“A tire only loses air if it’s punctured.” This is a common misconception that we have all had or heard and yet the reality is quite different. Indeed, a tire can lose air even without a puncture, as for example in the case of a crack in the valve that is used to inflate your tires. A punctured valve is difficult to detect, and not taking care of it in time can have real consequences for your tire, but also (and above all!) for your safety. Blackcircles Canada, your online tire specialist, offers below a complete guide to the causes and consequences of a punctured valve, and how to repair a leaking valve stem.
A valve is a pin located on the outside of the tire, through which the tire can be inflated/deflated. It has a mechanism consisting of a spring-mounted valve that closes tightly with the air pressure inside the tire. Over time, the stem valve may become brittle and cracked, which may increase the risk of air leaking through it.
When the stem valve leaks, the affected tire is no longer able to retain air. Depending on the extent of the damage, the air will leak out slowly or more quickly. In both cases, the valve must be replaced.
If the air leakage is slow, you will be subject to the problems encountered by drivers driving with underinflated tires. Internal damage that can shorten the service life of the tire by up to a quarter, increased fuel consumption due to higher rolling resistance: the tire will damage faster, and your energy-efficiency will be significantly lower. The tire will also have poorer traction and the stability of your car will be reduced when cornering, not to mention the more pronounced deformation of the tire that increases its internal temperature, which can cause it to burst. Finally, an under-inflated tire increases the risk of hydroplaning. Tire pressure is thus very important!
Here’s how to do it!Step 1: Make sure it’s your valve stem that’s leaking.
First of all, make sure it is the tire valve stem that is leaking. To do so, there’s a very simple trick! Apply a mixture of water and dishwashing soap to the valve with the cap removed. If bubbles start to appear, your valve is leaking. If this is not the case, and there is a definite air leak, it will be located elsewhere on the tire.
Step 2: Gather the right tools before you start!Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary equipment to complete the replacement of the faulty valve stem.
For this, you will need the following:
You are now ready to start the process!
Step 3: Loosen the nuts on the wheel you are going to work on.
To do so, use the wrench mentioned in the previous step to loosen each of the lug nuts holding your wheel in place. Do this while the car is still on the ground.
However, for certain models of vehicles, it is possible that the wheel nuts have an anti-theft ring. If this is the case, you’ll have to use the appropriate special key to remove the locking nut(s).
Step 4: Raise your vehicle with the jack and then remove the wheel.First and foremost, make sure the handbrake is applied so that your vehicle is completely immobilized. Then, use your jack to lift your car. Be sure to position it on the right part of the chassis so that the car is properly supported. This will prevent any damage to the car and any bodily injury. Once your car is lifted, secure it on jack stands. Unscrew the wheel bolts completely, then remove the wheel. Finally, place the wheel on the ground flat, with the outside of the wheel facing up.
Step 5: Remove the valve stem core with the removal tool and let the tire deflate.
If you have not already done so, remove the valve cap. Then remove the valve stem core using the valve stem removal tool to release the air from the wheel, which should normally deflate completely on its own.
Step 6: Separate the tire’s bead from the wheel.For this step, use the sledgehammer in the following way: hit the tire sidewall with the sledgehammer in the same spot until you hear a crack or popping sound, and see the inside lip of the tire visibly break loose from the rim. This means that the tire has been successfully detached from the lip of the wheel.
Once the tire bead has been broken, continue hitting with the sledgehammer around the tire to detach the sidewall around the entire circumference of the wheel.
Step 7: Remove the tire from the rim.Once the sidewall of the tire is separated from the outer edge of the rim around the entire circumference of the wheel, insert your tire iron between the edge of the rim and the inside lip of the tire, and then pry upward to pull the lip of the tire over the edge of the wheel.
Once you have pulled the lip of the tire over the edge of the wheel, work the tire iron around the rim until the entire lip of the tire is off the rim.
Once the sidewall of the tire is completely above the wheel, grab it by its removed lip and pull it upward so that the opposite lip that was at the bottom of the wheel is now touching the top edge of the rim. Use your tire iron again by inserting it between the tire’s lip and the edge of the wheel and pry upwards to pull the lip over the edge of the rim. As before, work the tire iron around the edge of the wheel until the tire is removed from the wheel.
Step 8: Remove the defective valve stem and replace it with the new one.Once the tire is separated from the rim, it is time to remove the valve stem. To do this, first pull out the valve stem free from the wheel using the needle-nose pliers. Once this has been done, install the replacement valve stem from the inside of the wheel. Once it is in position, use the needle-nose pliers again to pull it through into its right place on the wheel.
