Tire valve stems hold the air inside of tires and should be replaced when the tires are replaced. Cracked valve stems need to be repaired, as soon as possible. Leaky tires can cost the vehicle owner a considerable amount of money, by causing faster tread wear from increased tire flexing. Improper tire pressure can also lower fuel efficiency. The valve stem is the least expensive part of the tire assembly, but it is valuable to tire performance.
Purchase a tire valve stem installation kit from an auto parts store. Remove the tire from the vehicle. Deflate the tire, but do not remove the tire from the wheel.
Press, and hold down, the old valve stem to the side. Insert the hook tool through the gap and underneath the valve. Twist the hook a quarter turn, and lift the valve up and out of the tire.
Lubricate the new valve stem, and thread it onto the t-stem. Hold the insertion tube in the opening of the valve stem hole. Slide the t-stem, holding the valve into the insertion tube, with one, quick stroke into the valve stem hole.
Pull back on the inserted valve with the t-stem to snap it in place. Rotate the tool off the newly installed valve stem to remove it.
