Buzz
You can easily inflate your car tire using a household pump or a gas station pump. Don't forget to bring a tire pressure gauge to make sure you inflate it to the proper pressure. Maintaining the right tire pressure will help prevent blowouts, which can happen if the tire is over-inflated or impacted heavily. Properly inflated tires also improve fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.
Steps
Measure the Pressure
Purchase a tire pressure gauge. You can find these at auto parts stores like NAPA, AutoZone, Checker, Kragen, O'Reilly, or Canadian Tire. Portable tire pressure gauges are inexpensive and convenient to carry with you. In the U.S., prices range from around $5 for a basic model to over $30 for a digital one with a valve release or even voice capabilities. There are two main types of portable pressure gauges: the dial type and the pen type.
- The pen type is long, slender, made of metal, and about the size of a pencil. When attached to the tire valve, the scale inside the tool slides out in response to the air pressure.
- The dial type connects similarly but features a dial face and a needle indicating the pressure.
Check the tire pressure. Locate the rubber or metal valve stem on the inside rim of the tire, and unscrew the valve cap. Press the gauge’s tip onto the valve stem. Hold the gauge steady and listen for a faint hiss of air as it begins measuring the pressure. After a few seconds, remove the gauge and read the pressure value displayed on the small screen on the side of the tool.
Determine how much air to add to the tire. The typical tire pressure is between 30-35 psi, but light trucks usually require higher pressures. Some vehicles need equal pressure in all tires, while others may have slightly different pressures for the front and rear tires. Tires tend to lose about 1 psi per month. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month, as ambient temperature affects it. This also helps detect potential leaks. It's best to check your tire pressure whenever you stop to refuel. Instead of waiting by the pump, take your gauge with you and check the pressure. Don’t forget to check the spare tire twice a year to ensure it has air in case you need to use it.
- Consult your vehicle’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side door pillar for the recommended tire pressure. The sticker should indicate the ideal psi or kpa for your tires.
- If the tire is completely flat, it may have a leak. Try inflating it again and see if it holds air. If the pressure drops after a short drive, it indicates the tire is leaking and needs repair. If you hear air escaping while inflating, you’ll need to replace the tire with the spare. If multiple tires are flat, you’ll need roadside assistance.
Preparation Before Inflating
Remove the valve cap. You’ll screw the cap back on after inflating, so set it aside or keep it in your pocket. It’s best not to remove the cap until you’re ready to inflate the tire to avoid losing it.
Find your pump. An automatic air compressor is pricier but inflates faster. Alternatively, you can use a foot pump like the ones for bicycles, though it takes longer and requires more effort. You can buy your own pump or borrow one from a friend; most gas stations also offer coin-operated tire pumps.
- If using a bicycle pump, you’ll need a valve adapter. Consider asking someone to help, as car tires are much larger than bicycle tires!
- When purchasing a tire pressure gauge at an auto parts store, you might also consider getting a 12V electric pump that plugs into your car’s power outlet.
Ensure the tire is cold. This means you should check your tires in the early morning or after driving no more than 3 kilometers since the tire was deflated. If you have driven several kilometers, the pressure reading will no longer be accurate.
Use the gas station's pump. These pumps are typically located in a separate area from the fuel dispensers, often on the outskirts of the parking lot. If you can’t find it, ask an attendant. Position your car parallel to the pump and locate the coin slot. In the U.S., tire inflation costs range from a few cents to a dollar (for a few minutes of air).
- Park close enough for the hose to reach all four tires. This isn’t as crucial if you’re only inflating one or two tires.
- Check tire pressure while refueling. Most stations offering paid air will waive the fee if you’ve bought fuel. Just go inside to ask the attendant or show your receipt.
Inflating the Tire
Connect the air pump. If you’re at a gas station, activate the pump by inserting enough coins. You’ll hear a buzzing sound as the pump starts. Pull the hose towards the nearest tire (or the one you need to inflate) and press the nozzle firmly onto the valve stem. Hold the nozzle steady and wait for the air to fill the tire.