Once the stem is in place, it is time to put the tire back on its rim. To do this, start by pressing the tire down over the rim until the bottom bead clears the edge of the rim. The aim here is to return the lower sidewall of the tire to its original position on the wheel.
Then press the upper sidewall of the tire down underneath the edge of the wheel. Then tuck your tire iron between the tire sidewall and the rim edge and use it to make the opposite movement to the one you used to pull the tire sidewall out of the rim. Once the bead clears the lip of the wheel, use the tire iron to work your way round the entire wheel until the tire is completely installed on the wheel. Then inflate it to the correct pressure using the air compressor.
Step 10: Make sure there are no other leaks, and mount your wheel back on!Once the tire is inflated to the correct pressure, check for other leaks.
If all is well, mount the wheel on your vehicle and bring it down by lowering the level of the jack stands until the repaired wheel touches the ground and you can safely remove them.
Ultimately, it is very important to make sure your tires are free of air leaks to maintain proper air pressure at all times. In the case of a slow air leak, the consequences can be dramatic. If the air leak is due to a faulty tire valve, you will definitely need to replace it. You can either follow the above procedure on how to repair a leaking tire valve or take it directly to a specialist. If, on the other hand, you need to change the entire tire, consult our selection of tires adapted for your car directly online on our website!
Tire Installation 101: When and how to change your tires?
Inflatable tire valve stems are one of the characteristics of a wheel that enables you to maintain proper tire inflation by adding or removing air as required.
However, different factors will influence the tire valve stem to loosen, or worse, produce a leak. The good news you can tighten a loose tire valve stem with common tools and techniques.
To tighten the tire valve stem, begin with a clockwise rotation of the valve stem to the greatest extent feasible, screw up the valve stem with the valve stem tool to finish the tightening operation. Remember not to overdo it as this might result in damage to the valve.
It is possible for the valve stem to become loose and produce a leak in the tire. Some of the reasons for valves to leak include exposure to chemicals on the road, impact from bumps and potholes, corrosion from moisture, and aging.
When a valve stem is exposed to the sun for an extended period of time, the rubber components of the stem might dry out and fracture, causing the valve to fail. Failure to tighten might have catastrophic repercussions since a valve is crucial to the performance of a tire as well as the safety of the vehicle on the road.
It is just as vital as installing and maintaining your vehicle’s equipment to ensure that it is properly tightened.
What's In This Guide?
Because of the internal workings of your valve stems, the air is allowed to enter and remain in your tires. To inflate your tires, you just set the air pump on top of the valve stem’s tip and turn the handle. The valve on the inside is opened to allow air to flow in. Then, when you turn off the pump, the valve shuts and remains sealed due to the pressure or a spring that is in place.
Rubbing a water-dish soap mixture over the uncapped valve stem with your finger is the easiest way to see if it’s leaking. If air is escaping, bubbles will appear, indicating that the valve is leaking. There is no leakage on the tire if no bubbles form.
What Is The Proper Tightness For a Valve Stem?Not only may valve-stem nuts be overtightened, but so can valve cores if the valve is overtightened. A valve core that has been subjected to excessive torque will be damaged, and a leak will result. Valve cores should be tightened to a torque of between 2 and 5 inch-pounds, which is practically hand-tight in nature.
How to Tighten the Stem of a Loose ValveWhen you have the main tool required, which is a tire valve stem tool, tightening your valve stem is a simple procedure. The tightening technique is as follows:
Step 1: RemoveTo get access to the valve stem, you must first remove the plastic valve stem cap from the valve.
To tighten the valve stem, use your fingers to crank it clockwise as far as it will go or until it feels tight.
Step 3: HoldHold the valve stem in place as you turn the valve tool clockwise onto the top of the valve stem; this will assist you in attaching the valve tool to the valve stem more securely and effectively.
Step 4: Continuous TurningUntil the stem is tight, continue turning the valve tool clockwise.
To remove the tool from the stem when you are done, hold the valve stem and turn the valve tool counterclockwise.
Cause of Tire Valve BreakageIn the case that moisture enters the valve stem and freezes, it might result in air loss and/or a flat tire. As the rubber components of the valve stem age and dry out, they may fracture, resulting in air leakage or even complete air loss.
Fixing a Leaking Tire Valve StemAside from a loosened valve stem, air leakage may occur even when the valve stem is well secured, which can be a source of concern.
And if this occurs, you will be required to replace the valve in question.
Going to the tire shop for replacement or repair may be more expensive, but doing it yourself with a few simple instruments like a core removal tool and a replacement valve tool core will be more convenient and will save you money in the long run.
