Tire valve caps..... BEWARE !!!!

[hwycycle]

Although I realize this has been posted already... but maybe more of a friendly reminder.

Everyone(in the northeast especially) should ensure they have plastic tire valve caps.

My mistake was replacing the caps with chrome caps. Apparently, any type of dis-similar metal caps will have a negative reaction and result in frozen valve caps. Fortunately, while attepting to remove the chrome caps, I succeeded in breaking all 4 caps cleanly off the stem. My local dealership honored the TSB and replace all 4 TPMSs.

NOW THE PROBLEM.....

The dealer, while replacing the sensor/stems, destroyed my upgraded chome-look rims. The tech used the new $18,000 tire removal machine and gouged and scratched all 4 rims.....

I'll be returning to the dealer on Tuesday to have my NEW rims mounted... hopefully they have learned how to mount the tires without damaging the rims.

[ToyTruck]

Dealer pick up the tab for new wheels? I would hope so.

[hwycycle]

Absolutely. The service manager did try to claim it was previous damage.... until I was able to point out the loose chrome flaking off each rim.

Luckily, I didn't move the truck after the service.

[xridgelinex]

At AutoZone you can purchase some nice aluminum caps that are lined with plastic caps. No problems through a few winters. They also shine up nicely with some metal polish...

[csimo]

Many 2006 Ridgelines came with metal valve stem caps. Honda issued a safety campaign for those living in a cold weather state and sent out replacement plastic caps to owners of record.

This is a known issue that shouldn't be ignored.

[northernlights]

Got my cheap plastic ones in the mail a year ago. Put them in with my bike and ball valve cap bin. If you check your tire pressure and not rely on the tpm you shouldnt have a problem. Two winters in extreme salty conditions and all AOK. Its just one of those damn things I have to pay for and I dont need. Doesnt anyone look at their tires anymore to see if you have a slow leak or flat. It cost more period! I'll take heated mirrors over the tpm on the RTS anyday,but then again who uses their mirrors?

[VoicesInMyHead]

Originally Posted by northernlights

...but then again who uses their mirrors?

Yours has Mirrors????

[shovelhd]

I had the OEM metal caps and got the plastic replacements in the mail from Honda during the winter. I check my tire pressures about every month. That's all it took for one of the metal caps to gall up and get stuck on the stem. I managed to get it off with WD-40, a socket wrench, and vise grips. If you have metal caps I suggest you remove them if you live a climate that uses road salt.

The TPMS stems are aluminum, I believe, and aluminum and steel will gall in a corrosive environment.