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Graham • Your Tire Store Next Door

Tire Repair In Lincoln, Nebraska

Tag: #tirerepair

Tire Tools You Need While on the Road

While tires are made to last, they are still susceptible to punctures as you travel. You might unknowingly run over a nail, staple wire, glass shard, or any other sharp debris, which can punch a hole in one of your tires. This will allow air to escape from the tire and eventually deflate it.

We can’t stress enough the importance of having a set of tire tools ready in your car in case you get a flat tire. You never know when this unfortunate event would happen, but if you have the right tools at hand, you can get back on the road in no time.

As you need to save precious cabin and cargo space in your car, it’s not advisable to carry all the tools in your garage all the time. We listed down the essential tire tools you must have in your car when hitting the road.

  1. Lug Wrench
    A lug wrench (also called tire iron) is a type of socket wrench specifically made to loosen and tighten the lug nuts on automotive wheels. The L-shaped variant usually comes with your car, so make sure it stays there in the trunk. You can also get the cross-shaped one for faster turning and extra leverage.
  2. Jack
    The jack is used to raise a part of the vehicle off the ground so you can change tires. A scissor jack is usually supplied with the car, but you may bring a hydraulic jack instead as it works faster and easier. Remember, the spare tire, lug wrench, and jack go hand in hand, so make sure you have all three at all times.
  3. Tire Pressure Gauge
    You need this tool to check the air pressure within the tires, letting you determine if you need to add or release air. Even if you don’t have a flat tire, a tire gauge is needed to ensure your tires keep the recommended pressure.
  4. Tire Inflator
    Your spare tire’s air pressure might not be within the recommended levels upon installing it. You need a tire inflator to add some air into the tire if needed.
  5. Multi-Tool with Pliers
    You can use this tool for many things. The pliers, for instance, can pull out the debris that had punctured your tire.

Having tire tools in your car ensures you won’t be helpless on the road in the event of a flat tire. If you’re in Lincoln, NE and you need to get a tire repaired, visit Graham Tire. Our tire repair experts can help make your punctured tire roadworthy again.

What You Need To Know About Tire Valve Stems

We all know how significant tires are to any vehicle. They largely contribute to a car’s handling, suspension, and, of course, safety. A tire may look simple at first glance, but it comprises several components. One of them is the tire valve stem.

The valve stem is that small rubber tube protruding from the tire. It is where you attach the air pump head/fitting to inflate the tire or let air escape to reduce pressure.

While there are a few kinds of valve stems, the one used on almost all motor vehicles is the Schrader valve. Let’s familiarize ourselves with its parts for easy reference.

Parts of a Schrader Valve Stem

  • Body/Stem — the rubber tube that serves as the passage for air
  • Core — the primary sealing device
  • Tip — the threaded metal part where the cap is screwed on and off
  • Cap — the screw cap that protects the core from dust, debris, and moisture

How It Works

At the heart of a Schrader tire valve stem is the valve core, which has a spring-loaded pin in the center (you can see it from the top). The spring, coupled with the internal tire pressure, helps the pin stop air from escaping. The air passage only opens when the pin is depressed.

To fill air into the tire, simply attach the pump head to the threaded tip of the valve stem (this will push down the center pin) and start pumping. Follow the recommended PSI levels for your vehicle to maintain optimal performance. Under-inflating or over-inflating can have adverse effects such as premature wear on tires and poor fuel economy.

To reduce tire pressure (in case you go above the recommended PSI or drive on dry sand), use your thumbnail or any tool that can fit through the tip’s opening and press down the center pin to let some air out. Use a tire pressure gauge or a tire deflator kit (with a built-in gauge) to check the PSI levels.

How To Maintain the Valve Stem on Your Tires

Unless you’re inflating or deflating your tires, make sure the caps are in place to prevent debris or moisture from accumulating in the valve. Check the stems periodically for holes or cuts, as they can cause a “slow leak.” If they are damaged, have a qualified tire technician check and replace them to save you effort and time.

If you need quality auto tire repair services, reach out to Graham Tire in Lincoln, NE. Our tire experts work by industry standards and deliver excellent customer service.

Graham Tire Locations

2121 Cornhusker Highway
Lincoln, Nebraska 68521

6800 O Street
Lincoln, Nebraska 68510

1401 Cushman Drive
Lincoln, Nebraska 68512

6201 Artisan Way
Lincoln, Nebraska 68516