The following are the measures to take while changing a valve stem:
Step 1: Perform a DiagnosisFirst and foremost, determine if the leak was caused by a valve issue rather than a separate puncture.
Step 2: Deflate the tireDeflating the tire and removing any leftover air before beginning with the valve repair is critical because the pressure may cause the valve core to eject at a high enough speed to cause injury.
Step 3: Remove the Valve CoreRemove the core from the valve using the valve core tool. There are four separate ends, each of which serves a different function, and a forked end is required for the removal and installation of the valve core.
Put pressure on the forked end of the tool to remove the core as you spin the tool counterclockwise. Insert the forked end into the valve. Clean the interior of the valve using the tapered end of the tool that is adjacent to it.
Always remember to clean out the valve of any dirt or debris.
Step 4: Install a New Valve Core and Inflate the TireInsert the new core into the valve, and using the forked end of the valve core tool, screw the core into place, turning it clockwise. Make sure that the core is not excessively tight since this might cause damage to the new valve core.
Step 5: Replace the Stem CapReplace the cap on the tire once it has been inflated and check the pressure. Even though it does not directly contribute to the tire’s ability to retain air, it is critical that you replace the caps once you have inflated the tire.
The valve’s inside is protected by the covers from debris and corrosion caused by moisture and chemicals carried in by the road, which can cause leaks.
New tires are given with brand new valve stems. As a result of exposure to road chemicals and impact from bumps and potholes, as well as corrosion caused by moisture, valve stems may get damaged over time and with ongoing usage. In addition, prolonged exposure to the sun may cause the rubber components of valve stems to dry out and break, resulting in a leak.
It goes without saying that a broken or worn-out valve stem will not function properly, causing air to slowly but steadily seep out of the valve. Also, leaks may occur anywhere along the valve stem, such as at the place where the valve contacts the tire.
Choosing the Right Valve StemInflation pressures and higher speed limits make a selection of the proper valve stem extremely important. Most of the complaints involve light-duty trucks with TR413 or TR415 series snap-in valve stems. Many of these tires are now categorized as medium or even heavy-duty truck and bus tires.
But because of their load-carrying capacity, some tires are still produced in sizes we formerly considered light truck tires.
The stem hole in these tires’ wheels is sometimes the same size as a passenger vehicle’s valve stem hole. The TR413 and TR415 valve stems were intended to handle up to 60 psi (4.1 bars). They are now rated at 65 psi (4.5 bars). Many outdated catalogs still grade the TR413 and TR415 valve stems at 60 psi maximum. One of the most common issues with the TR413 and TR415 series valve stems is that they run hotter than usual due to hot weather or other comparable conditions. Valves may break, blow out of the rim hole, or get unseated.
Replace it with a TR600HP or TR801HP high-pressure snap-in valve stem. Valve stems rated at 100 psi (6.9 bars). A 200 psi clamp-in metal valve stem is also an option (13.8 bars). The TR600HP and TR602HP valve stems have .453-inch stem holes whereas the TR801HP and TR802HP stems have.625-inch stem holes.
TR413 valve stems are for wheels with a maximum stem hole thickness of.156 inches, while the TR600HP high-pressure valve stem series is for wheels with a maximum stem hole thickness of.205 inches.
The TR602HP, TR801HP, and TR802HP valve series share this tolerance. A metal clamp-in valve stem must be used when the rim thickness at the stem hole is larger than .205 inches. In this case, the wheel might be thicker if the hole is larger. However, use the specified stem provided for the wheel’s stem hole thickness.
Making Use of ExtensionsWith the TR600HP and TR801HP series snap-in valve stems, metal stem extensions should never be utilized with the valve stems. The additional weight of the extension may cause the stem to shatter or crack, resulting in the stem being dislodged and air being lost. Metal extensions should only be used with metal clamp-in valves, and they should not be any longer than is absolutely required.
Get the Torque RightThe TR416S is one of the most common clamp-in valve stems for wheels with a.
453-inch stem hole, and it is available in a variety of sizes. It is possible that this valve stem will survive a long time since both the sealing grommet and the valve core may be changed if they get damaged or worn out during normal operation. When installing the clamp-in valve, extreme caution should be used since each one has a distinctly required torque for tightening the nut.
Never assume the stem on the tire/wheel assembly is the correct stem. There may not be enough coined or machined area around a.453-inch stem hole. The coined area must be at least.125 inches larger than the valve hole.
Watch For ZippersZippers are harmful on all tires, not only on long-haul medium truck tires. A sidewall fracture in a tiny light truck tire can be as hazardous as a bigger truck tire. Underinflated steel cord tires are always prone to zipper failure.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen should a Tire Valve Stem be replaced?Despite the fact that a broken valve stem is a minor component of a tire, it may cause significant problems.
