How to Add Air to Tires at Home
It’s a common occurrence. You’re driving along and suddenly realize that one or more of your tires is low on air. Most people take their car to the nearest gas station and pay to have the tire(s) inflated.
But did you know that you can do it yourself? It’s actually quite easy to add air to tires at home, as long as you have the right equipment. Here’s what you need to know.
- Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine
- Locate the valve stem on each tire
- The valve stem is the small metal piece sticking out of the tire that you use to inflate or deflate the tire
- Unscrew the cap from the valve stem and place it somewhere where it won’t get lost
- Place the end of your air compressor hose over the valve stem and turn on your air compressor
- Check the pressure gauge on your air compressor to see how much air pressure is in your tires currently and add more air until it reaches the recommended amount for your tires
- Once you’ve added enough air, screw the cap back onto each valve stem and turn off your air compressor
How to add air to a tire
What Can I Use to Put Air in My Tire at Home?
If you have a flat tire, you’ll need to put air in it before you can continue driving. You can do this at home with a portable air compressor. Portable air compressors are small, electric or gas-powered devices that fill up tires with air.
They typically plug into a standard outlet or attach directly to the battery.To use a portable air compressor, start by reading the instructions carefully. Then, find the right attachment for your tire and screw it on tightly.
Next, plug in the compressor and turn it on. Finally, hold the nozzle against the valve stem on your tire and let the air flow in until the tire is full.
How Do You Fill a Tire With Air at the Gas Station?
If you need to fill up your tires with air, the best place to do it is at a gas station. There are usually air pumps available for customer use, and they’re relatively easy to use. Here’s a quick guide on how to fill up your tires with air at the gas station:
1. Find an air pump. Most gas stations will have an air pump or two available for customers to use. They’re usually located near the gas pumps or in the parking lot.
2. Insert coins or bills into the machine. In order to use the air pump, you’ll need to insert some coins or bills into the machine. The amount will vary depending on the gas station, but it’s typically around $0.50 per minute of use.
3. Select the desired PSI (pounds per square inch). Before you start pumping air into your tire, you’ll want to select the desired PSI on the machine. This will ensure that you don’t over-inflate or under-inflate your tire.
4. Attach the hose to your tire valve and begin pumping air into it until it reaches your desired PSI level. Once you have everything attached and ready to go, simply start pumping air into your tire until it reaches the desired PSI level that you selected earlier.5 .
Detach hose and remove from tire valve when finished..
Credit: www.bigrentz.com
How to Put Air in Tires Without Gauge
If you don’t have a tire gauge handy, there are other ways to check and add air to your tires. One way is to use a dime. Stick the dime into the tread of your tire at the deepest point.
If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered, your tread depth is sufficient. If not, your treads are shallow and you’ll need to add air.
Another method for checking tread depth is the penny test.
Take a penny and insert it into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, your treads are worn down and you should add air to your tires.
To add air without a gauge, first locate the valve stem on your tire.
It will look like a small metal cap sticking out of the side of the tire. Once you’ve found it, unscrew the cap by hand or with pliers (if it’s tight). Place the end of an air hose over the exposed valve stem and turn on the air compressor.
The pressure inside the tire will force air through the hose into your tire until it reaches its recommended level as indicated on your vehicle door placard or in your owner’s manual..
Conclusion
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your car’s tires until there’s a problem. But keeping your tires properly inflated is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. Not only does it improve gas mileage, but it also helps to extend the life of your tires.
The best way to keep your tires properly inflated is to check them regularly with a tire pressure gauge. You can find one at most auto parts stores or online. Once you know what the proper pressure is for your tires, use an air compressor or hand pump to add air if needed.
It’s important to check your tire pressure when the tires are cold – that is, before you’ve driven more than a mile or two. This will give you the most accurate reading. If possible, try to do it in the morning before the sun has had a chance to heat up the pavement and raise the temperature of the tire itself.