BMW M3 Valve Stems and Caps
Valve stem caps are little, and it is easy to lose track of them. Though you may think you can drive around without one or two, they are a useful and necessary component for your BMW. It is a good idea to make sure that you have a bunch of BMW valve stem caps on hand.
Do you really need a valve stem cap?Yes, valve stem caps not only helps stop air from leaking out of the tire of your BMW, but they prevent dirt and other debris from getting inside. The cap screws onto a valve stem, which is mounted on the wheel rim of your tire. Valve stems let you add air to the tires and take it away if your tires are overinflated. When valve stems are damaged, they can no longer be counted on to hold the air in your tires the way they should. Your BMW tire may leak over a period of time, or it may not be able to hold enough air to keep it properly inflated at all. Then, you will need to buy a valve stem.
Why do valve stems need to be replaced?They need to be replaced because, like everything else, they get old and worn out. This can be a function of the sun’s ultraviolet rays causing them to deteriorate, the salt tossed on icy roads, damage from badly placed hub caps and wheel covers, or being banged against curbs. Even if the release of air is slow, the constant low pressure in the tire will eventually ruin it.
Can you replace the BMWs valve stem yourself?You can replace a valve stem by yourself, and it is far less expensive than replacing a tire that does not have anything really wrong with it. You will need tools that include a compressor with a hose and a special tool to take out the valve. You will need to hoist your car up and remove the tire, so have a jack handy as well.
What type of valve stem caps can you get?Things have improved since the days when a valve stem cap was simply a piece of black plastic. Now, you can have caps that actually enhance the beauty of your already beautiful BMW. The caps can have logos on them, including those that remind you that the tires of your car use nitrogen. They can be made of shiny metal such as polished aluminum, chrome-plated brass, or stainless steel with a copper finish and a pleasing texture. They can be different primary colors with silvery trim. If you really want to make a statement, choose valve stem caps made in the shapes of smiley faces, eyeballs, grenades, or crowns.