A flat tire can hit you at the most unexpected time, especially when you don’t take care of your vehicle’s tires regularly. It won’t feel much of an inconvenience if you’ll have an air compressor at hand. To know how to use an air compressor for tires is as crucial for a car owner as knowing how to drive.
This knowledge is a cheaper alternative and will save you a lot of trouble in emergencies while driving. In this article, we will show a straightforward method of fixing flat tires with an air compressor. Let’s find out how you can do it like a pro when the time comes.
Table of Contents
Equipment Required for Inflating a Tire
Before you learn how a tire can be inflated with an air compressor, you should know about the tools required for the task. These are:
A Regulator: Having a regulator in your collection is necessary if you inflate tires with an air compressor. The gear enables you to set the right pressure value on the compressor so that the tire is filled with the accurate PSI.
Pressure Gauge: This tool will help you monitor the tire pressure during the actual process to let you know whether the tire is over-inflated, under-inflated or perfectly inflated. As a result, you’ll be safe from accidents caused by improperly filled tires.
A Tire Chuck: A tire chuck with a built-in connector helps building the passage through which the compressed air from the unit enters the tire. This tire chuck is the tool that connects the air hose of the compressor to the tire’s valve.
How to Use an Air Compressor to Inflate a Tire
Now, it is time for you to know how you can fill a tire with an air compressor. If you have the required tools, the entire process becomes a child’s play. It can be done in just a couple of steps.
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Know the Tire’s Pressure
You can take two meanings from that: A). You should find the current status of the tire to know how much air pressure is required.
B). You should know the exact air pressure value needed for the tire. This information is necessary because the tire pressure changes from vehicle to vehicle. For instance, many large trucks or construction vehicles need around 100PSI, whereas the pressure range for regular cars is 32-35 psi. Your vehicle’s manual will give you accurate information about the PSI value. It isn’t wise to trust the PSI labelled on the tire because it usually states the highest amount of pressure.
This value will also help you pick the right air compressor for the task. A small and portable air compressor with a pressure range of 100 – 150 psi will be sufficient for your need.
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Ready the Tire
Once you find out the existing pressure of the tire, it becomes easier to know how much more air pressure needs to be added to bring it back to its original condition. Avoid filling the tire when it is hot. For example, wait for around half an hour should the tire deflates while you’re driving. It is necessary because a hot tire shows higher pressure on a tire gauge. Conversely, the cold temperature will give you more accurate information.
Tires usually come with a stem cap fastened on top of the valve stem. Unscrew that cap to allow the leftover to escape. Remove the cap only when the air compressor is completely ready for the job.
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Set the Air Compressor
Situate the air compressor near your vehicle. Make sure a power source that can support high-voltage equipment is nearby. Plug the compressor in the correct power outlet to allow it to accumulate air. A portable air compressor with wheels is ideal because it can be easily moved around.
The next step is to attach the air hose to the compressor and add a quick coupler to its end part. This fastener allows the compressed air to reach the valve stem. Turn on the unit after you’ve connected the air hose to the valve stem to start filling the tire.
This is the time where the regulator will come in handy. It will enable you to enter the right pressure value.
Considering how flat and saggy the tire is, pumping it to the right PSI will take a little time. Air compressors usually have gauges to inform users about the amount of air blown into the object. Don’t take your eyes off the pressure gauge so that you know when the tire is accurately inflated. If you accidentally exceed the recommended PSI level, let the excessive air bleed out.
Disconnect the Hose
When the tire pressure is on-point, disconnect the hose from the compressor. Seal the valve back with the stem cap. You’re ready to hit the road again.
Why Accurate Pressure for the Tire is Necessary?
Filling the tire to the optimal pressure limit is necessary both budget-wise and safety-wise. Properly inflated tires will serve you for long and allow you better control over your vehicle. Resultantly, you will enjoy smooth rides for a longer period.
Conversely, over-inflated tires aren’t good at handling shocks or bumps and tend to burst. Underinflated tires experience extra friction, which heats the rubber. This might damage the steel cords inside the tire and increase repair expenditure.
Hence proved: It is important to properly pump the tires, should you want to enjoy a safe and comfortable drive.
Conclusion
You can see that inflating a tire with an air compressor is an easy task. You just need the right tools to get the job done swiftly and without error. By following the above-listed simple steps, you can fix a flat tire anywhere and save yourself costly trips to a gas station. Just keep those safety tips in mind to avoid mistakes.
