The car also veers very slightly to the left when driving on a straight level road

 

If someone hit the wing they could have hit the wheel as well and bent something/ put the tracking out... get 4 wheel alignment done would be my first step...

Not much you can do with the valve caps i dont think other than get some WD 40 and pliers, if not cut the valve off and replace

 

Thanks, I should have mentioned I noticed the handling on the way to the shops too!

 

Hi,Always apply a smear of silicone grease on the alloy valve caps, otherwise they corrode due to the different metals.
More expensive caps (Richbrook)have a nylon insert, so they don't corrode onto the valve.
Hoggy.

 

Thanks Hoggy, I'll remember that for next time!

 

How long had the car not been driven for and then, when you did take it out, how far did you go?

Much of what you describe could be explained by reduced grip from the tyres. If the car has been stood for a while the surface of the tyre can harden slightly which will diminish grip marginally until you've scrubbed them up a bit again - much like when you first fit a new set of tyres. Added to that if you've not driven the car for a while you lose that sense of how it should feel so any small discrepencies tend to cause alarm and get exaggerated in your mind. It may be nothing more than that.

And I seriously doubt any minor contact from another car so slight that the scuffing on the bumber is so minor would also result in a wheel misalignment.

For now just do what you can to get those valve caps off and check the tyre pressures are okay. Again, if the car has been standing for a while they could be down and that on its own can account for your symptoms. Once you've got those tyres inflated correctly just go for a decent spin to scrub the tyres and re-evaluate how it handles.

 

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your reply. I've had it out on a few runs in the last few weeks, so only about 10 days since I last drove it properly, but its hard to tell if the handling was like that then as it was completely soaking on the roads around here, so I was going a lot more sensibly anyway. I hadn't checked the tyre pressures for about 6 months though before that.

Ive tried everything to get the valve caps off (amateur mistake) and they aren't budging so maybe the garage can do something with it next week.

Its a FWD so wondering if a slight change in pressure on one of the fronts might have a more noticeable impact than 4WD

 

Hi everyone,

My local garage just called me to explain that all my brakes and suspension seem to be fine (obviously good news), so Im guessing my handling issues were due to tyre pressure. As my tyres are still in good nick, all I want to do is to change the valves. Where's the best place to get this done, and what should I expect to pay?

Thanks

 

Around £10 a wheel to remove tyre fit new valve, refit tyre and rebalance.

 

Thanks James, will one of those Kwitfit type places do a decent job?

Also, anyone got any links for better but not expensive tyre valve caps (that wont dissolves into the valves)?

 

Never had any issues with std plastic valve caps.
Far lighter than the alloy ones, don't get nicked and don't get stuck on either...

 

Touche

 

Never had any issues with std plastic valve caps.
Far lighter than the alloy ones, don't get nicked and don't get stuck on either...

I agree with that. Mind you I've never had a problem with metal valve caps cos they get nicked long before they start to suffer. The only way I keep mine is to use plastic. That's London for you.

 

The black plastic ones don't corrode

 

Hi, Had these for years without probs. other colours are avail.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Richbrook-Red ... 53f459a7c7

Hoggy.

 

To remove the old one, hold the base with some grips and you might be able to undo the tops with a spanner? My metal ones came with a mini spanner but they're on my old wheels still.
The last time I tried to forcibly remove a welded dust cap, I broke the valve and had an instant flat. It was my motorbike, so I had no spare!

 

Thanks everyone!

Pugwash, absolutely no budging these unfortunately!

 

Hi, Had these for years without probs. other colours are avail.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Richbrook-Red ... 53f459a7c7

Hoggy.

Excellent

 

Hi, Had these for years without probs. other colours are avail.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Richbrook-Red ... 53f459a7c7

Hoggy.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Richbrook...?pt=UK_Cars_parts_Vehicles_Wheels_tyres_trims_Valve_Caps_ET&hash=item3a8b8de100Bargain, sorted

 

Hi, Had these for years without probs. other colours are avail.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Richbrook-Red ... 53f459a7c7

Hoggy.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Richbrook...?pt=UK_Cars_parts_Vehicles_Wheels_tyres_trims_Valve_Caps_ET&hash=item3a8b8de100Bargain, sorted

Hi, Silver always cheaper & never look as good. :lol: :lol: :wink:
Hoggy.

 

Hi, Had these for years without probs. other colours are avail.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Richbrook-Red ... 53f459a7c7

Hoggy.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Richbrook...?pt=UK_Cars_parts_Vehicles_Wheels_tyres_trims_Valve_Caps_ET&hash=item3a8b8de100Bargain, sorted

Hi, Silver always cheaper & never look as good. :lol: :lol: :wink:
Hoggy.

Aye maybe on your mean machine, but red on my little silver roadster would look a bit silly