7 Genius Hacks to Put Air in Your Tires (at home, gas station, cold & hot weather)



Filling your tires up with air is not a priority until they get low…

We show you the 7 genius hacks to put air in your tires and a list of places you can fill them up for FREE!

Check it out…

So the question here is – do you know how you can inflate air in tires? Well, we guess you want to learn more about it and that is why you are here. Don’t worry we will provide you the ultimate guide on how you can put air in tires.

Overview

Properly inflated tires will help to save gas and money, plus it will allow you to reach your destination safely. But before you start a trip or a long journey you need to have certain things in mind as well as in your trunk.

Before leaving, check your tire pressure. Don just look at it or use your fingers, instead what you will need is a gauge.

  • Make sure to check your tire in the morning or when they are cool. Your tires will take about half an hour to cool down after an hour’s drive
  • Carry spare change, as not all the service station air hoses are free.
  • Buy a portable air compressor and stash it in your trunk or garage.
  • When you remove the stem cap, put it in your pocket so you don’t lose it.

7 tips on how to put air in tires

Proper tire inflation is a must because it helps in tire’s durability, reducing the chances of blowouts and accidents, reducing carbon footprints and providing better fuel economy.

Let us read more about inflating air in tires:

At gas station

Items you will need – air gauge.

Follow the steps to successfully inflate air in tires at the gas station-

Step 1 – Park close to the pump.

Park your car near the air pump so the air hose could reach each of the tires. (Park within 5 feet of the pump)

Step 2 – Know your PSI.

There is a manufacturer’s recommended air pressure printed on the driver’s door jamb. If it is not mentioned there you can look in your gas tank door, owner’s manual or glove box.

Step 3– Remove the valve cap – and remember where you place it.

Step 4 – Check your tire 1st to get baseline PSI.

  • This will tell you how much you need to add.
  • If you don’t have a gauge with you – you can use the built-in air gauge on the air pump.
  • Attach the tire gauge or air hose with the built-in tire gauge. Gently connect your tire gauge and note the air pressure of each tire.
  • If you feel any air flow around the valve stem it means your connection is not tight. You will hear a hissing sound as the air escapes from the tire.
  • If it does make that sound – move the hose fitting around so it is connected in a straight line – not bent off to the left or right. This will solve the problem.
  • The tight connection will inflate the tire and you will hear the air that is inflating in.

Step 5 – Inflate the air in each tire to a recommended pressure.

  • Use short bursts of air.
    • Tire PSI really low– Add 10 seconds of air – then recheck your air. You may need to continue adding air. You may need to add another 20 seconds of air if it is really low.
    • Key: Don’t overfill your tire. If you do, you will need to bleed out some air to reduce it to the correct PSI.
    • Tire PSI not bad: Add 5 seconds of air and then recheck the PSI with the air gauge. You will probably do this twice to get the exact air pressure you need.
  • Recheck all the tire with the air gauze to maintain the pressure.

Step 6 – Place back all the valve caps.

You’re Done!

  • Once you have inflated all the tires, read the gauze on the air hose.
  • Tip – You will need to recheck the pressure from your personal gauge.
  • This is because if there is excess air you will know about it. Plus there is no harm in double-checking. If the pressure is high, let some air out. Check again and repeat till the recommended amount. Put the tire valve caps and you are ready for your ride.

In summer

During summer seasons, the temperature of the tire rises faster. Here is a bit of math – driving = friction (road and tire) = heat and since the atmosphere is already high the tire pressure will eventually get affected and increase faster.

So what you can do to avoid tire pressure? You can follow these advises and save your tire from getting burst due to high pressure.

1: Check your tire regularly during summers.

It is recommended that you check your tire pressure (spare included) every 14 days. Check in the morning when they are still cold.

2: Inflate to a recommended pressure.

You can find the recommended air pressure mentioned on a sticker in the door jamb or you can also find it on your owner’s manual. Avoid maximum’ pressure.

3: Never ever reduce the pressure of warm tires.

In winter

It becomes very important to keep your tires at a proper pressure in winter seasons in order to avoid any risky conditions, here is what you need to keep in mind:

Your tire may gain or lose 1 to 2 pounds per sq. inch (PSI) in every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change. If you calculate, your tire may lose about 4 PSI in one week if there is a drop in the temperature by 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is why it is important for you to regularly measure the tire pressure. (Once in a week)

NOTE: Do not deflate your tires thinking it will provide grip in ice or snow. Deflated tires may burst as they will generate a lot of heat.

How to Check Tire Pressure in Winter–

  1. Find your recommended tire pressure.
  2. Check your tires before driving.
  3. Use your tire pressure gauge.
  4. Unscrew the valve stem cap on a tire.
  5. Attach the tire pressure gauge to the valve stem.
  6. Replace the valve stem cap.
  7. Inflate your tires, if needed.

Pro Tip: Have a flashlight in your car and use it in the Winter or when inflating tires in dark situations. It is really hard to read the air gauge, especially if they are manual pump gauges. You would be surprised how just a few pounds of air difference can impact the steering on your vehicle.

At home

Using a portable air compressor pump can be an advantage for you to keep your tire pressure in check. It is actually a 3 in 1 tool which consists of – compressor tube, LED light and a tire pressure gauge.

It is a device that every driver should carry with them. Air compressor pumps will not only help in regular maintenance but will also come in handy while traveling for inflating tires.

What to look for in air compressor pump?

  • It must be compact sized and easy to carry and store.
  • Should have all the features – tire pressure gauge and LED lights.
  • Must have multiple pressure metrics.
  • Affordable – you can easily get a useful compressor pump between ($20 and $35).

But the light still ON

Tire Pressure Monitoring System or TPMS warning lights will glow to warn that one or more tires have gone 25% below recommended air pressure.

If your TPMS lights are still ON even after inflating tires, you will need to recheck and adjust it to the proper pressure. If the pressure is low and your lights are still ON, this means that your tire is leaking air and need to be replaced or fixed.

NOTE: During cold weather, your TPMS will glow, which indicates that your tire has low pressure. You will need to add air in the tires but be sure not to fill them too much.

Filler UP – Places that provide free air for tires

Here is a list of ten places where you will not have to pay for inflating tires and you can easily save money for gas and other maintenance of your vehicle.

  1. Use a website – FreeAirPump.com
  2. Many stores offer Free Air for Tire service (Sheetz, QuikTrip, Discount Tire, etc.)
  3. Gas Station RV Lanes
  4. Florida Turnpike Rest Stops
  5. All Gas Stations in California or Connecticut
  6. WaWa
  7. Royal Farms
  8. Rutters
  9. Local Oil Change Companies
  10. GATE Gas Station

BONUS: Use a compressor (DIY)

Sources:

https://itstillruns.com/properly-inflate-p26570r17-tires-7409947.html
https://itstillruns.com/inflate-tires-cold-weather-5836249.html
https://moneysmartfam

D. Hahn

DIY guru, dad, husband, blogger. When I'm not creating life hacks I'm teaching my kids how to fix stuff after their dad breaks it.

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