I will start with the question then my story. Are steel valve stems better with longevity vs rubber. On chrome rims I feel they will look better but are they worth it?
Ive owned my 65 Beaumont for two months now and I was out visiting my uncle and a crack in the rubber valve stem came to life and flattened a rear tire and damaged the sidewalls. So I get two new tires on the back and will replace fronts next spring. I kept the non damaged tire
Then today out with my two new rear tires and a front valve stem cracks and wrecks a front tire. I know I should replaced all four but an oversight on my behalf.
Now I want to rid of my tire issues once and for all and wondering if going with steel valve stems will give me the confidence I need.
I can't say one is better than the other, but I've had chrome stems for several years and had no problems. And as you noted, the chrome stems looks good on the wheel.
I wonder how old the valve stems are. There was a recall about ten years ago for defective valve stems. The manufacturer failed to add a chemical to the stem to protect from uv and ozone deterioration. The would fail the same way that you described.
