Tire valves have caps to protect the internal part of the tire from pressure loss and moisture. The standard valve cap is a plastic unit that screws onto the threads of a valve stem. You have numerous after-market options to replace your stock valve caps. Those options typically are metallic caps or screw-on accessories likes skulls and dice. The after-market options can become difficult to remove if placed on the unit too tightly or the threads of the valve stem have rusted or been damaged.
Rotate the wheel so that the valve cap is upside down as you look at it. Spray a small amount of spray lubricant onto the valve so that the lubricant can work into the threads to ease removal.
Firmly grasp the base of the valve stem with snub-nosed pliers.
Firmly grasp the cap with another set of snub-nosed pliers and twist the unit free.
Use a tire valve repair tool to clean the threads. Spray the threads with a little lubricant if signs of rust or damage are present. The valve repair tool has a corner that screws onto the valve stem. Use this edge to clean and repair the threads by screwing it onto the valve stem repeatedly.