It’s possible to adjust the tightness and looseness of a tire stem valve, but it’s best to do it on a frequent basis to avoid damaging it. When you remove your tire from your vehicle, you should do it carefully.
Repairing the valve stem using a valve stem tool and a few other basic tools may be done by the car owner if the valve stem is leaking. In order to get started, all you will need is a valve core tool and a package of replacement valve cores (both inexpensive). Use a valve core tool to carefully remove the old core and screw in the new core (be careful not to strip the threads), then fill the tire with air until it’s fully inflated.
How can you tell if a valve stem is bad?When the tire is completely inflated, drip a combination of dishwashing liquid and water over the valve stem, around its base, as well as around the inner edge of the wheel where the tire and rim meet, to see if you can pinpoint the source of the issue.
Any escaping air will cause bubbles to form in the soapy water around the leak’s location.
Valve stem damage – New tires typically come with new valve stems, because the old ones tend to wear out. If you have older valve stems, they may go bad over time, due to use, dislocation, and exposure to chemicals on the road, such as road salt. They may corrode and go bad.
Can a valve stem be replaced on a tire?If possible, take the tire to a tire shop and have them remove the tire and replace the valve stem using a tire machine. This is the quickest method for replacing a valve stem in most circumstances. However, in the event that this is not a possibility, a tire may be removed and the valve stem replaced by hand in certain cases.
How do you change a valve stem on a tire core?Insert a valve stem removal tool or a slotted metal valve cap into the valve stem removal hole and screw counterclockwise until the valve stem removal tool or slotted metal valve cap is removed.
Remove the core of the valve stem and set it aside. Replace the valve stem core with a new one and tighten it clockwise until the valve is fully closed. Then inflate the tires.
A ‘no-name’ valve stem may seem to fit and function well today, but how long will it last? Time and temperature influence the material’s lifespan. Reliable valve stem brands have a long service life and can go well with the tires’ life span, lasting up to six, eight, or even ten years.
ConclusionWhen the tire valve stem becomes loose over time, it may result in gradual leaks that are difficult to detect. How to tighten a loose valve is a simple procedure that takes nothing more than a valve stem tool and your fingers to accomplish.
The procedure of tightening a slack valve stem, or replacing a valve core, is affordable, fast, and simple, and it may be completed by the car owner at their convenience and leisure.
Why does air come out of the tire when the tire valve is open? Because the pressure outside the tire is lower than the pressure inside tire .
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Molecules inside the tube are squeezed into this small area. When the valve opens, The pressure is much higher than atmospheric pressure and the tire deflates. .
There are several reasons why your tires are losing air: a hole in the tread, probably from a nail or something sharp on the road. … poor seal where the tire meets the wheel allowing air to escape. a loose or malfunctioning tire valve.
stop air leakage when disconnecting the inflator from the presta valve
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If you have old valve stems, they can fail over time due to use, misalignment and exposure to road chemicals eg road salt. … If your valve stem is damaged, there will be a slow and constant leak. This leak can either come from the valve body or from the base of the valve where it meets the tire.
The purpose of the air valve cap is to keep dirt and debris out and keep air inside in case the air valve ever leaks (You can tell if it's leaking by spraying some Windex on the valve and seeing if it bubbles ).
This empirical relation, formulated by the physicist Robert Boyle in 1662, states that the pressure (p) of a given amount of gas varies inversely with its volume (v) at a constant temperature ; i.
e., in the form of the equation pv = k, a constant. …
In most cases, the warning light can be caused by a tire that 10% to 15% low air pressure . Cold or icy weather also tends to reduce tire pressure. A short car ride will heat up the tires and increase their pressure.
Although missing a valve stem cap may seem harmless, it can lead to loss of air pressure. Without a cap, dirt and debris will enter the valve stem where they can pierce the seal. . When this happens, air will flow out of the tire through the valve stem.
It sounds like a riddle: how can a tire without holes go flat? … Two standout features of the are the valve stem and the wheel that holds the tire. Typically, a new set of tires includes new valve stems, as these can be damaged by use and exposure to road chemicals.
Sounds like your pump is not properly seated on the valve, so instead of inflating a tire, you're just pressurizing the pump.
If the valve stem is leaking, you can easily fix it yourself with the valve stem tool
. All you need is a valve core tool and a pack of new valve cores (both inexpensive). ... Then remove the old core with a valve core tool, screw in the new core (just tighten it, it's easy to strip the threads), and then refill the tire.
