The tyre valve is a part we rarely pay attention to. And yet it is very important for ensuring the required pressure in your vehicle tyres. It has an impact on both the driving economy and safety. Here you can learn more about the regular inspection and replacement of valves.
How often should you change the valves?
The best time to change the valves is at the seasonal tyre change. Normally, workshops offer such a service as part of a package. Even if you change a whole set of tyres, changing valves is not an additional problem. There are different types of car tyre valves available on the market. Reinforced metal valves have the longest lifespan and do not need to be replaced more often than every two seasons whereas rubber valves should be replaced every six months. Regular replacement of valves is a big step towards safe driving. The costs are low, and the benefits are immeasurable. However, common sense and regular checks must not be forgotten. Even frequently changed valves can be damaged by large loads. It is also very important to regularly check the pressure with a car tyre pressure sensor.
Valve replacement
Regularly replacing car valves does not mean much time, effort, or cost. Reputable workshops include the cost of the new valves in the price, so sometimes you are not even aware that they are also being replaced. And yet it is always worth checking whether the service has also been carried out.
Don’t forget the valve protection cap
Valve protection caps have a greater impact on driving and safety than you might think. When driving, dirt, liquids, and other impurities from the road get into the valve and settle on its walls, these particles are also forced into the tyre, getting stuck in the valves and causing them to leak. This can result in a rapid loss of pressure in the tyre. Protective caps are the best solution to this problem. They prevent dust or soil from getting in, thereby preventing contamination of the system.
Damaged valves
When driving, the wheels of the car are subjected to different forces. Dynamic acceleration, braking, or turning contribute to the rubber regularly deforming, only to regain its previous shape shortly afterwards. A similar pressure is also applied to the valve, which can quickly bend even up to 30°. If this happens repeatedly, the structure of the valve can be damaged and the tyre will leak. Even if the valve is only slightly deformed, the tyre can lose between 0.2 and 0.7 bar of air per week. Too little tyre pressure can lead to numerous problems. It significantly increases braking distance (up to 20% on wet surfaces) and threatens the loss of control of the car or a breach in the integrity of the structure. Underinflation also contributes to accelerated wear of the tyres themselves, as well as the suspension and brake system. Many motorists go to a petrol station to inflate their car tyres. This is because you can often find a service station at petrol stations where you can inflate your car tyres for free or for a small fee. Car repair shops also have a compressor and can help you inflate your tyres. However, if you find your air pressure decreasing, and you are in the middle of the countryside, it is quite useful to have a car air compressor on hand. This option is even better because you can also use the compressor for other things at home such as inflating sports equipment, balloons, or even cleaning debris out of tight crevices.
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