Tubeless Rubber Snap-In Valves
Tubeless rubber snap-in valves allow a maximum cold tire inflation pressure of 65 psi and are designed for passenger car, light-duty trailer and light truck applications, as well as are suitable for use in autocross competition. Rubber snap-in valves are available to fit either .453" or .625" diameter holes in the rim and have effective lengths ranging from 7/8" to 2-1/2". While most rubber snap-in valves use a plastic cap, some are fitted with chrome sleeves and metal caps to help complement the appearance of custom or alloy wheels.
| Industry Valve Number | Max Inflation Pressure (PSI) | Effective Length (Inch) | Hole Diameter in Wheel (Inch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 412 | 65 | 0.88 | 0.453 |
| 413 | 65 | 1.25 | 0.453 |
| 414 | 65 | 1.50 | 0.453 |
| 415 | 65 | 1.75 | 0.453 |
| 418 | 65 | 2.00 | 0.453 |
| 423 | 65 | 2.50 | 0.453 |
| 415 | 65 | 1.25 | 0.625 |
| 425 | 65 | 2.00 | 0.625 |
Tire Valve Caps
High-speed pressure loss and core contamination are several of the reasons why valve caps should always be used. In case anything disrupts the valve core's seal, the valve cap provides a backup seal that prevents air from escaping. And while using valve caps will make it take longer to check tire pressures in the pits at a racetrack, the consequence of having a tire lose pressure is much worse.
Three types of valve caps are available: plastic dome, metal dome or a metal "screwdriver" design used to tighten and loosen valve cores. The plastic dome caps are fine for normal driving and autocrossing, however they should be replaced with metal valve caps to withstand the high temperatures experienced during racetrack driving. Valve caps are knurled to make it easier to tighten or loosen them, while some metal caps feature hex head designs. Metal caps use a rubber washer or o-ring to seal the valve completely.
If the valve cap is missing, it is best to press the valve core momentarily to release a little air before checking or adding air pressure. This will allow the compressed air inside the tire to blow debris out of the valve. Avoiding moisture is more difficult to address, because it is often hard to find a consistent source of dry air. Checking or adding tire inflation pressure outside in the middle of a snowstorm is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
