Could you imagine being on the highway and taking in the beautiful view? Suddenly, you feel something off about the steering wheel – you get off and see that one of the tyres looks flat. Now, while a flat tyre might be a minor inconvenience for many, do not forget that it might also pose serious danger. Moreover, many do not realize that the valve is a critical part of a tyre.
These tiny and seemingly insignificant parts are responsible for the fact that the pressure in car tyres is maintained at the required level. The pressure level is one of the central issues that determine how safe and efficient the tyres are.
Moreover, just like many other elements of a car, tyre valves are subject to wear and tear and may eventually break down. Fortunately, it is fairly easy to avoid such situations: all it takes is knowing a little about “What can go wrong with an old valve?” and how you can get the right tyre valve replacement service.
Sign #1: Frequent Pressure Loss
The most common sign that your tyre valve is faulty is slow and persistent pressure loss. There may be a case that the rubber seal inside the valve has worn out or cracked, and the air is leaking very slowly.
Unlike a sudden puncture, this leak might not be instantly known; however, if you recognise that you are continuously checking the pressure in the tyre and that it requires inflating more regularly than it is supposed to, it might show a requirement to replace the valves.
The implications of driving on underinflated tyres are substantial. The first one is that such conditions influence how your vehicle is handled. Tyres with underinflation have a larger patch of contact between them and the road. It increases the rolling resistance and puts more stress on the engine, which may lead to a 3% loss of fuel efficiency.
Sign #2: Visible Damage or Corrosion
Tyre valves are exposed to the elements, and so they are prone to getting damaged. With time, the valve stem may get torn, cracked, or corroded.
There are different types of valve stems. In the case of corrosion, you will see a red-brown coat of rust covering the place. Even a light coat of rust can significantly weaken the valve stem and intensify the pace of Tyre deflation.
In some cases, the stem rots off, resulting in sudden deflation of the tyre. When carrying out your scheduled Tyre checks, take a minute to check on the state of your valve stems. Look for cracks, especially where the stem meets the Tyre. Also, look for any signs of rusting, and if you see any of the above signs, have them replaced by a professional.
Sign #3: Difficulty Inflating or Deflating
Another sign that you have a faulty valve is you have difficulty inflating or deflating your tyres. There might be a problem with your valve core, as it risks getting stuck or clogged by dirt hence blocking the air that is trying to pass.
It might be hard using a pump to inflate your tyres, and you may also notice some escaping air from the valve even when not connected to a pump. When you experience this, kindly take your car to a professional to either clean the valve core or replace it completely to clear any clogging.
Sign #4: Missing or Damaged Valve Cap
There are many things in tyre maintenance that would seem important only at first glance, and the little caps on your tyre valves are a perfect example of that – from the conceptual point of view, their job is to help protect the valve from outside.
The valve cap helps to keep dirt, debris, moisture, and similarly dangerous substances out, any of which can damage the valve core and, in the worst case, lead to a slow leak.
If you consider the valve cap an object worth bothering about, you may want to check on it whenever you check the tyres – they are usually cheap and present at every second auto part store, so there’s no reason not to.
How to Choose the Right Tyres: An Investment in Safety
Before starting to consider tyre valves, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that tyres need timely maintenance and replacement. In addition, the best cheap mid-range tyres are different for each vehicle, as it is influenced by several factors:
- vehicle type: your car is characterized by a certain size, weight, arguably dynamic performance on different types of road surfaces, etc.;
- driving conditions: do you most often drive in the city, on the highway or in the forest? Tyres are engineered for each specific application, so choosing and fitting the right tyres can improve performance, safety and tread life;
- treadwear rating: this rating reflects the level of tyre wear resistance, meaning the projected service time. If you travel a lot, you will need a high rating, meaning long-life tyres.
- Finally, there is a version of all-season tyres that can last all year round in extreme cold and heat, or you can also go for winter and summer tyres in the above option.
Having understood these tasks, you can already learn more about the proposed models of tyres that meet your financial capacity.
On a final note: Investing in Your Safety
Tyre valves are the unsung heroes of your travel, and there is no doubt these tiny components are a big portion of your safety on the road. If you find signs of pressure decreases, do not wait to replace the valves of your tyres. Not only does it ensure your safety but it also keeps fuel efficiency at lower levels and engine productivity at its highest.
At the first signs of the listed issues, give us a call at 24/7 Emergency Mobile Tyre – DM Tyres, and our veteran teams of specialists will make sure you be on the road in no time. Moreover, our services are accessible to you throughout the week, 24 hours a day. Whether in front of your home or place of work, give us your direction; if not, give our teams a call while attempting to move.
For any questions or information about our services, or the safety and care of your tyres or valves, do not hesitate to give us a call. Hope you have safe travel!
Quick Reminders
- Always keep your components in check to preserve your safety.
- Take preventive measures to ensure your tyres are flawless.
- Our services are here 24 hours a day to help you!
