You've just washed your car, the alloys are gleaming, and then you notice one of the tyre valves is missing its cap. Or perhaps one of the wheel centre caps has faded or cracked. Little things, you might think. And you'd be right. But it's often these little details that spoil the look of an otherwise lovely car. And Audi valve caps aren't just there to look good. They've got a useful job to do, too.
Why do you need Audi valve caps?
The cap keeps dust, mud, water and road salt away from the valve. Without it, dirt can get inside and cause the valve to start leaking air. In winter, any water that gets in can freeze, too. Then you're left wondering why your tyre keeps losing a little pressure until, eventually, the TPMS warning light comes on. All that hassle over something so small. And it could have been avoided.
Why choose genuine valve caps?
- They fit the valve properly and won't work themselves loose.
- They have a seal that keeps moisture away from the valve.
- The Audi logo looks smart and matches your alloys.
- They won't corrode or seize onto the valve.
Be careful with metal valve caps of unknown origin, especially if your car has aluminium valves. Corrosion can make the caps seize so tightly that you end up breaking the valve the next time you try to inflate the tyre. And suddenly, something tiny has turned into a repair you really didn't need.
What should you look for in wheel centre caps?
The wheel centre cap covers the hub and helps keep dirt away from the bearing and wheel bolts. A genuine cap has the correct diameter and fitting, so it clips securely into place and won't fall out while you're driving. You can also get dynamic centre caps. With these, the Audi logo stays upright even when the wheel is spinning.
Why do you need locking wheel bolts?
If you've got a nice set of expensive alloys, locking wheel bolts are a good way to protect them against theft. Just do me one favour: don't lose the key. Keep it somewhere safe in the car and make sure you've got it with you whenever you have your tyres changed. Without it, removing the bolt becomes difficult, and there's a risk of damaging the alloy. That's hassle you can easily avoid.
A tip from Kris Mladenov: Every time you have your tyres changed, take a quick look at the valves as well. Are all the caps still there? Sometimes, just one missing valve cap is enough for a tyre to start slowly losing air.
If you're missing a valve cap or simply want your alloys to look their best, have a look at the genuine accessories in our shop. Or pop into Das Auto Service when you're next having your tyres changed.
What can you find in our shop?
Genuine Audi valve caps help keep dust and moisture out of your tyre valves. And they give your alloys that finishing touch.
View in our shopAudi dynamic alloy wheel centre caps
With dynamic wheel centre caps, the Audi logo stays upright even while the wheel is spinning.
View in our shopAudi locking wheel bolts M14 x 1.5 x 27
Locking wheel bolts help protect your expensive alloys against theft. They can only be removed with the matching key.
View in our shopRead more
- Tyres in our shop
- All products in our shop
- When should I fit winter tyres, and how should I store my summer tyres?
- TPMS: Why is the tyre pressure warning light on after changing tyres?
- VAG brakes: When should I replace the discs and pads together?
Frequently asked questions
Do you really need valve caps?
Yes, my friend, and they're not just there to look good. They keep dirt and moisture out of the valve, helping prevent your tyre from slowly losing air.
What are dynamic wheel centre caps?
They're wheel centre caps that keep the logo upright even while the wheel is spinning. You simply fit them in place of your standard ones.
What should you do if you lose your locking wheel bolt key?
Pop into the workshop. We've got special tools that let us remove the bolts. Afterwards, I'd recommend fitting a new set.