An air compressor is a device that compresses air and forces it into an inflatable object. The most common use for an air compressor is to fill up tires. If you have ever used a hand pump or foot pump to fill up your car’s tire, then you know how much of a pain it can be.
It takes time, but if the person isn’t strong enough, they will need help from someone else to get the tire filled all of the ways. There is no longer any need for such assistance with an air compressor as long as you have access to one and some sort of hose attachment.
You can easily attach these appliances directly onto your valve stem and let them do their job while still being able to do something else with your hands.
If you don’t know how to use an air compressor to inflate tires, this is the article for you. It’s essential to know the right way to use this because it is a handy tool for any car owner. After all, it eliminates the need to visit a gas station or tire shop when your tires are low on air.
How to use an air compressor to inflate tires
The process of using an air compressor to inflate tires is quite simple. Use the following steps if you want to know how to use an air compressor to inflate tires properly:
Start with checking tire pressure
Before you start using the air compressor, you need to figure out how much pressure your tires need. The recommended PSI is usually printed on the side of your tire or in your car’s manual. Make sure that you adjust accordingly before turning on the air compressor to inflate tires easily.
The recommended tire pressure is usually written as a range, such as 30-38 psi. Another part to check is with a regular tire gauge, which can be found at most gas stations or automotive stores, they are very affordable.
Simply attach it to the valve stem of one of your tires and read the PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). Check the pressure when the tires are cold, as this will give you a more accurate reading.
Tire inflation: prepare the tire
In order to get the air pressure from the compressor into the tire, you need to have an open valve stem. This is where you will attach your compressor’s nozzle.
To open the valve stem, you need to remove the plastic cap. Some people keep these caps on their tire valve stems for protection or decoration.
If you have trouble removing it, grip it with a pair of pliers and turn until it pops off. Otherwise, give it a good tug using your hand. Just be careful not to break it.
When attaching the tire gauge nozzle, you need to give it a quarter turn until it is tight and secure. If there is air coming out of the valve stem while trying to attach the nozzle, you aren’t giving it a strong enough twist.
Otherwise, if no air escapes when appropriately attached, then you are good to move on to the next step.
Turn On the Air Compressor
Once you have everything ready, it is time to turn on the air compressor. For compressors with a regulator, you will want to set it to the recommended psi for your tires.
If your compressor doesn’t have a regulator, start with the lowest pressure and increase the pressure until you reach the desired level.
Inflate Your Tire
Now that the compressor is on, it is time to inflate the tire. Hold the nozzle of the compressor against the valve stem and push in until you hear the air start to escape from the tire.
You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure, just enough so that the nozzle is making a good seal against the valve stem. Continue to let the compressor do its job.
Now you just need to wait until the air pressure reaches between 30-38 psi or whatever recommended PSI is in your owner’s manual for optimum tire performance. Once it reaches this number, then you are good to go.
Turn the air compressor off and remove the nozzle from your tire valve stem.
Secure everything
Remember to put the plastic cover back on the valve stem and replace the cap tightly when you are done. If you don’t have a cap, buy one or just use some pliers to screw it back on so no debris or moisture gets in there.
You also want to make sure that your compressor is turned off and disconnected from the hose before you move on from the scene. When everything is done now leave your tire in place for a while so that the pressure can stabilize before you drive off.
This is very important because you don’t want to risk having a flat tire in the middle of the road. Check to see if anything appears out of place or if there are any leaks. If everything seems correct, you’ve completed your task.
These are just some general safety tips to keep in mind while using an air compressor. That’s it, you just learned how to use an air compressor to inflate your tires.
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How to increase the lifespan of tires by inflating them regularly with a high-quality tire inflator
- Tip 1- Tire Pressure
Check your tire pressure regularly to make sure that it doesn’t get too low in the process of driving. If this is not enough, you can invest in a high-quality tire inflator with a built-in pressure gauge to make the process easier.
- Tip 2- Keep Your Tires Dry
The heat from the sun will dry out your tires. If you are parked outside for extended periods, be sure to leave your car in the shade or invest in a high-quality car cover. This will keep your tires from becoming brittle or cracking prematurely.
- Tip 3- Rotate Your Tires Correctly
Rotating the tire will help remove any buildup on one side and redistribute it to the other side. This will help your tires last longer over time.
Conclusion
This was a brief rundown of how to use an air compressor to inflate tires. Remember that this isn’t the only thing you need to know when it comes to best air compressors, they have many other uses, so make sure you do your research before making a purchase.
If you liked this article or know someone else who would find it interesting, please feel free to share it with the social media. Thank you for reading.
FAQ
Why should you use one to inflate your tires?
An air compressor for home, shop or garage use is very useful because it does more than just inflate tires.
If you own a sports car with low-profile tires, then you’re going to need something that will let you inflate these suckers to the appropriate pressure – an air compressor might be your best option.
How do you know when it’s time to replace the air in your tires?
Some vehicles come with proper tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) which will let you know when one of your tires isn’t properly inflated.
If your vehicle doesn’t have this system, then it’s up to you to check the pressure levels. On average, car tires should be at 35 psi. It’s always best to refer to your car’s manual, as this might vary from one model to the next.
What should I do before I use an air compressor?
Before you start inflating your tires with an air compressor, make sure that everything is connected properly and set up according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
The pressure regulator and gauge should be in place and working before you turn the air compressor on. If your model doesn’t come with a pressure regulator and gauge, then you can skip this step.
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