The operation of inflating tires of different specifications with a car air pump

When a car air pump inflates tires of different specifications, although the basic operation process is similar, due to the different tire specifications (such as size, tire pressure requirements, etc.), some details need to be paid attention to in the specific operation. The following are the detailed operation steps and precautions:

Preparations before operation

Check the air pump: Ensure that the air pump is in good working condition. Inspect whether the power cord (if it is an electric air pump) is intact, whether the air pipe connection is tight, and whether there is any air leakage. For manual air pumps, check whether components such as the piston are flexible.

Understand tire specifications: Tires of different specifications have different standard tire pressures. The tire pressure values recommended by the vehicle manufacturer can be found in the vehicle's user manual, the label beside the cab door (near the B-pillar), the small door of the fuel tank cap, and other locations. Meanwhile, check the markings on the side of the tire to confirm the size, type and other information of the tire.

Connect the air pump to the tire

Locate the valve stem: The valve stem is usually located at the edge of the tire rim and is a component with a small valve.

Connect the air pipe: Connect the air pipe joint of the air pump to the valve mouth of the tire. For common American-style valve nozzles, the air pipe joints can generally be tightened directly. If it is a French valve stem, a special adapter may be required. When connecting, make sure the seal is good to avoid air leakage.

Set the tire pressure (if it is an air pump with preset tire pressure)

Adjust preset values: Some advanced electric air pumps have a preset tire pressure function. Based on the previously found standard tire pressure value, set the corresponding tire pressure value on the control panel of the air pump. For example, if the standard tire pressure of a certain tire is 2.3bar, adjust the preset tire pressure of the air pump to 2.3bar.

Start inflating

Start the air pump

Electric air pump: Plug the air pump plug into a suitable power socket (such as a cigarette lighter socket in a car or a household power socket, depending on the design of the air pump), then press the start button, and the air pump will start working to inflate the tires.

Manual air pump: Hold the handle of the air pump and quickly pull it up and down to allow air to enter the tire through the air pipe. Manual inflation requires a certain amount of physical strength and time, and it is necessary to maintain a stable pumping frequency.

Observe the changes in tire pressure

Air pump with tire pressure monitoring: During the inflation process, the tire pressure display screen on the air pump will show the tire pressure value inside the tire in real time. When the tire pressure approaches the preset value, slow down the inflation speed, closely monitor the changes in tire pressure, and avoid excessive tire pressure.

Air pumps without tire pressure monitoring: It is necessary to use an independent tire pressure gauge to regularly check the tire pressure. Connect the nozzle of the tire pressure gauge to the valve nozzle of the tire and read the tire pressure value. If the tire pressure has not yet reached the standard value, continue to inflate. If the tire pressure is too high, you need to press the air release button on the valve stem to slowly release some air until the tire pressure reaches the standard value.

Inflation completed

Turn off the air pump: When the tire pressure reaches the standard value, for the electric air pump, press the stop button to turn off the power supply of the air pump. For manual air pumps, stop pulling the handle.

Disassemble the air pipe: First, unscrew the air pipe joint from the tire valve orifice. Be careful not to let dust or other impurities from the valve orifice enter the tire.

Check the air tightness: After inflation is completed, you can gently press the surface of the tire to feel if the hardness of the tire is uniform, and at the same time observe whether there is any obvious air leakage on the tire. If any air leakage is found in the tires, it is necessary to check and deal with it in time.

Special precautions for inflating tires of different specifications

Large-sized tires: Large-sized tires usually require more air to reach the standard tire pressure, so the inflation time may be relatively longer. During the inflation process, it is necessary to ensure that the air pump can continuously and stably provide sufficient air volume. If the power of the air pump is relatively small, it may be necessary to inflate it several times. After each inflation, let the air pump rest for a period of time to prevent it from overheating and getting damaged.

Low aspect ratio tires: The sidewalls of low aspect ratio tires are thinner and they are more sensitive to changes in tire pressure. When inflating, it is necessary to control the tire pressure more precisely to avoid excessive pressure causing tire damage or affecting driving safety. Meanwhile, during the inflation process, operate carefully to avoid colliding with the sidewall of the tire.

Spare tire: The specifications of the spare tire may differ from those of the tires in normal use, and its standard tire pressure may also vary. When inflating the spare tire, it is also necessary to look up the standard tire pressure value corresponding to the spare tire and follow the above steps to perform the inflation operation.