Valve Stem Replacement 101
Is your tire constantly going flat, and you can’t understand why? If you have checked for a nail but failed to see one, it may be time to do a tire stem replacement.
There should be no reason why you need to remove your tire when replacing your valve stem, and the shop doesn’t need to either.
Valve Stem Replacement 101
Replacing your valve stem is easy to do, even if you are not a mechanic. A new valve stem costs about $10 dollars to repair if you go the DIY route, and if you bring it to a shop, it will cost approximately $30.
Get the Right Tools
Before you start to replace anything, make sure you have all the right tools. When you pick up your new stem, you will also need a replacement valve core and stem tool. The latter looks like a plus sign.
Test the Valve Stem for a Leak
Before changing the valve stem, verify that it is actually leaking first. If you take some water and dish soap together and rub it over the uncapped valve stem, you will be able to test for a leak.
If you start to see little bubbles that form at the base of the stem, then it is leaking. However, if you do not see bubbles forming, then your valve stem is likely not the culprit of the leak.
Replace the Stem
Once you’ve verified it is the valve stem leaking, you will have to remove the air out of the tire once it has been taken off the vehicle. You will need to unscrew the valve from the tire using the stem tool you purchased earlier.
The valve core is pressurized if any air is left in the tire, so remove all the air before you remove the core. Once you have taken the core out, throw it away and put in the new stem valve.
If you would like to make an appointment for a tire stem replacement service, please contact AC Tires at (571) 901-3993 now if you live in the Alexandria, VA region.