How to Replace a Tire Stem on a Car

There is nothing worse than a flat tire on your car when you're in a hurry to go somewhere. The next worse thing is paying the minimum price of $10 to $20 to get your tire fixed! One of the most common causes of tires losing air is a leaky tire valve stem. Replacing a tire valve stem is an easy, inexpensive task that only takes a few supplies from an auto store and then you can do it right in your own driveway!

Things You'll Need

  • Replacement tire valve stem Valve stem tool Soapy water
  • Take off the leaky tires valve cap and pour the soapy water onto the valve. If bubbles begin to form then you have determined that the leak is in your tires valve stem. If no bubbles form, then you will have to take your tire to get it patched because there is a hole in the tread of the tire.

  • Record the tire size and tire number. Go to your local auto repair store and purchase a tire valve core tool and a new tire valve stem core.

  • Let all the air out of your tire. Insert the small slotted end of your tire valve core tool into the tire valve and unscrew the valve core stem by turning the tool counterclockwise.

  • Grab the new valve stem and place it in the tire valve hole. Use the same end of the valve core tool to tighten the new stem into place by turning the tool clockwise.

  • Re-inflate the tire to the proper air psi. Replace the tire valve cap.