Dealing with unexplained loss of pressure in the tire. If everything else is alright, then the problem is probably with your valve core.
Replacing it can cost you anywhere between $25 to $30. However, you can do it yourself for under $5 if you know what you are doing.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about removing a faulty valve core at home.
Main Reasons Why You Should Replace Your Tire’s Valve Stem
Loss of tire pressure can create a lot of problems for you down the road. Most importantly, it becomes dangerous on long journeys and generally reduces the overall life of your tire.
If you take a look at it, the valve core would seem like a small or insignificant part. However, it acts as a control system for your tire’s inflation.
With time, your valve core can deteriorate and start leaking slowly.
The damage can be visible sometimes as well and the best way to ensure continuous performance is to replace it as soon as possible.
One of the reasons why tire valve cores melt is because of UV rays and heat.
The rubber core can also hit the curb or other debris on the road, which in turn causes it to fail.
In all such cases, replacing the valve core is the best option for you. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with a potentially significant expense in the form of tire replacement very soon.
The Overall Cost of Replacing a Valve Core
As stated before, replacing the tire valve core is a very quick process and doesn’t cost you too much as well.
Generally, a workshop will charge you around $30 for a single tire. However, you can get it done at 1/4th of the cost if you decide to do it yourself.
All you’ll need is a few tools and you’ll be able to get it done for under $5.
Removing Valve Cores by Hand: Is That Possible?
Before we shed more light on how to remove the valve core with different tools, let’s first discuss one thing that a lot of beginners ask.
Can I remove the valve core by hand? The short answer is no!
The valve cores are located inside and aren’t accessible without the right tools. You won’t be able to grab onto the core and rotate it for removal.
Removing the valve core without any tools is not needed. The things you need are readily available everywhere and don’t cost that much.
This means that you can easily purchase them and keep them in your car or garage whenever you need them.
The next section will discuss how exactly you can go forward with the removal process.
How to Remove the Valve Core from the Stem?
There are two ways to go forward with this process.
You can either remove the valve core with a simple nose plier or proceed with removing the core with the proper tool for the job; a four-way tire valve tool.
Using Nose Pliers
Removing valve cores with a nose plier can be a little tricky if you are doing it for the first time. It all starts with locating the valve in the step.
The core has a plus-shaped head and that’s what you’ll have to find with your nose plier.
Here’s what you need to do
- Deflate your tire
- Use your nose pliers to find the core
- Grab on the flat surface with your nose pliers
- Twist the core to open the valve and remove it
- Take the new core and grab the flat surface with your nose pliers
- Insert it into the valve and rotate it to make it tighter
Using the Four-Way Valve Tool
The four-way valve tool is a better alternative because that tool is specifically designed for the job.
It’s faster, more convenient, and portable. So, you won’t have to worry about taking care of something really bulky.
Here’s how to get started with replacing the valve core when you are dealing with a four-way valve tool.
- Deflate your tire
- Insert the appropriate end of the four-way tool in the valve
- Rotate it clockwise to unscrew once it’s set
- Remove the valve core
- Use the same procedure to screw the new valve core by rotating counter-clockwise
Final Thoughts
To sum up, the valve core is a seemingly small, yet essential element of your tire because it directly affects the performance and lifespan of your tires.
The constant leakage a faulty valve core causes can keep your tire under-inflated and may damage it beyond repair if you are not careful.
When it comes to repairing, you can go with either visiting a mechanic or doing it yourself.
The DIY approach will be more cost-effective, but you need to know what you’re doing to ensure the best results.
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