Forgot to tell the dealer to leave my tires alone at my latest service. So --- now I'm short both valve stem caps on one side. And, of course, the dealer just shrugs his shoulders. Is there anything special about OEM caps or just go to Autozone?

 

the caps themselves are plastic.
nothing special!

I would venture out to a tire shop and ask for some black plastic caps. (tire shops have millions floating around)

 

Mine are grey and I wonder if TPMS requires a special cap.

 

just go to the nearby parking lot and grab the first two you see

 

You can always steal the ones off the spare tire on your car(s) until you hit the auto parts store. I have Acura logo valve covers and have to double-check the tech puts them back after a tire service.

 

I'd go outside and look at some of his new cars on the lot. Bend down to tie your shoe and voi-la..............there are a couple of caps just waiting for you. If they ask where you got them..........just shrug your shoulders.

 

lmao

 

Its funny, the grey ones seem to go missing on mine too.

 

as long as it isnt metal, you can put what ever color cap you want.

 

the only color difference i've seen; nitrogen filled tires will have green caps to denote to dealers.


a metal cap will bind to the stem, and you dont want that

 

and it just so happens that acura chose grey caps.

 

Not to mention, it will seize on the stem thread and can't get them off. I know from experience.

 

I've been using metallic valve stem caps without any problems so far. Just look at eBay and you can get one set for $5-6. It comes with a stylish Acura logo and an Acura key chain.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/ACURA-VALVE-STEM-CAPS-KEYCHAIN-WHEEL-TIRE-CHROME-US-SELLER-VS02-/262673214783?hash=item3d288b2d3f%3Ag%3A8l0AAOSwoudW-C4I&_trkparms=pageci%253A0989a968-ad34-11e6-9ca5-74dbd1800a2d%257Cparentrq%253A7532201f1580a6062573eb56fff6d249%257Ciid%253A5Something like this. The key chain can be used as a spanner to loosen the nut if by chance it is stuck. I haven't had to use the key chain yet.

 

I had the metal ones bond to my old Accords Stems (with sensors) and had to replace them all....costly

 

Mine was missing a gray cap after the last service and I went back to parts and asked for one. They handed me a new one gratis. I noticed it has a slightly different shape than OEM, but at least it matches as far as color. Next time I get a loaner I am taking a couple of caps.

 

you do know that its a chemical reaction? and it will bind/seize! because SCIENCE!!!!!!
why go through ALL of that hassle with spanner key chain wrenches, when you can just use a plastic black cap or no cap at all...

 

It's called galvanic corrosion, look it up y'all! Especially those in snow states or humid climate

 

I suppose you could loosen/tighten them often to keep from seizing. But, why bother? Caps with Acura logo seem really silly.

 

we're driving an Acura.


lol no need to name drop, or key drop, or valve stem drop to show your social status.

 

True!
Use some antiseize compound.

 

You mean the valve stems will corrode and break???
You guys are making me change my mind. Okay I'll start looking for plastic caps now. Thanks.

 

What can happen is the cap will fuse to the stem and then you have a problem.
I believe using a anti-seize compound would stop that.

 

Thx for the heads-up, I'm heading out now to grease up my metal cap threads, salty roads are around the corner here....

 

Jeez...24 posts about valve stem caps. A little OCD, are we? Go to Autozone and buy a set...they cost about $2. Problem solved.

 

Greasing the threads took me 1 whole minute, and turns out my metal caps have a plastic lining so it was a pointless exercise anyway.

 

Go to the dealer. They just gave me 2 sets of OEM caps.