Valve caps

[mazybright]

OK, this isn't exactly the end of the world, but it does fall into the "bugs the hell out of me" category.

I took my MS3 for an oil change -- at the dealer no less -- only to discover a few days later that the valve caps were missing (the plastic caps on the valve stems). I guess they must have taken off the caps to check tire pressure and not put them back on. I don't know about you guys, but this sort of thing drives me crazy. Where can I get OEM valve caps? Only saw entire valve stems on sale for around $7 each at onlinemazdaparts.com.

 

[silverspeed03]

Autozone or Advance Auto.

 

[SwampAss]

Another speed3 at the mall.

 

[Rivman]

OK, this isn't exactly the end of the world, but it does fall into the "bugs the hell out of me" category.

I took my MS3 for an oil change -- at the dealer no less -- only to discover a few days later that the valve caps were missing (the plastic caps on the valve stems). I guess they must have taken off the caps to check tire pressure and not put them back on. I don't know about you guys, but this sort of thing drives me crazy. Where can I get OEM valve caps? Only saw entire valve stems on sale for around $7 each at onlinemazdaparts.com.

Did you happen to mention this to the dealer 'Service Manager' - maybe the dealer will replace the OEM valve caps , as a good-will-keep-those-customers happy gesture ? (dunno)

 

[Sacrilicious]

Another speed3 at the mall.

lolz

 

[major error]

That was one of the first things I replaced on my 3. Got a nice set of blue anodized caps from the local discount parts store (too bad the stem sleeves were too long for the TPMS stem.)

The factory caps are too plain and, as you've found out, are easy to overlook. Brightly colored metal caps are less likely to be forgotten

 

[sl0wthe0ry]

yeah I'd go back to the dealer and ask them to replace them since they've been missing since the service. if not, just go to an autoparts store like these guys said. get some nice chromies

 

[fatti03msp]

Another speed3 at the mall.

lmao

 

[SwampAss]

Works on the hub cap / fuba antenna principle.

 

[mazybright]

Thanks, guys. Call me odd, but I don't like to mod. I keep my vehicles as OEM as the day I got them, hence the quest for the exact replacements. I may get the Mazdaspeed CAI, though.

 

[Ryz]

Can't some valve caps mess with the tpms by blocking signal?

 

[mazdadude]

Can't some valve caps mess with the tpms by blocking signal?

Not that i know of, however Mazda did issue a warning about using different valve caps with TPMS.

The problem comes from the different metals. The valve stem is made of brass, and installing an aftermarket valve cap made from aluminum, or chrome can cause corrosion between the cap and the stem. When trying to remove the now frozen on cap, the TPMS valve stem sensors can be twisted and damaged easily.(blah)