# Easy to remove auto tire valve stem caps **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 18, 2015, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535 "2015-07-18T17:56:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![loninappleton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7feea3/32.png) [@loninappleton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/loninappleton)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/1 "2015-07-18T17:56:38Z")
Is there any source for a t-shape or other overside valse stem cap that is easy to remove. I carry some tools just to do this which I thought might work such as an11/32 socket with straight handle. The plastic caps will come off with this size but unreliably. Other tool is a tiny cutting pliers to pinch and turn. All this is difficult to use in bad/cold weather where gripping small things is especially difficult. What is missing in the tool kit (if an oversize Good Grips ™ cap is not available) would be a small pliers with oval jaws. I have a flat jaw pliers as well and again, a good grip just slides off. I worry about using lubrication on these and so haven’t tried that. A tool for this job is needed or an oversize cap that can be twisted with minimal pressure. ---
**Author:** ![Absolute](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b2d939/32.png) [@Absolute](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Absolute)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/2 "2015-07-18T18:16:06Z")
I’ve never had any problem removing the plastic ones. What is causing them to get stuck in the first place? As long as the valve stem threads themselves are clean, and you do not screw them down extremely tight in the first place, I don’t think you should be experiencing difficulty removing them. They only need to be gently tightened in order to not fall off. Metal ones can get stuck because of corrosion or deformation of the cap itself, but the plastic ones should not. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/3 "2015-07-18T18:39:13Z")
It’s fine to lubricate them with silicone spray or Vaseline – just don’t overtighten if they screw on easily. It should to be easy to find pliers with suitable jaws at any hardware store. ---
**Author:** ![loninappleton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7feea3/32.png) [@loninappleton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/loninappleton)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/4 "2015-07-18T19:04:17Z")
Tell that bit about tightening them to the techs who fix my flats. I have arthritis-- can’t grip things well. And yes, this time I put them on loosely. I have to go do a recheck of the pressure today since putting more air in after one of those tire pressure sensor alerts in the Hyundai Elantra came on. They seem to be going off all the time-- usually at a seasonal temp change. But it’s warm here-- air expands-- it should not be detecting low pressure unless I have another puncture. I will keep looking for solutions. The 11/32 straight handle socket was the best gripper I found to use. But with that there is the chance, esp if your hands are cold, to have difficulty getting them out of the socket end. It’s outrageous that such a simple thing is so difficult to locate. I’ve seen electrical wire nuts with tee shape on the bigger ones. But those taper and would not work. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/5 "2015-07-18T19:12:49Z")
I have Jeep logo oversized caps on mine. I found them on Amazon. I bought them because they are cheap and pretty, but I guess they’d be easier to remove if they get mud covered. The came with a little open end wrench on a key ring. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/6 "2015-07-18T19:18:37Z")
Sorry, took a while to find: [http://www.amazon.com/Wrench-Keychain-Chrome-Tire-Valve/dp/B00G23UYAU/ref=pd\_sim\_263\_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=158Y0A24P65EW30S9KKG](http://www.amazon.com/Wrench-Keychain-Chrome-Tire-Valve/dp/B00G23UYAU/ref=pd_sim_263_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=158Y0A24P65EW30S9KKG) ---
**Author:** ![loninappleton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7feea3/32.png) [@loninappleton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/loninappleton)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/7 "2015-07-18T19:29:08Z")
Those are beauties and the right shape for a wrench. How would one look for plastic hex valve stem caps? I’ve been told I am challenged at doing net searches… never find the right phrase. Thanks for this reply. They might be to showy on the ol’ Elantra. And why could I not find such a thing at Auto Zone b/c I’ve been to the store on this search? ---
**Author:** ![loninappleton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7feea3/32.png) [@loninappleton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/loninappleton)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/8 "2015-07-18T19:33:45Z")
A hex shaped nylon cap would probably last longer and not get stripped so easily. ---
**Author:** ![loninappleton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7feea3/32.png) [@loninappleton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/loninappleton)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/9 "2015-07-18T19:38:21Z")
This might be just the thing: > **[Amazon.com: SODIAL(R) Car Auto Hexagon Tyre Tire Valve Stems Caps Cover Green 4...](https://www.amazon.com/SODIAL-Hexagon-Valve-Stems-Cover/dp/B00HZY6SBY)** > > Buy SODIAL(R) Car Auto Hexagon Tyre Tire Valve Stems Caps Cover Green 4 Pcs: Stem Caps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases Doesn’t say what they are made of-- green plastic is my guess. ---
