Tire Valve Stems

Q: On my daughter’s car her right front wheel valve stem continues to break. What could cause this? In the last year she has had several flats from torn valve stems.

A: If the valve stems are long and the tires rub the curb while parking, tire valve stems could tear. Also, when checking air pressure both hands should be used. Use one hand to hold the valve stem the other hand to push the air gauge. If she uses an air gauge and excessively pushes the valve stem to the side, the force could cause it to tear or weaken. Since it is the right front tire, her problem may be due to rubbing curbs. The solution would be to use short, tire valve stems that do not extend past the sidewall of the tire. You will need to take the car to a tire shop since each tire will have to be broken down to insert the new stem.