Some people intentionally take them off, but this opens their tire valves to corrosion. No, but they will give more life to your tubes. ![]() So are bike tire caps absolutely necessary? The cap also prevents the fragile stem from getting bent out of shape.įor more information on the difference between Presta and Schrader valves – Click here to read my article all about them. If the stem oxidizes it can seize up the stem. Keeping the screw shut is the most important thing, and the plastic caps on top does two functions.įirst, it keeps the stem protected from dirt, grime, and oxidization which is important. This is a thin, narrow tube that has a metal screw feature that seals the valve shut. Road bikes and some hybrids use tubes with a Presta valve. If dirt finds its way in, the valve won’t do its job and you will likely need to replace the entire bike tube. The valve caps job is to keep grime and dirt out of the flap. It’s basically a tube with a flap that holds against air pressure. Mountain bikes, hybrids, cruisers, and a few other bikes usually have tubes with a Schrader valve. As more dust collects near the valve it is possible that it causes the valve to leak. Thus, the valve stem caps main purpose is to keep the valve clean. It’s possible for dirt, grime, condensation to build up near the valve and ruin the valve. Let me explain first by saying that they are officially called the “valve stem cap.” The valve stem caps function is to cover the tire valve. While they are important their primary function is to keep the valve dirt free, and not to hold in air. Will my bike tire deflate without the cap? No, bicycle tires will not lose air or deflate if the caps are missing. Regardless, the valve cap is gone and you begin to wonder… It’s missing! Perhaps it wasn’t screwed on tight enough or maybe you forgot to put it on last time you aired up the tires. You go to pump up your bike tires with air, and notice that the cap isn’t there. If you’ve been riding bicycles for a while you’ve probably had this happen to you. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission.
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