tyre valve stem needs to be replaced at times, but the situation can be different along with this. Therefore, it may take the entire tyre to change the stem in some cases. Otherwise, you can visit the Tyre Savings Centre.