Tyre valves may be small, but they play a crucial role in keeping your tyres safe and in good condition. Their main job is to hold air pressure inside the tyre while allowing you to inflate or deflate it whenever needed. A valve stem is the access point for checking or adjusting tyre pressure. The valve cap is equally important as it provides an extra seal and prevents dust, dirt, and moisture from getting inside.
Most standard car valve stems are made from flexible rubber. Over time, this material can weaken due to constant driving pressure, road forces, and exposure to weather conditions. Damaged or worn valves can lead to slow leaks and reduced tyre performance, which can affect both safety and fuel efficiency. Since they are inexpensive to replace, it’s recommended to fit a new valve stem whenever a tyre is changed.
Many modern vehicles now come with TPMS valves (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) as standard. While they look similar to regular valves from the outside, they contain built-in sensors that constantly measure tyre pressure. If there’s a drop or irregularity, the system alerts the driver via the dashboard. If your TPMS valve or sensor becomes faulty, replacement is usually straightforward, and cost-effective alternatives are widely available.
