How to Use a Tire Air Pump

Leanr how to use a tire air pump

Learning to fill your tires with air is an important and necessary skill for every driver. Tires that are improperly filled can lead to the increased likelihood of accident. A tire that is either over or under-inflated can severely restrict optimum driving conditions. Poorly inflated tires also lead to poor fuel economy.

Things You'll Need

• Air pump

Instructions

1. Unscrew the tire cap on the tire you wish to inflate by twisting the plastic or metal cap counter-clockwise.

2. Determine the proper pressure to inflate your tires. Many car tires have the appropriate PSI level (pounds per square inch) marked on them. If you are not sure of the correct pressure, you can also check your car owner's manual.

3. Turn on air pump. The power switch for your air pump varies by model. Check the user manual if you cannot find the switch.

4. Firmly press down and hold the air pump nozzle onto the tire's air intake valve stem.

5. Inflate the tire to the necessary PSI level. Watch the gauge on the air pump and remove the air hose nozzle when the pressure reaches the desired level.

6. Replace the cap to the tire's air intake valve.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase a pen style tire pressure gauge for about $10 that you can use to check the tire pressure. This is handy to check a tire's pressure when you think a tire looks low. It's also convenient when you are using an air pump at gas station that does not have a pressure gauge on it.

References

• AA1: Tire Inflation