- I can’t pump in air with the new tire nozzle.
- The new tire nozzle goes sideway when I try to pump air.
- The air leak from nozzle when I try to pump in air.
These are the frequently asked questions about their new tire nozzle (in HK) after replacing a new tire. The thing is, they had no problems with their original equipped tire nozzles.
Unless your vehicle is equipping with Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors (TPMS) that may use metal tire nozzle to hold the sensors (e.g. Tesla, Hyundai H1). Most vehicles are equipped with rubber type of tire nozzles.
Metal tire nozzle
Rubber tire nozzle
The new rubber tire nozzle commonly used in HK is called “TR413”. These nozzles are made in China and widely used in retail stores due to its low cost of goods sold. That is why replacing new tire usually comes with free new rubber tire nozzle. These new TR413 is the “same” as those original equipped vehicles that comes with rubber tire nozzle.
The PROBLEMS
Not all TR413 rubber tire nozzles use the same materials. The ingredients used to manufacture TR413 can be different across manufacturers. A low quality of TR413 leads to inability to pumping in air via the nozzle, especially when you try to pump air at the petrol station. To make matter worse, air leaks from the tire while you try to pump in air.
Besides, the newly replaced TR413 are commonly found aging much faster than the original equipped. The aging crack appears at TR413 as early as one year usage. A serious crack occurs after 5 years usage. A few cases with very serious crack, resulting in air leakage happens to some customers within 3-5 years.
TR413C (up to 65psi)
1. Rubber more flexible
2. Chrome plating for tire cap and nozzle cover, making it looks more premium.
i. Some drivers may have difficulty pumping air if they are not holding the air pumper correctly.
ii. Nozzle cap always got stolen. My customer checked his tires before leaving the car park and found one of his cap missing when back to the car. Even myself got stolen for 5 times in these years.
TR413 (up to 65 psi)
1. Rubber more rigid
2. Dull looking with rubber cap
Easier for drivers to pump in air
If you ever purchased a brand new vehicle, you will realize the above problems never happen to you for at least 5 years (as HK technicians will always ask you to replace tire after 5 years regardless your tires really crack or aging). The longest I have seen possibly around 9 years and still using without any issues (surprisingly).
What about getting metal tire nozzles?
Regardless of the quality of these nozzles, these are more prone to oxidation. Some customers even fail to take out the nozzle cap. I got to cut off the nozzle in order to get the air out and replace the nozzle.
Low quality metal nozzle fails to hold the tire core properly. Air still leaks after screwing the core in it.
High quality nozzles are more expensive as compared to rubber tire nozzles.
The solutions?
You may consider not replacing your original equipped rubber tire nozzle if your brand new vehicle is getting a tire replacement for the first time. (depending on the nozzle situation and the usage period)
Check your tire nozzles if they are getting more cracks from time to time.
Alternatives for Tyrehood online customers
Now, I will be offering alternatives for Tyrehood customers (only to those who purchase from Jimmy) to select your desire tire nozzles.
I will list out different tire nozzles pros and cons, and whether it suit your rim on the website. Details will be sent to you upon purchase confirmation.
To purchase automotive tire, batteries and automobile, travel and personal insurance in HK, whatsapp Jimmy +852 5113 0668
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Looking for R16 or below tires recommendations? -> Check this out
Looking for R17 or above instead? -> Here it is.
