basically long story short last time I was at the dealer (a few months back, like August or so) when they did their routine inspection they checked the tire pressure then forgot to put the cap back on the valve stem (or whatever it's called) on one of the tires and I didn't notice it until just recently.

Only one tire is missing the cap, but do I need to worry about water or anything getting in? Can you actually buy replacement caps? Tried just taking a cap from a spare tire, but the spare doesn't fit. Can I just let it go?

 

Totally sealed system. Valve caps are not a necessity, at all.

 

Yes, or you can pay $1.49 for 4 valve stem caps at the local CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens, 99 Cent Store or even the auto parts store. I bought a set once at the local CVS.

 

^^ what ttribe said. Caps are to ensure that no debris gets in the valve stem. What debris would do over time is pretty much negligible. Also, any auto store (Walmart automotive section as well) caries valve stem caps; plastic or metal.

 

I suggest neon green dice.

 

Well the replacement caps you can buy, are there sets for like Hankooks, Goodyears, Toyos, etc? I believe the spare I tried to swipe a cap from was a Bridgestone, and the cap was too big for my Toyos.

 

Honestly, the size should be universal. Not sure why you had the problem you did.

 

Why pay the $1.49? Next time you're at the bank, grocery store, mall, or whatever, make use of Parking Lot Auto Parts. Advice caveat emptor.

To answer your original question: don't worry about it. Countless tires have missing valve stem caps without any problems.

 

The Bridgestone cap was real fat and stubby, it wouldn't thread on the stem...

 

Hmmm, I'm running Bridgestones right now, also had some on the TL before my current car, and had both Goodyears and Michelins on the TL before the Bridgestones. No differences. Not sure what to tell you on that one.

 

Yes, but having any uncapped valve stems disturbs my sense of aesthetics, albeit not as much as having the dice-shaped caps suggested by ttribe.
The valve stems used on street tires are universal, but there are a few different sized valve stems for other applications; IDK if your spare has a standard valve stem or not.
The ones you get from the drug store or auto parts store will be standard in size. If in doubt, take a cap off another tire valve stem and bring it with you to compare.

Oh, and the metal caps supposedly bind to the valve stems, so don't get those unless they have a plastic liner or you put anti-seize on them first.

 

After 1800+ posts, this is truly a noob post! Like the other poster said, take one from the parking lot!

 

I'll admit that I've had one or two rentals cars returned without the valve caps.



but if you really don't want air getting out of your tires, you need:
http://www.garson.co.jp/english/lcc/e_valve_cap.html
just to be safe....

 

 

Even better than neon green dice.

 

Just go to an Advance Auto Parts store and buy some of our valve caps and help fund the company I work for.

 

i run no valve stem caps, i like to live life on the edge

 

 

<img src="http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2010/04/21/1271861328943-y3e6bly0msj8-500-90-500-70.jpg" id="il_fi" height="375" width="500" style="padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; ">

 

http://ezinearticles.com/?Tire-Valve...hem?&id=396668

 

Not buying it....

 

I say live life like it was meant: Expired milk, no valve stem covers, and kiss your sister.

 

I've done it both ways. Bareback and covered.

I run caps

 

You don't even know the half of it. Most of it comes from being a car noob, plus a tremendous worrywart.

and like I said I do have a backup compressor so if I lose air pressure. My main concern was over crap getting IN, causing problems to the valve, etc.