A huge variety of tires is available to meet a whole spectrum of different purposes. However, what nearly all tires have in common is their need for inflation in order to function properly. For most tires, the process of inflation is the same, so once you learn how to inflate one type, you can follow the same process for a whole range of other tire designs.
Step 1
Research the correct tire pressure for the tire model you are going to inflate; the tire pressure may be printed on the tire itself, or you can consult the tire manufacturer. Inflating to the correct pressure is important to achieve proper tire function.
Step 2
Locate the inflation valve on the tire; it protrudes from the surface of the tire and usually extends through a hole in the tire rim. Remove the dust cap on the end of the valve by turning it counterclockwise and place it down safely to one side.
Step 3
Place the pump over the end of the valve. Press down hard to create a seal between the pump and the tire valve. You may also need to pull down a lever on the end of the pump to create this seal, depending on the pump design.
Step 4
Pump the tire. Watch the tire carefully as it inflates to ensure that air is traveling into the tire. Use the psi gauge on the pump to inflate the tire to the correct level; however, if your pump does not have a gauge, remove the pump from the valve at regular intervals and attach an external pressure gauge onto the valve to measure the tire pressure.
Step 5
Remove the pump from the tire valve once the tire reaches its correct pressure by releasing any levers and firmly pulling the pump end away from the valve. Replace the dust cap onto the end of the valve.
Things You'll Need
- Hand or foot pump
- Tire gauge
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