Valve type

Schrader valve (AV): stem size, cores and pump heads

How to recognize a Schrader valve, Park Tool's 8 mm stem figure, how a pump fitting opens it, and the heads and core tools makers list for it.

Also listed as AV, car valve, American valve

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Short answer

A Schrader valve is the wider, car-style valve. Park Tool gives the stem as about 8 mm (5/16 in), and a Schrader fitting works by pressing the valve's internal stem with a plunger. Its core comes out with a core tool such as Park Tool's VC-1. Confirm yours with the valve finder.

Key facts

How to recognize it
A wider stem with a spring-loaded core inside. Schrader-compatible pump fittings press the valve's internal stem with a plunger so the tube can fill.[1][2]
Stem diameter
About 8 mm (5/16 in) (Park Tool).[2]
Valve core
Removable: Park Tool's VC-1 removes and installs Schrader cores.[3]
Pump heads makers list
Lezyne lists its Dual Valve floor-pump head for Schrader, Presta and Dunlop. Lezyne's Slip Fit hand-pump head and SILCA's Pocket Impero are Presta-only, so check the maker's list.[4][5]
Adapters and extenders
Not confirmedWe read no maker source on Schrader adapters or extenders.
Schwalbe code
AV (car valve)[6]
Adding sealant
Tubolito says its Schrader (AV) valves have removable cores that accept sealant, unlike its glued-in Presta cores.[7]Applies to Tubolito tubes only.
Heat caution
Not confirmedFor plastic valves on TPU tubes, see the TPU tube valve page.
Tools
Park Tool's VC-1 valve core tool.[3]
Not confirmed
No source we read says which bikes come with Schrader valves, and we read no maker source on Schrader adapters.[2]

Watch out for

  • Presta-only heads, such as SILCA's Pocket Impero and Lezyne's Slip Fit, will not take a Schrader valve.
  • Park Tool's Schrader figure is approximate (about 8 mm), while its Presta figure is nominal (6 mm).
  • Tubolito's Schrader cores come out for sealant; its Presta cores do not.

What fits

Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.

Next: Presta vs Schrader vs Dunlop and dual-valve pump heads explained.

Questions

Will a Presta pump fit a Schrader valve?

Only if its maker lists Schrader. SILCA says its Pocket Impero works only with Presta, while Lezyne lists Schrader on its Dual Valve floor head.[5][4]

Can I add sealant through a Schrader valve?

Through a removable core, yes: Tubolito says its Schrader (AV) cores come out to accept sealant, and Park Tool's VC-1 removes Schrader cores.[7][3]

Sources

  1. Tire and Tube Removal and Installation · Park Tool · Presta locknut operation, Schrader fitting operation, bead seating and inflation checks. · checked 14 Oct 2026
  2. Tire, Wheel, and Inner Tube Fit Standards · Park Tool · Valve types (Presta, Schrader, Woods/Dunlop), stem diameters, removable cores, rim holes. · checked 14 Oct 2026
  3. Valve Core Tool VC-1 · Park Tool · VC-1 compatibility with Schrader/Presta cores and 5 mm-flat extenders. · checked 14 Oct 2026
  4. Technology · Lezyne · Lezyne pump head technologies: ABS, Flip-Thread, Dual Valve Head, Slip Fit. · checked 14 Oct 2026
  5. Pocket Impero II · SILCA · Pocket Impero II specs and Presta-only compatibility. · checked 14 Oct 2026
  6. Tube system · Schwalbe · Schwalbe valve abbreviations SV, AV, DV, SCV. · checked 14 Oct 2026
  7. FAQ · Tubolito · Tubolito TPU tube CO2 use, patching, out-of-tire pressure limit, valve cores. · checked 14 Oct 2026

Next review due 13 Jan 2027.