Is it necessary to replace the valve stem when changing tires for a vehicle?
3 Answers
It is necessary to replace the valve stem when changing tires for a vehicle. This is because the valve stem is a rubber product and is subject to aging over time. Therefore, it is advisable to replace the valve stem when changing tires. Introduction to valve stems: A valve stem is an independent valve device that opens to allow air to enter the space of a tubeless tire or inner tube, then automatically closes and seals to maintain air pressure, preventing air from escaping the tire or inner tube. Except for solid tires, all other tires or inner tubes that require inflation must use this device. Types of valve stems: Based on material, valve stems can be categorized into rubber valve stems and metal valve stems. The former is used for passenger car tire inner tubes, while the latter is mainly used for heavy-duty tire inner tubes. Rubber valve stems inevitably suffer from aging issues, where the valve body gradually cracks, deforms, and loses elasticity. When the vehicle is in motion, the rubber valve stem also swings back and forth due to centrifugal force, accelerating the aging process. To mitigate the aging problem of valve stems, metal valve stems have been introduced in the market, with steel valve stems being one of them. Although they are significantly more expensive than rubber valve stems, their service life is two to three times longer.
I have personal experience with not replacing the valve stem when changing tires. Last time I got a nail in my tire and went for a replacement, the mechanic suggested changing the valve stem as well. To save a few dozen yuan, I declined. Just three months later, I noticed my car pulling to one side while driving - the right front tire was half flat when I checked. At the repair shop, they found a crack at the base of the old rubber valve stem. The mechanic explained that rubber valve stems harden and crack after long-term exposure to weather, especially in cars over five years old. I've learned my lesson now: always replace the valve stem when getting new tires. Using old valve stems with new tires is like wearing new shoes with torn socks - what seems like saving small money actually increases the risk of slow leaks, and could lead to dangerous sudden pressure loss during highway driving.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I pay special attention to tire valve stems. Rubber valve stems typically start to deteriorate after four or five years, while metal ones last longer but can still corrode. Last time I changed tires, I specifically asked the technician about it, and he mentioned that the sealing ring where the valve stem contacts the wheel rim can also deform over time. Especially in winter when temperatures drop, rubber hardens, making older valve stems more prone to leaks. I personally experienced a situation where, after washing my car, the tire pressure was consistently lower than normal—turned out the valve core was loose and slowly leaking. Now, every time I get new tires, I make sure the technician installs brand-new valve stems. After all, since I'm already spending money on tires, adding a few dozen bucks for a new set of valve stems ensures the overall airtightness of the tire system and saves me the hassle of repeatedly topping up the air.