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First, you need to determine if your valve stem is leaking or not. You can do this by rubbing a mixture of dishwashing detergent and water on the open stem of the valve with your finger. If bubbles begin to form, this means that air is escaping and the valve is leaking.
Tire Valve Caps
No matter what vehicle you drive and what type of valve stem you have on your wheels, it is important to always use valve caps. Valve caps prevent air from escaping from the tire - they are the second backup seal to prevent loss of tire pressure.
Not only can the valve stem nuts be overtightened, but so can the valve stems. Too much torque on the valve core will damage the core and also create a leak. The valve cores must be tightened to between 2" and 5" pounds which is essentially hand tightened.
Tire valve The cap can loosen and fall off the tire for any number of reasons. … If it is overtightened, the threads on the valve stem may break, causing the cap to loosen. It can also be loosened or knocked off if you hit a curb while parking.
Charles' law, the statement that the volume occupied by a fixed amount of gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature if the pressure remains constant . This empirical relationship was first proposed by the French physicist J.-A. -FROM. … See also ideal gas.
A physical principle known as Charles' law states that the volume of a gas is equal to a constant value multiplied by its temperature measured on the Kelvin scale. (zero Kelvin corresponds to -273.15 degrees Celsius).
Gas laws consist of three main laws: Charles' law, Boyle's law and Avogadro's law (all of which will later be combined into the general gas equation and the ideal gas law).
So what are the symptoms of a bad tire pressure sensor? The most common symptom of a bad tire pressure sensor is the TPMS indicator on the dashboard .
You may also notice other indirect signs, such as low tire pressure or incorrect warnings on the dashboard.
Tire change tools
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Driving with low tire pressure is not recommended . … If the light has just come on, it means that the pressure is probably not too low. If the pressure is very low, driving becomes dangerous, especially at high speeds. There is a possibility that the tires will break.
Driving with a slow leak in a tire is potentially dangerous because it can cause a puncture. Once a tire becomes flat, it can become dangerous. … It is best to show the tire to the mechanic so that he can Diagnose Correct the problem and repair the leak and/or tire.
This is because the outside temperature affects the tire pressure. When the temperature is high, the air in the tires takes up more volume, while when the temperature is low, the air takes up less volume. ... The tire pressure of a typical drops 1-2 psi for every 10 degrees the temperature drops.
Changes in temperature can cause tire pressure loss when the air inside the tires expands and contracts. … This situation usually occurs when the daytime temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees and the night temperature drops to 30 or 40 degrees.
A typical road tire must be inflated with something. 90 to 120 psi . On the other hand, mountain bike tires tend to run at much lower psi pressures.
First, burp the presta valve. Open it, press it to peel off the seal and release some air. .
Remove the plastic valve stem cover to gain access to the valve stem. Hold the valve stem between your fingers and turn it clockwise until you feel it is tight. Keep your fingers on the valve and place the tool over the valve stem with your other hand. Use valve core tool to further tighten the valve.
The QVC quick valve change tool allows the user to change the valve stem without removing the tire from the wheel.
Save time, money and the headache of replacing valve stems.
Tubeless Slow Leak Repair
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The wheel valve is a non-return valve that is responsible for forcing air into the tire. It also ensures that the pressurized pressure is maintained. Manufacturers offer various types of valves. Structurally, any module for a tubeless tire is represented by a body, a steel threaded bushing, a rubber valve, a spring, a plastic protective cap and a spool. When the tire is inflated, the spring is compressed by the action of the valve, and after the air is supplied, it returns to its place. It is tightly pressed against the sleeve and excludes air from escaping.
The following types of valves are available to choose from:
Valves of this type are suitable for use in a wide temperature range, withstand pressure within 4.5 atm and have a very reasonable price tag; Manufacturers suggest observing the regulated frequency of changing valves. It is advisable to install new elements at each seasonal tire change. This is due to the peculiarity of the structure of the valve. With prolonged use, cracking of rubber is possible, with the loss of tightness. Yes, and damage to the spool should not be ruled out.
The following factors may indicate a malfunction of the valve and the need for its early replacement:
If you drive aggressively, your tires should be inspected every week. Often it is the deformation of the valve that causes a decrease in pressure; To extend the life of the valve, you need to follow a few simple rules. If the car is operated at low temperatures, then the plastic element must be discarded. It is better to choose a steel analogue with good nipple protection. The situation is similar with seasonal temperature fluctuations. Here, too, a steel module is preferred. Do not pump tires with a rubber valve. The highest pressure for them is 4.5 at. For SUVs and minibuses, such valves are not suitable.
The valve is an element that requires special attention.
