Schrader valve

The Schrader valve is the common tyre valve on motorcycles, cars and ATVs. A spring-loaded core sits inside the valve stem; pressing its centre pin lets air in or out, and the spring closes it again. The same valve type is used on air forks and air-assisted shocks.

Leaks often come from a loose or dirty core, a missing cap or a cracked rubber stem. A valve core tool can tighten or replace the core cheaply. On tubeless wheels, the valve should be replaced whenever new tyres are fitted, as rubber ages.

Always refit the valve cap: it keeps out dirt and acts as a second seal. On high-speed bikes, metal angled valves or high-speed-rated stems are recommended.