If you have ever used a gas station air pump, you know it’s not the easiest thing in the world to do. I mean, how would one even begin to figure out how they should start pumping? Well, fear no more.
This handy guide is guaranteed to help you figure out the ins and outs of using an air pump. After reading this article, you will be able to take advantage of these simple tips and tricks on how to use a gas station air pump. Let’s get started.
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How To Put Air in Tires at the Gas Station?
This is a step-by-step guide on how to use the air pump at your local gas station.
There are a few different types of gas station air pumps. Some have two sides that you can use, others only have one side, and some don’t even work anymore, so watch out for those. Most air pumps look the same, though with a hose on top and a big square thing at the bottom where you put your tire in there to pump it up.
One side of the hose has the nozzle to put on the car tire nozzle. The other side usually has a pressure gauge on there so you can see how much psi (pounds per square inch) your tire currently sits at with a setting to pump to.
Here’s how to put air in tires at a gas station:
1. Visit Local Air Pump at Gas Station
First, you will need to find a gas station with an air pump. Consider using a site like Yelp to find a free tire air pump at a nearby fuel station.
2. Park Near the Air Pump
Once you have found one, park your car next, so it’s centered by the air pump, and you can get the hose around the car. Turn off your vehicle as if you were going to fill up your car with gas. Ensure that your car is at least one foot away from the curb and not parked on the hose. You want to be appropriately parked because most places charge for air by the minute.
3. Find the Recommended Tire Pressure
Open the driver’s door to your car. Look at the inner frame of your driver-side car door as you get out of the vehicle. There should be a manufacturer’s sticker for your tires that informs you of the appropriate psi (pounds per square inch) air pressure, and it should be near the VIN number. The manufacturer’s information is universally located in the door jam, no matter if it’s your car, a rental car, or you’re getting paid to deliver cars.
You can then close the car door for safety purposes. The pressure rating of the front tires will be higher than that of the back tires. It’s because sometimes the front tires have more air to compensate for the weight of the engine.
4. Get Familiar with the Hose
Take the air hose with a square base and is usually red or green, not blue. Place it on top of your tire’s nozzle, which should be facing downwards so you can pump air into it. Make sure to line up those holes. I usually go around and take off the tire nozzle first to save time once I start pumping air.
5. Set the PSI
Now you need to set the psi to the recommended pressure for your tires. You can do this by turning on one of those air nozzles that looks like a fan and has some numbers on it, usually starting with 0 up to about 100. Again, there should be an arrow pointing in which direction to turn it.
The same rules apply if you want to know how to put air in bike tires at the gas station. Again, look for the PSI embossed on the rubber tire to set the proper pressure without overinflating.
6. Start Pumping
Once the psi is set, you can go ahead and start pumping air into your tire by pressing down on that big square thing at the bottom of the hose, which should be red or green.
7. Place Nozzle Caps Along the Way
Some machines automatically stop pumping once the set psi is reached. Remove the hose spout from the valve and replace the valve caps once the machine detects that the tire is adequately filled. Certain air pumps will beep, while others will display the psi rating as it rises.
8. Turn Off The Machine
Now that you’ve inflated each of your tires, you need to ensure all the nozzles are tight. Next, turn off the air pump and hang up the hose.
9. Drive Away Safely
Gas stations with air pumps tend to be busy. So carefully pull away from the machine and maneuver around any cars.
Advantages Of Using A Gas Station Air Pump
Here are some advantages of using a gas station air pump:
- In some states, gas station air pumps are free to use, which saves you money.
- It’s accessible to the public; you can often find a 24-hour gas station open now.
- It’s a fast way to pump up your tires.
- It’s convenient when you need an emergency refill, and you don’t want to drive all the way home or waste time waiting in line at a nearby tire service center.
Why is Maintaining the Correct Pressure on Tires important?
More Fuel-Efficient
If your tires are underinflated, you will lose gas mileage due to increased friction against the road. It can cost you money in fuel costs if it happens frequently or for extended periods.
A tire with high air pressure is more likely to blow out during a collision than one that has lost some air over time. So keeping your tires inflated to the proper levels will help you prevent blowouts, gas mileage and improve safety when driving.
Vehicle Handles Better in Wet Weather Conditions
If your car tire is underinflated, it can hydroplane much easier than a properly maintained tire during heavy rain or snow. It’s because there isn’t enough rubber on the road for grip.
Better Grip on the Road
Keeping your tire pressure at the right level will keep you safe when driving by improving traction in all sorts of conditions, whether it’s wet, dry, hot, or cold out there.
Better grip on the road provides better acceleration and braking power. In addition, you can find air pumps near gas stations so that you can easily top off tires after adding fuel to your car.
Your Tires Will Last Longer
Overinflated or underinflated tires wear down quicker than properly maintained ones. For this reason, keep your air pressure in check to improve the lifespan of all four of your tires.
It’s recommended to change your tires when the outside temperature changes every 10 degrees. Your PSI can change by 1 for every 10-degree change in outside temperature. If you live in the Midwest, it’s recommended to check your pressure when the seasons change in the fall and spring.
If you get regular oil changes, the automotive shops will check your air pressure for free, along with your wiper blades, car battery, engine and cabin filter, fluids, and rotors.
See our guide on places to get flywheel resurfacing near me.
How To Use A Gas Station Air Pump Conclusion
The gas station pump is a handy tool to have in your car when you’re on the go. You can use it any time, without having to stop for fuel or find an open service station on the weekend or late at night. It ends up saving you both time and money.
All you need are some quarters and a little patience while the compressor fills up your tires with compressed air.
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