You know those little caps on your tire valves? The ones you probably haven't thought about since you got your tires. Turns out, they might be doing more than just looking pretty. We're going to dive into whether these tiny tire valve caps actually make a difference in your car's gas mileage, or if they're just a small piece of plastic or metal. Let's find out what's really going on with these often-overlooked parts. Key Takeaways Tire valve caps act as a second line of defense, keeping dirt, debris, and moisture out of the valve stem, which helps prevent corrosion and leaks. While the valve core seals the air, a missing or damaged tire valve cap can expose the valve to damage, potentially leading to slow leaks and reduced tire pressure over time. Proper tire inflation, which is aided by functional tire valve caps, can contribute to better fuel efficiency and extend the life of your tires. Both plastic and metal tire valve caps have pros and cons; plastic ...