Tire valve: role and change

The tire valve is the tip that inflates the tire and ensures it is sealed. It is attached either directly to the inner tube or to the wheel rim. The tire valve is damaged while driving and must be replaced at the same time as the tires.

🚗 How does a tire valve work?

La valve d'un tire A car tire is a rubber tip that sits on a tire. The tire valve, fitted with a plastic cap, performs two main functions:

• Allow tire inflation and deflation;
• Make sure it is tight.

The tire valve can be attached to the inner tube or to the rim, as is the case with tubeless valves. It is of two types:

• Schrader valveConsists of a rubber tube and a spring-loaded piston that allows air to escape from the tire;
• Electronic valveMandatory for new cars since 2014, it consists of an electronic sensor that measures the tire pressure and transmits it to a computer. When the pressure is too low, a warning light on the dashboard comes on.

In short, a tire valve prevents air from escaping from the tire, but also prevents dirt from entering it. Hence, it also plays a protective role. Finally, this allows, in particular, to do tire pressure and then maintain that pressure by keeping the air inside.

👨‍🔧 Leaking tire valve: what to do?

One of the functions of a tire valve is to seal it by keeping air inside the tire. But over time and miles, it can get worse as it is subjected to the pressure and centrifugal force of rolling tires.

If damaged, the tire valve may cause Air leak и pressure drop tire. The main cause of tire valve leakage is age, and the mechanism it contains eventually fails.

The risk of a malfunctioning tire valve is if the tire is slowly deflated. No matter how hard you apply pressure and re-inflate it, it will continue to lose air. Driving with improperly inflated tires, however, is dangerous: loss of grip, increased braking distances, reduced tire life and risk of bursting.

Therefore, the valve in the leaking tire must be repaired or replaced. We also recommend replacing the tire valves every time you change tires.

🔧 How to change the valve in the tire?

To replace the tire valve it is necessary to disassemble the wheel and separate the tire from the rim. You must use valve stem remover to replace the latter. However, there are also tools to replace the tire valve without disassembling, but these are often incompatible with electronic valves.

Material:

• Tools
• Air compressor
• Tire lever
• Valve stem remover
• New tire valve

Step 1. Disassemble the wheel

Start by loosening the nuts on the wheel whose tire valve you want to replace. Do this by placing the car on the ground without removing the nut completely, then jack the car up and place it on the stands to secure it.

Finish loosening the wheel nuts and remove it. Place it on the floor with the wheel upside down. Remove the tire valve cap, then remove the core with a valve stem puller. Let the tire deflate.

Step 2: separate the tire from the rim.

After the tire is deflated, you must disconnect it from the rim. You can use a sledgehammer all over the tire. Then use an iron to remove the tire from the rim by inserting it between the tire and the rim edge.

Step 3: Install a new tire valve

After separating the tire from the rim, you can remove the stem from the tire valve. Use pliers to remove the old valve and install the new one in its place. Then you can put the tire back on the rim and inflate it to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Complete the wheel assembly and check the tire valve for leaks.

💸 How much is a tire valve?

The price of a valve for a tire depends on the type of valve, its size and, of course, where you buy it. You can easily find a new valve at a specialist auto store or on the Internet. Just make sure you buy the right valve for your tires.

Count the price of just a few euros for a set of tire valves. To have your valves replaced by a professional mechanic, count between 10 and 15 € with tire change.

Now you know everything about the tire valve! As you already understood, his role is not only to allow you inflate tires but also to protect them from water or dust that might enter them. The tire valve also ensures its tightness, so it needs to be changed periodically.