Left rear puncture. STOP....... 2008 C5 2.2 Excl.

[NAM]

National Tyres are now offering a service whereby they can replace or service the TPMS on all cars. There is a new EU directive in place which effectively means that all new cars will have them fitted. This means that tyre fitting places will have to be able to service, change, etc and they recommend doing some this when tyres are fitted.

This means that those of us with tyre pressure sensors will become more main stream and can save cash by not having main dealer to do the work. I've not had any problems with them to date (previous owner had all four changed a year or so ago) so I hope to be free from warning sounds for a while!

Has anyone else used the non-main dealer option? And one more question - I see reference to keeping the valves clean.....what is the best method?

[qprdude]

Don't know what the best method is, but I just wash the wheels as normal, then do the valves with an old toothbrush to get as far through the valve hole as possible. I then give it a short blast of Halfords Alloy wheel Protector. After a few minutes, I unscrew the cap wait a few minutes and refit it hand tight. Don't ask me why I do this, I just have always done it. Although I wash the wheels twice weekly (hate to see decent alloys covered in oily brake and road dust), I only use the spray on the valves about once a month. In the past, having run out of spray, I have just rubbed the valves with some 3 in 1 oil, after washing. Whether or not I'm right with the procedure, I have never had a corroded tyre valve. If you have metal caps, it would be a good idea to source some plastic ones.

[NAM]

Thanks for the tip. I use an alloy wheel cleaner and then a spray (AutoGlym) to give a final finish. I agree that regular washing should help remove the salt etc and some light oil should keep the moisture away. Looks as though your method is working and I will keep an eye on the metal caps.