How often should I replace my tyre valves?

Tyre valves rarely get any attention. They are, however, essential for maintaining the correct tyre pressure, which in turn affects both fuel economy and safety. Read this article to find out more about regular inspection and replacement of valves. 

A faulty valve can cause serious problems

While driving, your tyres are exposed to many different forces. Due to acceleration, braking and steering, the rubber under the car constantly deforms and then returns to its original shape.
The same forces act on the valve, which can bend by as much as 30° in an instant. Repeated flexing can damage the structure of the valve, leaving the tyre prone to pressure loss. Even a slightly deformed valve can make your tyres lose 0.2 to 0.7 bar per week.
Low tyre pressure can cause a lot of issues. It significantly increases braking distance (by up to 20% on wet surfaces), can lead to loss of control and can damage the tyre structure. Insufficient pressure also causes faster wear of the tyres, suspension and brakes.

How often should you replace a tyre valve?

In general, tyre shops include this service in their tyre change package. Even if you have a separate set of wheels, replacing the valves is no problem. Different models are available. The most durable are reinforced metal valves, which should be replaced every two seasons; rubber equivalents are best replaced every six months. This simple habit will greatly improve your driving safety.

Replacing tyre valves is not expensive

Regular replacement of tyre valves doesn’t cost much. The service is often included with a tyre change. Reputable service centres build the cost of new valves into their prices, so you might not even realise you’ve already paid for them and are entitled to have them replaced.

Hidden tyre valves

Hidden tyre valves are becoming increasingly popular with drivers. They are often used by people with alloy wheels.
Hidden valves have shorter stems with an extended structure that doesn’t protrude beyond the wheel rim. They are installed using a special cable. Although these valves are slightly more expensive and a bit harder to replace, they offer better protection against breaking or premature damage to the valve, as well as a cleaner look.

Don’t forget the valve cap

Valve caps have a bigger impact on driving performance and safety than you might think. While driving, dirt, liquids and other road contaminants get into the valve and stick to the walls. When you inflate the tyres, this material is pushed deeper into the valve, clogging it and causing pressure loss. This can lead to a rapid drop in tyre pressure. Valve caps are the simplest and best solution to this problem. They stop dust and dirt from entering, eliminating the risk of contamination in the system.

Lost the cap and worried about the consequences?

There’s a simple solution. If you’ve been driving without valve caps and you’re worried that the compressor will force dirt into the valve, you should let some air out before switching the compressor on. To do this, gently press the valve core with a hard object until you hear a hissing sound. Repeat this several times. This method can help, but doesn’t guarantee success. It mainly depends on how much dirt has built up.

Regular replacement of tyre valves

Regularly checking tyre pressure is very important. It helps you stay safe and reduce running costs. Driving on underinflated tyres can be dangerous.
Replacing valves routinely when you switch between summer and winter tyres minimises the risk of pressure loss. It doesn’t cost much, but the benefits are priceless. However, don’t forget common sense and regular checks. Even frequently replaced valves can be damaged by heavy loads.

By having your tyres replaced at professional tyre shops, you can be sure of correct installation and high-quality service!