Informational Guide

How To Use Air Compressor For Tires

In this guide, we show you how to use air compressor for tires in this step by step guide.

If you’ve ever gotten a flat tire on your bike or car, you know how valuable an air compressor can be in your time of need. However, not everyone knows how to use air compressor for tires. In this guide, we direct you on how to use an air compressor for car tires. 

What Size Air Compressor Do I Need To Fill Car Tires?

It’s not about the size of the tank if you want to fill up your car tires. The larger the tank is, the less time you are waiting. However, you can fill car tires with any size tank.  

Instead, you need to look at the PSI and CFM rating of the air compressor. PSI stands for pound per square inch, and you should have at least 32 PSI for your car tires. If it’s cold, you might need a little more. Because of this, it’s recommended to have at least a 1 or 2 CFM (cubic feet per minute) 90 PSI air compressor to quickly fill the tires of your car.  

portable air compressor

How To Use Air Compressor For Tires (Step-By-Step Guide)

What You’ll Need 

  • Regulator  
    The regulator is a tool that helps you maintain the right amount of air pressure from the compressor. You will need this to ensure the appropriate amount of air comes out of the tank into your tires.  
  • Pressure Gauge  
    A tire pressure gauge informs you how much air pressure is inside the tire. With this gauge, you know if you need to add or remove the pressure. You can get a manual or digital pressure gauge.  
  • Tire Chuck  
    A tire chuck allows you to connect the air hose from the valve to the air compressor. This part makes the flow of the compressed air possible, so it can get to the tire.  

How Do You Inflate A Tire With An Air Compressor? (DIY Guide)

Whether you want to know how to use a Husky air compressor for tires or you have another brand, this step-by-step guide can help you. Even without a lot of mechanical knowledge, you can fill up the tires to the right pressure as long as you are prepared.  

  1. 1
    Read all of the directions on your air compressor. Some work differently than others, so it’s important that you brush up on the information in the manual. 
  2. 2
    Connect the hose to the regulator from the compressor. Then, it gets connected to the tire valve with the help of the chuck.  
  3. 3
    The air coming out of the compressor can often exceed what the tire requires. This is where you use the regulator. You set the desired pressure on the regulator to the appropriate place. 
  4. 4
    Now, you are ready to fill the tire. Continue watching the tire pressure to ensure you don’t exceed what is needed. If the PSI becomes too high, you will need to bleed some of the air out.  
  5. 5
    You can find the appropriate amount of tire pressure needed by looking at the label on the door jamb of your driver’s side car door. These are the appropriate pressures for your specific tires. You will see that these figures could be different than what you would put inside your bike tires.  

Before you learn how to use an air compressor for bike tires, it's vital that you research the appropriate PSI first. A bike tire pressure guide can direct you based on what kind of bicycle you are riding.  

how to use air compressor

How To Use Air Compressor For Tires At A Gas Station

If you are in a pinch, you need to know how to use an air compressor for tires at a gas station. Here are a few simple steps to follow. 

  1. 1
    Park as close to the air compressor as possible. 
  2. 2
    Look at the driver's side doorjamb to find the appropriate tire pressures. 
  3. 3
    Check the current tire pressure with your tire gauge. 
  4. 4
    If the tires are underinflated, add some air. You might need to put some money in the air compressor and push the start button to get it going.  
  5. 5
    Do not overfill the tires. Instead, consistently monitor the tire pressure until it reaches the goal.  
  6. 6
    If you overfill the tires, you will need to bleed some air out. 

Now you are ready to head back out on the road.  

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How do you check the air in your tires? 

Take the cap off of the tires and place the air pressure gauge onto the valve stem. Push down on the valve stem to get a reading. If you have a digital air pressure gauge, you will see the reading shown on the screen.  

How long does it take to inflate a car tire using air compressor?  

Depending on the strength and tank size of the air compressor, it can take a couple of minutes to fill the tire. Some portable air compressors will take longer than the machines at gas stations.  

How do I know when to stop putting air in my tires? 

It’s very easy to put too much air in the tires if you aren’t paying attention. You should continuously check the tire with a pressure gauge to ensure you have put enough air in.  

Can you leave your car on while putting air in your tires? 

Unlike pumping gas, there are minimal dangers to putting air in the tires with the engine running. The most important aspect is to make sure you don’t overfill the tires.  

Conclusion

Now that you know how to use a tire inflator for an air compressor, you have all of the tools needed to ensure your on-road tire safety. Check the pressures often and fill the tires with air when needed to remain protected from blowouts.  

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