Tyre Valve Problem

[ChrisRS6]

I popped into my local garage the other day, to check and top-up the tyres with one of the standard coin operated (whatever happened to free air ?!) machines.

Fronts were no problem, but when I came to do the rears, I found that the actual valve didn’t protrude far enough out of the metal collar for me to fit the air hose on

Does this make sense…? You know, the threaded bit of the valve which you screw the dust-cap on, only protrudes about 1cm from the metal bit of what I assume is part of the TPMS thingy. Excuse the use of technical jargon here!

Do I have exceptionally short valves on the rear / exceptionally long metal collar thing?

Perhaps I should try the tyre-pump that is part of the tyre emergency kit to see if that fits?

I could end up being stuck in an emergency if I can’t use a standard air hose to inflate the rear tyres !

[Ross22]

Hi Chris,

Assuming you still have the TPM's (most dont) I would say its because of the TPM on the valves reduce the space for standard garage air pumps to fit. I have had the same problem and end up using the Tyre Pump supplied with our kit - Its works well but is noisy and slow! Better than a flat though

GL and happy driving
Ross

[Rick_RS4]

pics to proove your not a dumbass lol

[RichRS6]

This is a common one, try using the straight plastic tyre valve extenders which are available at your local Helfrauds for a couple of quid.

They don't last too long though.

Its a good idea to get a new set of valves ready for the next tyre change and replace them before they get too old and screw up.

If I have to use a garage airline (notoriously inaccurate) I always put in a couple of lbs extra and then using a good tyre pressure gauge let them down to the correct pressure.

[SteveH]

classic issue, as the garage ones don't suit the RS6 valves, and the pump that comes with the car also doesn't suit as the valves corrode rendering the screw on type useless... Solution, buy a £30 electric pump from anywhere and they're spot on.

[ChrisRS6]

Glad it wan't me being a numpty then.

I'll pull out the pump that comes with the car to give it a go.
I haven't done this so far because the threaded handle thing that screws the plastic cover over the tool-kit and battery seems to be about a foot long and takes ages to undo and re-tighten! ... I'm very lazy!

[Mrfickle]

A few moons back someone on here mentioned this...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-Automotive ... 097&sr=8-2

I got it cos I was fed up with the queues for air at my petrol station and had discovered similar issues as you have had. It now sits in the boot and goes everywhere with me. Very handy and now only £18!

[Keaney]

I found that some daft valve covers corroded onto the TPS valves and eventually got them off but need to blow them up every week, i'm now looking to get a Tyresure system fitted this weekend and turn the Audi one off!

[Shoppinit]

I've used the OE compressor on mine with no problems. I've also got a workshop compressor at home I used to pump up tyres that works fine. I've used other plenty of other compressors at service stations in various countries too without any difficulty. I wonder why mine would be different.

BTW it's on TPMS.