How To Use An Air Compressor To Inflate Tires

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Keeping the correct air pressure on your vehicle’s tires is very important. Not maintaining the proper air pressure in your car’s tire can also cause significant damage to the tire and the wheel. Not only that, but a flat tire can cause trouble driving the car, and you can quickly get involved in accidents if you are not careful enough.

That is why you must maintain the pressure of your vehicle tires by inflating them just right. You cannot always get in touch with a professional. So, it makes sense to know how to use an air compressor to inflate tires. If you do not know it, then this article is for you. We will discuss all the basics of using an air compressor to inflate tires.

How To Use An Air Compressor To Inflate Tires

How To Use An Air Compressor To Inflate Tires

You’ll need the correct tools to do the job correctly. So, let us introduce you to all the tools you will need first, and then we will show you a step-by-step guide for using the air compressor and the other tools for inflating your tires. 

Tools You Will Need

Here are the essential tools that you should keep in your garage or maybe in the car trunk.

  1. Tire Chuck: The tire chuck will allow you to access the tire’s valve system. You can easily attach the air compressor to the tire and quickly inflate the tire.
  2. Regulator: The regulator is another essential and must-have tool to inflate tires using an air compressor. This device will allow you to control the air compressor’s airflow precisely. It will allow you to reach the target pressure level (pounds per square inch). Without this device, it will be hard to reach the target pressure level efficiently.
  3. Pressure Gauge: A pressure gauge is another must-have tool for filing the tire. The pressure gauge will show you the pressure level inside the tire. By continuously monitoring the pressure level with the pressure gauge, you can control the regulator to fill the tire with air to the correct level properly.

Tire inflate process

Now that you know all the tools you need, we will show you how to use an air compressor to inflate your tires properly. 

Step 1: Check Tire Pressure with the Pressure Gauge

First, you need to check the tire pressure. Most vehicles are now equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors the pressure of your tires and the tire pressure light will illuminate when the pressure is low. So, if you see this light come on, it means that your tires may need to be inflated. Or you can use the pressure gauge tool to measure the air pressures of each tire. 

You can find the correct pressure requirements of your car’s tire at the door’s side or in the car’s user manual. Usually, civilian vehicle tires have a 32-35 psi requirement.

Step 2: Remove The Valve Cap

After measuring the tire pressure, it is time to fill those that require inflation. To do that, you need to remove the valve cap of the tires. Usually, you will need two sets of pliers to remove the valve cap.

We advise you to spray lubricants in the valve joint first. Now use one plier to grab the base and another plier to grab the cap and rotate.

Step 3: Attach Air Compressor and Inflate The Tire

After removing the valve, use the tire chuck to connect the air compressor’s hose with the tire’s valve system. Now start filling the tire with air by turning on the compressor. Maintain the flow with the regulator.

Step 4: Detach and Put Valve Cap back

After itching the target air pressure level, detach the hose from the valve. Then put the valve cap back on.

That is how you fill a tire with an air compressor.

Guide To Using An Air Compressor To Inflate Tires

Some people are not used to using air compressors for inflating tires. So naturally, they cause some trouble for themselves. If you are one of those individuals, then here are some tips regarding using an air compressor for tire inflation.

Tips To Use An Air Compressor To Inflate Tires

Call an expert to come over and help if you are not confident in yourself. If you have trouble determining the correct tire pressure, check the car’s user manual. Use the regulator to control the airflow.

If you have an alternative way, then go for it. Do not drive with a flat tire because it can hamper the car’s performance.

Do not over-inflate/under-inflate the tire. Use the pressure gauge to measure the tire pressure to achieve the correct pressure level.

Air Compressor Maintenance Guide

The compressor needs regular maintenance to deliver efficient performance like all other machinery. A poorly maintained air compressor cannot perform as efficiently as a properly maintained one, and the cost of use between the two can vary a lot.

Here are some tips for maintaining an air compressor properly.

  •  Always refer to the user guide if any minor issue arises.
  • Keep an eye out for abnormalities in the air compressor to eliminate potential trouble at inception.
  • Ensure the air compressor is clean and dirt-free to reduce environmental damage.
  • Keep the compressor in a cool and dry place.
  • Do not let your kids touch the air compressor and play with it. It is dangerous both for your kids and the compressor.
  • Drain the compressor after operation to prevent water build-up.
  • Take extra care of the compressor by storing it loosely.

Reasons Why Tire Inflation with An Air Compressor is Cost-effective

Inflating a tire with an air compressor won’t cost a lot if the compressor is performing efficiently. In case the compressor isn’t performing up to the mark, it will be ineffective. Air compressors are cost-effective for tire inflation because they are fast and you do not have to put much labor.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a complete guide for using air compressors for tire inflation and maintaining them. We hope that this article will prove very helpful for you.

FAQs

What PSI should I set my air compressor to inflate tires?

You can check your car’s user manual to find the correct PSI for your car tires. Set that PSI to the compressor. Usually, it is around 32 to 35 psi.

Why can’t I fill my tires with air?

The reason could be a leaking valve or a loose valve-hose connection. Or it can be a damaged tire tube that is causing you not to fill the tire with air.

Should I inflate tires to max PSI?

No. Always fill the tire at the recommended PSI level mentioned in the user manual.

How to Inflate Car Tires
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