Tyre valves be aware !!
 

while doing pre-flight checks today I removed the valve caps to check tyres and the front went down very very quickly. The valve stuck open, which was a worry. Couldn't get it to close so removed it. On inspection it appeared to be degraded quite badly in view of the fact tyres were change about 12 months ago. Checked the rear and it was much the same. I assume my local shop "DID" changed the valves as it says on invoice. If they didn't ............that's bad ...........if they did that's still bad. I'll now carry spare valves ! http://www.timag.co.uk/valve/valve 1.jpg

Nice picture. With curious damage like that I would suggest changing valve stems even if your invoice says they were replaced. Unless those valve cores were defective from the factory, something caused it.

Always a good idea to carry a couple spare valve cores in your tire repair kit. And I also like metal valve caps with valve core remover tool ends so you never have to hunt for the valve core tool at night in the rain on a lonely back road.

Cheers,
John Downs

I'm with John: always carry a couple of spare valve cores, and always carry a core removal tool and/or at least one core removal cap. Note that if you hire other people to change out your tires, they'll often take your caps when they do so, replacing them with useless plastic caps, hence the need to also carry a removal tool in your standard tool kit.

The cost is minimal (couple of dollars per bit and less than an ounce/28 grams of weight total). The convenience if you're way up a gravel road in the mountains alone when your valve core suddenly gives up the ghost--as has happened to me only once--is incomparable.

In theory, reputable shops always give you a new valve core when they change out a tire or tube. In practice, maybe not; in the Developing World, never. By the time you've put on a lot of miles and changed tires a half-dozen times, that valve core might be terminal. Worth thinking about.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

But don't leave them fitted to your wheels in some places, or the children will use them to remove your valve cores when you aren't looking!

+1 to all of the above :)

After years without any trouble, I've had a valve core fail on me twice in three months, on different bikes. One of the bikes has a core removal tool in the valve cap, and that has saved me a lot of hassle, especially with tubeless tyres. The jewel in the crown is the tube (can't remember the make) which has a cap with a built-in tool, plus a black plastic cap that fits over the tool so it looks exactly like a regular cap. Keeps it clean, and local kids don't get clever ideas.

A spare valve core is now one of my go-everywhere spares. Weight and size minimal, peace of mind huge.

Yup..... For sure !!!

Saved my bacon a few times.

Spares!?!?!?! That thing is fricking huge!!!!!!!

I'd just change them for normal sized valves, much lighter ;) :blushing::eek3:

brush with death !
 

The valve cores were great on my Scotland trip over the last week. Sadly it wasn't enough this time. While fully loaded, camping gear, wife and other stuff I managed to get a blow out on the rear while overtaking a lorry at 70mph. It wobbled a bit to say the least! How we stayed on top I don't know ..........but we did. :clap: There were no skid marks on the road anywhere to be seen, but skid marks were found later that evening ........

Bloody cut nearly inch long plus a few other holes. Tried puncture repair which held a bit of air to get to garage & coffee supply. RAC to the rescue. AND a big :thumbup1: to Perth Honda for staying after hours while we got there and the 7 mins or so it took to remove/ change / fit new tyre. 10 out of 10 for you guys.

Just shows any amount of piece of mind / spares / preparation can go out the window. But that's half the fun I guess. First thing after that was to overtake a lorry at 70mph. Next week, wild fires in Spain ! Can't wait.

tyre valves
 

Setting alarm on mobile as reminder to add valves to spares kit when I get home! Nice one :)

A little tip which might give an early warning of valve failure.
After you have inflated or checked the pressure in the tyre , spit on the end of your finger and place your finger over the valve stem , any bubbles in the saliva will show a leaking valve .
You can then tighten up the valve or replace it and avoid a nasty experience down the road .:scooter: