The valve is a small but very important part of a wheel and tyre assembly. It holds the pressure inside the wheel and tyre and is the access point for regulating your tyre pressures with a tyre pressure gauge.
During use, a valve may become damaged or worn, but will inevitably deteriorate through ageing and the forces it is subjected to during its lifetime. For safety reasons, manufacturers recommend new valves are fitted each time a tyre is fitted to a wheel.
It is also worth noting that a number of newer vehicle models have tyre pressure ‘sensor’ valves fitted, these transmit information back to the driver’s dashboard display when a variation from the manufacturer’s specified tyre pressure occurs. A specialist valve fitment is required when replacing this type of ‘sensor’ valve.
HELPFUL TIP.
Keeping the valve ‘cap’ clean and clear of dirt will help to keep your valve in optimum working condition. Dirt can sometimes clog up the valve core mechanism which can lead to valve failure and rapid loss of air from your wheel and tyre assembly.
Valves are relatively inexpensive, but they play a vital role in keeping and controlling your tyre pressures. Always replace the valve when fitting a new tyre or having the tyre repaired, it’s the safety option.