**Author:** ![MindsEye\_Watering](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindseye_watering/32/3619_2.png) [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/10 "2015-07-18T20:00:58Z")
> [@loninappleton](#): > > Doesn’t say what they are made of-- green plastic is my guess. Product Name : Tire Valve Cap;Material : **Aluminum Alloy** ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/11 "2015-07-18T20:10:35Z")
[Do they have to be plastic? These are nice.](http://www.amazon.com/Tire-Valve-Caps-for-Hyundai/dp/B004ROMJIQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1437250143&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=Elantra+logo+valve+stem+covers+wrench) ---
**Author:** ![loninappleton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7feea3/32.png) [@loninappleton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/loninappleton)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/12 "2015-07-18T21:02:32Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > [Do they have to be plastic? These are nice.](http://www.amazon.com/Tire-Valve-Caps-for-Hyundai/dp/B004ROMJIQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1437250143&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=Elantra+logo+valve+stem+covers+wrench) It just gets better. thanks. I think because the valve stem is rubber something less ‘muscular’ would work better-- plastic or nylon. I did find my old tube of lithium grease to lube them a tiny bit. ---
**Author:** ![loninappleton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7feea3/32.png) [@loninappleton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/loninappleton)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/13 "2015-07-18T21:04:03Z")
> [@MindsEye\_Watering](#): > > Product Name : Tire Valve Cap;Material : **Aluminum Alloy** I’d rather stay away from metal-- no big reason but I think the next tech that has to work on tires would see it as an opportunity to tighten down. ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/14 "2015-07-18T21:08:34Z")
Simple. Take them off yourself before you take the car into a repair shop. Tell them you have the caps in your pocket and you will replace them yourself. You probably will need to emphasize that you don’t want them to be “nice” and put on plastic caps thinking yours are missing. ---
**Author:** ![loninappleton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7feea3/32.png) [@loninappleton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/loninappleton)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/15 "2015-07-18T21:29:55Z")
Good advice again. I’m hoping to get past this bad patch with no visit to the tire shop. ---
**Author:** ![loninappleton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7feea3/32.png) [@loninappleton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/loninappleton)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/16 "2015-07-18T21:34:29Z")
> **[Tire-pressure monitoring system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire-pressure_monitoring_system)** > > A tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors the air pressure inside the pneumatic tires on vehicles. A TPMS reports real-time tire-pressure information to the driver, using either a gauge, a pictogram display, or a simple low-pressure warning light. TPMS can be divided into two different types – direct (dTPMS) and indirect (iTPMS). > TPMS are installed either when the vehicle is made or after the vehicle is put to use. The goal of a TPMS is avoiding traffic accidents, poor fuel economy, a... Somewhere in here it says avoid the metal ones. There’s a couple of warnings on google as well. I was trying to look up what TPMS _safe_ means and those plastic ones above apparently are. Right now I have to go do my pressure check. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/17 "2015-07-18T22:11:48Z")
You could always just leave them off. Its not like they really do anything. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2015, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/18 "2015-07-18T22:21:48Z")
I drove an 09 Jeep Patriot (worst car I ever owned) and my mechanic told me there were known problems with the TPMS that Chrysler used. My low tire pressure warning light would turn on randomly. Once I was putting air in my tires and as I unscrewed the cap, the entire valve stem “came off” giving me an instant flat and $150 repair. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2015, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/19 "2015-07-19T01:37:35Z")
Many auto parts stores sell novelty valve stem caps. I used to have a set which were dice. Which are a nice square shape that’s easy to grip with fingers or pliers or crescent wrench. Here’s some: [http://www.autozone.com/tire-repair-and-tire-wheel/decorative-valve-caps?filterByKeyWord=dice+valve+stem+cap&fromString=search](http://www.autozone.com/tire-repair-and-tire-wheel/decorative-valve-caps?filterByKeyWord=dice+valve+stem+cap&fromString=search) ---
**Author:** ![Deereman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Deereman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deereman)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2015, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-to-remove-auto-tire-valve-stem-caps/725535/20 "2015-07-19T02:14:11Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > You could always just leave them off. Its not like they really do anything. They are a pretty good thing to have, keeps debris out of the valve, which could hang it open and deflate the tire. And road salt and grime. There is a debate whether it helps seal the valve, probably not, but it doesn’t hurt. I know I’ve used one to slow down a leaking valve stem so I could finish a job (QUICKLY), then repair it properly later.