What Is a Valve Stem?

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Your car's tires are crucial to your car's safety and how it performs and handles. Tires are made up of several elements that enable them to perform correctly. One of those elements is the valve stem. The valve stem is responsible for inflation and deflation. Without valve stems, your tires would not be able to have the right inflation levels. Installing a valve stem correctly will help maintain tire pressure and prolong the life of your tires. It is important to understand what the valve stem is and how it works so that you can tell when you might have a bad valve stem.

How Valve Stems Work

The main function of a valve stem is to maintain the right pressure in your tire. They do this using a combination of spring-loaded pin and the actual pressure inside the tire. When a pump head is placed on the spring it stops the air flow and inflates your tire. When the pump head is removed, the air flow comes out and your tire deflates. This allows you to maintain the pressure of your tires easily. All you have to do is place a tire gauge over the valve stem with the pump head off. The gauge will allow you to tell if the pressure in your tire is low or not. If your tire is losing inflation and there is no hole, then you may need a valve stem.

Types of Valves

Depending on the type of tire you have, the type of valve may differ. The tire valve is a small metal and wire tube that protrudes from the tire. The most common type is a Schrader valve. This type of valve is rubber with a metal tip which is threaded like a screw for the valve cap. Some high-end cars may have Presta valves. A Presta valve is made of metal and is thinner in diameter.

Types of Valves Stems

There are two different types of valve stems. The first is for tubeless tires. This type of valve stem is considered a separate element from the tire. Tubeless tire valve stems can wear independently of the tire. In some cases, replacing the valve stem is done separately. The second type is an inner tube valve. This type of valve stem is part of the inner tube and usually sticks out from the tire. No matter what type of valve stem you have, if taken care of properly, they should outlast the tire. However, it is recommended that the valve is replaced when the tire is.

Replace Your Valve Stem 

If you think your valve stem is not working correctly, you should not wait to replace it. Driving on a low or flat tire is not good for your car or the rim of your tire. You can take your car in to have the valve replaced. Or to save on money, you can install one yourself. To find the perfect valve stem at the best price choose EZ Accessories. Click here to see our selection.

How Do I Know If I Need a New Sway Bar

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Does your car feel a little less stable than normal? If so, you may need a new sway bar. You might be asking what exactly is a sway bar. A sway bar is responsible for keeping your car stable and handling smoothly under diverse driving conditions. The older your car gets, the more likely it is for the stabilizer bar links to start to wear out. When the sway bar starts to wear out, you will notice symptoms that will let you know it is time to replace your sway bar. Not replacing your sway bar can cause significant damage to the front end of your vehicle and potentially lead to an accident. If your car has any of the warning signs below, then it is time to replace your sway bar.

Clunking or Rattling Noises From the Tire Area 

Hearing a clunking or rattling noise coming from your car is never a good sign. If you hear this noise coming from around the front two tires, you may need your sway bar replaced. The clunking or rattling noise that you hear is due to the sway bar wearing out. The sway bar which is attached to the lower control arm at the front end of your car is supposed to fit incredibly snugly except between rubber bushings. When the links that attach the sway bar to the lower control arm start to wear out, you will hear a clunking or rattling noise. If the noise seems to be louder or more noticeable when going around corners, then it is time to replace your sway bar.

Poor Handling or Loose Steering Wheel

While there are many causes to your car not handling as well as it once did, one reason may be due to the sway bar wearing out. Since the sway attaches to the lower control arms, it negatively affects the steering and handling when the sway bar goes out. In most cases, the poor handling and steering are due to the bushings. The role of the brushing is to take the majority of the impact and protect the metal parts from wearing out. However, if oil or grease gets embedded in the sway bar, the steering, and handling will be affected. If you notice your car is harder to handle or your steering wheel is not as tight as it once was, then it is time to get your sway bar checked.

Have Your Sway Bar Checked

One of the easiest ways to determine if you need a new sway bar is to have it checked. You may be thinking that you do not want to pay to have just the sway bar checked. The best time to have your sway bar looked at is when replacing your tires or a during a regular vehicle inspection.

Replace Your Sway Bar For Less 

If you have any of the above symptoms and you determine it is time to replace your sway bar, then finding the best deal is the most important thing. Buy your sway bar from EZ Accessories for the best price. Check out our sway bars here.