Should the Tire Valve Stem Be Replaced?
2 Answers
You can choose different valve stems when replacing tires, and it is not necessary to replace them separately. Here are specific details about valve stems: 1. Rubber Valve Stems: Due to the unavoidable aging issue of rubber material, the valve stem body will gradually crack, deform, and lose elasticity. When the vehicle is in motion, the rubber valve stem will also swing back and forth with centrifugal force, causing deformation, which further accelerates the aging of the rubber. Generally, the lifespan of a rubber valve stem is 3-4 years, similar to that of a tire. Therefore, it is advisable to replace the rubber valve stem when replacing the tire. 2. Metal Valve Stems: To avoid the aging problem of rubber valve stems, metal valve stems have gradually appeared on the market, with steel valve stems being one of them. Due to the change in material, the price of steel valve stems is significantly higher than that of rubber valve stems. The lifespan of steel valve stems is two to three times that of rubber valve stems, mainly because the metal material is less prone to oxidation. Additionally, metal valve stems offer superior airtightness.
Every time I change tires, I consider replacing the valve stems—a good habit I picked up from the auto repair shop. The valve stem is that small component on your tire specifically designed for inflating and deflating. Since it's exposed to the elements, it's prone to corrosion or aging, especially over time, becoming brittle or cracked, which can lead to air leaks. I once skipped replacing them and ended up noticing a slow tire leak months later, disrupting several trips. Now, whenever I get new tires, I spend a little extra to replace the valve stems—they're inexpensive, usually just a few dozen yuan, but they prevent unexpected issues. It's like paying attention to maintenance details: skipping them saves minimal cost, while replacing them reduces future hassles, such as avoiding sudden pressure loss during high-speed driving that could cause accidents. In short, replacing valve stems is a precautionary measure, especially for older vehicles or those frequently driven in harsh road conditions.
