Most times, people think when they buy cars, it comes with everything needed for its full functionality.
While this may or may not be true, you have to consider whether you are buying the car from the manufacturer or a previous owner.
However, one of the questions on many driver’s minds is: do tires come with their own valve stems?
Well, you are about to find out in this article.
Do car tires come with valve stems?
According to highly trained experts, car tires sold alone, i.e., without being mounted on a wheel or rim, do not come with valve stems.
The only scenario where you will find a tire with its valve stem is if it comes as a whole, i.e., with a wheel/rim.
However, you can get valve stems separately from an auto shop, so you can add whatever is missing for your car’s mobility.
Important Things To Know About Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The Valve stem, also called the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, is a feature that keeps air in tires, making sure it doesn’t leak and cause problems.
Now, a valve stem can get faulty, broken, or damaged.
This could happen for a number of reasons. When that happens, air pressure reduces, causing a flat tire, and ultimately, a serious blowout.
But before a valve stem gets bad or broken, you need to check/inspect it regularly. If you do this, you will know how to replace and keep using.
Interestingly, the valve stem is one of the cheapest components in a wheel/tire assembly.
Below is a list of things you should know about this wheel component.
Causes of a Bad Valve Stem
Valve stems come with a number of features, including a spring-loaded pin that aids easy control.
However, if these parts/features get damaged, there is automatic damage to this tire/wheel component.
In a more similar scenario, if the seals of a tire pressure monitoring system deteriorate, it begins to fail.
If left unchecked or you don’t seal properly, carbon builds up and affects various parts of your car, including the engine.
Other things that could cause plastic or metal stems to get damaged are exposure to road chemicals, e.g., road salt, and dislocation.
Signs of a Bad Valve Stem
If you have old valve stems, you should change them immediately. Interestingly, there are signs and symptoms that come with something like this.
One of the things you will notice is a slow and constant leak.
Damaged valve stems develop leaks regularly. So, when you re-inflate and notice that it didn’t take long before you are about to do that again, you should suspect there is a problem with this component.
In that situation, you need to have the valve stems replaced to keep driving your vehicle at high speeds.
One of the related questions is:
How do you test for a faulty or damaged valve seal?
Do the Cold Engine Test
The commonest way to tell if you have a damaged valve seal is doing a cold engine test.
Here, you will leave your vehicle overnight and observe the valve cover in the morning.
Ideally, there should be oil on the cover and when you start your vehicle, it should go down through the seal into the combustion area.
If you notice a bluish smoke, that means your valve is faulty.
Observe Oil Consumption
If you notice that your vehicle consumes enough oil, then there is a problem with the valve seal. You are probably experiencing that because the oil is leaking or burning out excessively.
Look Out for Smoke
Likewise, you should look out for unusual smoke when you start your vehicle. This smoke is often different from when you start your vehicle.
Engine Braking Test
The engine braking test is another explosive way to discover if your valve core is compromised or not.
If you notice that oil settles at the engine top and burns up when you accelerate, that means you need to change your valve seal immediately.
Acceleration Power Test
Lastly, if you notice your acceleration power is poor, you might just have the valve stem (including the valve core) changed.
This problem is marked by high compression – there would be serious engine flooding.
Types of Valve Stems
If you have to buy or replace valve stems, you need to know the three different types available. They include:
Tubeless Rubber Snap-In Valves
Tubeless Rubber Snap-in Valves are the most typical type in commercial and passenger vehicles. They have a considerably good pressure rating, i.e., 65 PSI.
This valve stem is also perfect for medium trucks and SUVs. It is available in a wide range of sizes – 0.453 to 0.625 inches in diameter and 0.88 to 2.5 inches in length.
One more thing about the Tubeless Rubber Snap-in Valves is that it has caps coming in plastic or metal forms.
Car owners can choose whatever they want but most times, they prefer the metal valve caps because of their heavy-duty performance.
High-Pressure Tubeless Snap-In Valves
A good option for heavy-duty trucks and big vehicles is the High-Pressure Tubeless Snap-In Valves.
This valve stem has a PSI rating above 65 but up to 80. For the standard size, the diameter ranges from 0.453 to 0.625 inches while the length is between 1.27 to 2 inches.
High-Pressure Metal Clamp-In Valves
The High-Pressure Metal Clamp In Valves is a special option designed for car owners that drive above 130 miles per hour. It has a pressure rating of up to 200 PSI.
Considering performance and strength, the valve stem is a good option for race cars and high-performance tires.
High-Pressure Metal Clamp In Valves fit only similarly sized holes; however, the length matters – they can be very small for wheel performance.
Is valve stem part of the tire?
A Valve Stem is a part of a car’s tire. It helps in regulating tire pressure.
However, it can only be installed independently since it comes as a separate component, especially in tubeless tires.
Does tire installation include valve stems?
During tire or wheel installation at a tire shop, you will get additional services.
These services include tire mounting, balancing, tire maintenance check, and valve stem install.
Do you need to buy valve stems with new rims?
The only reason why you should buy valve stems is if you get new tires.
Ideally, tires sold independently, i.e., not pre-mounted on a rim need valve stems. Thus, you should get them separately because of that.
And one thing you should know is that: for every new valve stem, there is a life expectancy, so you should look out for that.
How much is a valve stem for a tire?
You can replace valve stems yourself, all you just need to do is buy from a reliable store.
You can get special deals for about $10 and do it all by yourself. However, if you give it to a professional, you should spend up to $30.
How many PSI (Air Pressure) Can a Valve Stem Hold?
The amount of air pressure (PSI) a valve stem can hold varies from one type to another. It isn’t exactly an easy evaluation.
According to experts, passenger cars can hold up to 60 psi, light-duty trucks can hold up to 95 psi, and heavy-duty trucks can hold up to 200 psi.
However, there are other factors that can help determine that. They include zippers, hole specifications, watch size and conditions, torque, valve cap, and valve stem extenders.
How to Install a Valve Stem?
To install your valve stem, you need to get replacement tool kits from a local tire store.
The first thing you need to do is to place the insertion tube over the valve stem hole while making sure the large opening is exposed.
The next part is lubricating the new valve stem to create a seal.
Then, press the valve stem into your car tire quickly – into the insertion tool.
Finally, remove the insertion tool and you have the valve stem in place.
Conclusion
Many drivers are not duly informed about vehicle parts, which is why they face problems often. In this case, the focus is on valve stems.
If the tire is properly inflated with a good valve stem, then you won’t have problems driving on the road. However, if it is the opposite, you will constantly get into trouble and eventually, an accident.
Choose the appropriate valve type and enjoy a quality ride.
Tire Forge