- If you hear a loud hissing noise, try to stabilize the nozzle. It’s likely that the nozzle isn’t fully secured onto the valve stem.
Be patient. If the tire is low, you may need to inflate each tire for several minutes. If you’ve recently inflated your tires and only need a small top-up, it should only take about 10-20 seconds. Consider using a manual pump for such small adjustments if you want to save money on the gas station pump.
Check the pressure while inflating and adjust if needed. Once you think the tire is fully inflated, pull the hose out and use the pressure gauge to check the tire’s air pressure. As a reminder, most tires need 30-35 psi, but always refer to your vehicle's specifications to be sure. Add more air if the pressure is too low, or release some if it’s too high. Once the pressure is at the recommended level, your job is done.
- To release air, press the needle in the center of the valve with your fingernail or another tool. You’ll hear the air escaping. Release the air gradually to avoid letting out too much, and check the pressure regularly as you go.
- Aim to inflate your tire to the recommended pressure—being even 1-2 psi under can lead to a 1% increase in fuel consumption and a 10% increase in tire wear.
Replace the valve cap. After inflating each tire, be sure to screw the valve cap back on. While this isn’t strictly necessary, it helps prevent air from escaping. A tire valve won’t release air unless something presses on the valve stem, like a stick or your finger.
Repeat the process for each tire. If the hose doesn’t reach, simply move the car closer or turn it around. Remember, each inflation cycle is time-limited, so you’ll need to work quickly if you don’t want to pay for extra time!
Tips
- The recommended tire pressure is usually printed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door pillar. If you can’t find it, check the owner’s manual, usually towards the end.
- Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold. If you’ve driven for a few kilometers, the reading won’t be accurate.
- Familiarize yourself with how the pump works. Typically, the nozzle at the end of the hose fits onto the valve stem, and there’s a handle or button you press to inflate. When you release the handle, the pressure gauge activates and shows the reading, while air escapes from the tire. Hold the handle down throughout the inflation, but periodically release it to check the pressure until it reaches the desired level.
- On average, tire pressure decreases by 1 psi each month, so make sure to check it at least once a month.
- If it’s your first time using a pump, note that the pump runs for a limited time (about 3 minutes). It’s a good idea to remove the valve caps beforehand and park your car parallel to the pump to save time.
Warnings
- Some pressure gauges at gas station pumps may become inaccurate due to overuse. If possible, it’s better to use your own pressure gauge.
- Be cautious not to inflate the tire too much above the recommended pressure. Most tires are at risk of bursting when they reach around 40 psi or higher. To be safe, don’t inflate beyond 5 psi over the recommended pressure.
- Since you’re limited by time at the pump, it’s a good idea to inflate the tire above the recommended pressure (according to the gauge at the pump). Afterward, use your own gauge to check each tire’s pressure and release a little air if needed.
- Sometimes, the pressure gauge at the end of the pump nozzle is made of metal with engraved scale markings. These types of gauges can be hard to read at night. It’s advisable to carry a portable pressure gauge for better convenience.
- Be careful when inflating tires. Over-inflated tires will wear down the center of the tread more quickly and affect vehicle handling. On the other hand, under-inflated tires can cause the tire to squish too much, leading to excessive heat and possibly causing a blowout. This can be particularly dangerous for taller vehicles like SUVs, where it can result in rollover. Soft tires also wear out faster and consume more fuel. Keep in mind that the tire’s maximum pressure rating is typically higher than the value indicated on your vehicle. Do not allow the tire pressure to go below the recommended level on the vehicle.
- Avoid leaning against the tire while inflating. Although tires are unlikely to explode at slightly higher than recommended pressures, it’s always safer not to lean on them to avoid potential risks.
- When using a high-pressure air compressor (like those at gas stations) to inflate a bicycle tire, inflate it gradually to prevent over-inflation and blowouts.
- Keep chains, dangling jewelry, or similar items away from the tires or any other part of the vehicle while working on them.
Things You’ll Need
- Tire pressure gauge (the dial type is the most accurate).
- Inflation device/air compressor.
