How to Fill Tires With Air: A Step by Step Guide

The importance of properly inflated tires for vehicle safety and performance cannot be overstated. This guide provides an overview of the risks associated with incorrect tire pressure and offers a step-by-step process for ensuring your tires are properly inflated.

Importance of Proper Tire Inflation

Impact on Vehicle Performance

Proper tire inflation has a significant effect on various aspects of vehicle performance.

Effects on braking distance: Correct tire pressure ensures optimal contact between the tire and the road, improving braking efficiency.
Influence on tire lifespan: Over or under-inflation can lead to uneven tire wear, reducing the lifespan of your tires.
Importance for steering accuracy: Properly inflated tires provide better handling and steering accuracy.
Role in fuel economy: Correct tire pressure can help maximize your gas mileage, making for more efficient driving.

Safety Concerns

Incorrect tire pressure can lead to a number of safety concerns.

Risks of underinflated tires: Underinflated tires can cause poor handling and increased tire wear. They also generate more heat, which can lead to tire blowouts.
Hazards of overinflated tires: Overinflated tires are more susceptible to damage from road hazards like potholes and debris.
Legal consequences of driving with improper tire pressure: In some jurisdictions, driving with improperly inflated tires can result in fines or other penalties.

Checking Tire Pressure

Equipment Needed

To check your tire pressure, you will need a tire pressure gauge. These are available at auto-parts stores and online. Pocket gauges, which can measure psi (pounds per square inch), are inexpensive, portable, and easy to use. There are two main types of pocket gauges: dial-type and pencil-type.

Gauge Type	Image	Our Amazon Pick
Dial-Type gauges have a round dial that looks similar to a clock face. When you press the gauge onto your tire’s valve stem, the air pressure pushes a needle around the dial to indicate the pressure. Easier to read More expensive Bulkier (less convenient to carry around)		$16.99
Pencil-Type gauges are long, slender, and metallic, about the size of a pencil. They contain a graduated sliding extension that is forced out of the sleeve by air pressure when attached to the tire stem. The pressure reading is then taken where the bottom of the slider aligns with the sleeve. Very compact Affortable Difficult to read accurately, especially in low light conditions		$5.99

Gauge Type

Image

Our Amazon Pick

Dial-Type gauges have a round dial that looks similar to a clock face.
When you press the gauge onto your tire’s valve stem, the air pressure pushes a needle around the dial to indicate the pressure.

Easier to read
More expensive
Bulkier (less convenient to carry around)

Pencil-Type gauges are long, slender, and metallic, about the size of a pencil.
They contain a graduated sliding extension that is forced out of the sleeve by air pressure when attached to the tire stem.
The pressure reading is then taken where the bottom of the slider aligns with the sleeve.

Very compact
Affortable
Difficult to read accurately, especially in low light conditions

Finding Recommended Tire Pressure

The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle can usually be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb or glove box door.
Alternatively you could use our Tire pressure calculator which finds recommended psi pressure for your car's model.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Follow these steps to check your tire pressure:

Remove the cap from the tire valve on the first tire.
Use your tire gauge to check the air pressure in the tire, ensuring the psi is at the recommended level.
Note the pressure and compare it to the recommended pressure for your vehicle.

Inflating Tires

If your tires are underinflated, you will need to add air. This can be done at a local gas station or at home, if you have a portable air pump.

Inflating Tires at a Gas Station

Park your vehicle by the air dispenser. You will need to reach all four tires with the air hose.
Use the air hose to add air in short bursts.
Check the pressure after each time with your tire gauge.
If you add too much air, let some out by pressing the pin on the tire valve with the back of the air hose nozzle or with the little knob on the back of the rounded end of the tire gauge.
Keep checking the pressure until you get it right.

Inflating Tires at Home

if you can't find a nearby spot with air pump for tires, consider the practicality of a portable air compressor. With options for your trunk or home use, it's a simple way to ensure your tires are ready for the road.

Portable Auto Air Pump For Cars
Model	Carsun CAP-001
Max pressure	30-40PSI
Cord Length	118 inches
Charger	120W, 12V car lighter plug, 3A

Portable Air Compressor for Cars and Bikes
Model	VacLife ATJ-1666
Max pressure	50PSI
Cords Length	110 inches, 62 inches
Charger	120W, 12V DC car lighter plug & 110V AC home

Portable Tire Inflator for Heavy-duty Vehicles
Model	VORTEX S6
Max pressure	160PSI
Cord Length	31 inches
Battery Capacity	19200mAh
Charger	45W PD charger, 5V/9V/12V/15V 3A, 20V/2.25A.

Important Tip for Inflating Tires

Always check tire pressures when they are cold for accuracy. Driving causes the tires to heat up and the air inside them to expand, which can lead to inaccurate readings.

Conclusion

Proper tire inflation is crucial for vehicle performance and safety. Regular tire maintenance and pressure checks can help protect against tire blowouts and ensure more efficient driving. So grab your tire pressure gauge and check your tire pressure today! It’s as easy as following the steps outlined in this guide. Happy driving!

On a related note, you might be interested in an article about Why Do My Tires Keep Losing Air and How To Fix It.