Got my checkered flag plate frame and valve stem caps (along with a MINI t-shirt) today from Patrick MINI.

Great little additions! Can't wait for the bigger stuff.

What is the miniest MINI mod you've done?

 

Before you install the new valve stem covers, check with your dealership to make sure you can install them without having to use some lube on them. I have attached a post from another NAM member; see below . . . . .

"You need to lube them, the problem you will have if you cant get it off, all my cars had the TMPS, use lube or get them stuck ")they do not hurt the readings , they just get fused on the valve"
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Better to be safe, instead of having a problem down the road . . . . . .

 

Don't panic after reading the above post it has absolutely 0 accurate information. Nothing personal MinKar but the person you quoted was being screwed with by their dealership for asking if they needed to do anything special when installing the new caps.

The tpms has nothing to do with the valve cap, and the valve cap cannot get "fused" to the valve. If you have a LOT of crud in your area they can eventually (if you wash your car once a year or less) get so much crud encrusted into the threads (there is room between the cap and stem threads for fine dirt to enter) that they seem stuck on permanently but some water or if its bad a penetrating lube like PB Blaster will get them loose in minutes at most.

Just put them on and enjoy them.

 

Thank you both for the info and warning.

I asked the parts guy and he said that they were at one time making metal caps that had a tendency to stay stuck on and that now they are plastic to reduce or prevent that from happening.

It's a tiny first little mod but it looks so cool!

Now to get the checkered top!

Cheers,

JL

 

I got a set of metal valve stem caps as a b-day present two days before my MINI was delivered back in 2002.. Still on the car 8 years later. One cap "disappeared" several years ago, but it came as a set of 5 so I am still good.