Tires are an absolutely necessary component of every automobile because, being the only part of the vehicle that comes into contact with the ground, they provide the vehicle with grip, stability, and comfort, and of course, without this component, the vehicle would not be able to move.
For the wheel to perform its main tasks, such as traction, steering, and damping, the tire is one of the components that must be in place.
All this is only possible if the tire is in excellent condition and the inflation pressure is set correctly in the tire.
An essential aspect of car maintenance is to know the condition of every component of the vehicle, from the engine to the tires.
It is essential to continuously monitor the circumstances under which they are operating, as well as the air pressure.
A pressure gauge is a very useful tool for measuring tire pressure; however, sometimes we do not have one.
Whether you are looking for information on how to put air in your tires without a tire pressure gauge or just want to learn more about tire pressure, we have put together a comprehensive guide that will teach you everything you need to know.
Can I Put Air In My Tires Without A Gauge?
Yes, you can put air in your tires without a pressure gauge, because a pressure gauge is a pressure gauge, it does not inflate the tire.
Pressure gauges are instruments used to measure the pressure of a fluid, in this case, air, in a closed circuit.
They usually use atmospheric pressure as a reference, and the measurement can be expressed in various units, the most commonly used being pounds per square inch (psi) and pounds per square inch (bar).
How To Put Air In Tires At Gas Station
Now we will show you how to put air in the tires without a pressure gauge at a gas station.
Step 1: Find an air pump or a compressor.
The latter device will allow us to inflate the tires much faster. Alternatively, you can look for a gas station where you will surely find an air pump.
Step 2: Bring the car as close as possible to the air pump.
In case you are inflating the tires at a gas station, try to bring the car as close as possible to the air pump.
In this way, the tube from the dispenser will reach all four wheels without any problems.
This aspect is less important if you have to inflate only one tire.
Step 3: Remove the Valve Caps.
After you have finished you will reassemble them, but for the moment put them in another place.
Don’t forget where you are going to leave them because they are very small and it is easy to lose them.
Step 4: Make sure the tires are cold.
This means that you should not have driven more than 4 km from the time they were deflated.
If you have driven more kilometers, the pressure gauge may give the wrong information.
Step 5: Connect the air pump.
Stretch the tube to the nearest tire (or the one you need to inflate) and press the tip of the valve. At this point, squeeze the air pump handle until you hear the airflow out and fill the tire.
If you hear a loud noise, as if the airflow is coming out uncontrollably, try to better position the tip of the tube on the valve because it is probably not inflating properly with the wheel.
Step 6: Check the pressure during the procedure and adjust as needed.
If the machine is automatic, it will beep or simply stop inflating when the air level in the tire is adequate.
If the machine does not have a gauge, inflate the tire for 5 to 10 seconds, then check the tire by pushing it with your hand or foot.
Step 7: Put everything in place.
Now you can put the cap back on the valve.
Repeat the procedure for each of the tires, if the tube cannot reach the other tires, move the car to bring it closer to it.
How Do I Know If I put Enough Air in My Tires?
Correct tire pressure is essential for the safe operation of the car, to generate driving stability, natural and regular tire wear, avoid punctures, and maintain the adherence of the treads to the asphalt.
The correct tire pressure usually ranges in the bar between 2.10 and 2.46 kg/cm2, although the weight of the entire load and passengers must always be taken into account.
In most cases, there are differences between the front and rear tires. The rear tires will have more pressure than the front tires, although in some models all tires may have the same pressure recommended by the manufacturer.
Brand-specific information on tire pressure can be found on a sticker affixed to the inside profile of the driver’s door. If applicable, the vehicle manual may also be consulted.
Is It Normal For Tires To Lose Pressure?
Yes, it is normal for tires to lose pressure under normal conditions. In general, a tire loses between 1 and 3 PSI in a month due to the structure of the rubber.
When the ambient temperature drops, the tire pressure will drop as well, because the air in the tire shrinks with the cold.
When the tire warms up, the tire pressure returns to normal, so you don’t have to worry about refilling the tire.
What Factors Cause Tire Pressure To Decrease?
It may have happened to you that, when you went to get in the car after a few days without taking it, you noticed that one of the tires was flat.
You probably thought it was flat, but it wasn’t. But inactivity is not the only reason. But inactivity is not the only cause that can cause tire pressure to drop.
Why Does The Tire Pressure Drop?
It may also be because you inadvertently hit a curb when parking your car while completing a turn on a difficult road or drove over a bump at high speed.
This impact may have caused the pressure to increase and, as a result, the tire may have lost air from any of its components.
Another factor that can be blamed for underinflated tires is a defective valve. If this is the case, air will escape in a matter of seconds.
However, the most common reason for pressure loss is the presence of a nail or other sharp object embedded in the rubber.
You only need to inspect the condition of the tires before setting off to find out if you have this problem. And, if so, the first thing to do is to go to a workshop.
If your vehicle has been exposed to prolonged exposure to the sun or to excessively low temperatures, a phenomenon is known as osmosis may have occurred, which causes porosities in the casing that cause tire pressure to be lost.
It is normal, however, that after a year of use the tires lose air, and the pressure recommended by the manufacturer decreases.
That is why it is advisable that, at least once a month, you check that it is within the limits marked at any service station that has a pressure gauge. This way you will drive more safely.
Problems that can be caused by underinflated tires
Underinflated tires can lead to numerous problems affecting the safety, service life, and functionality of the vehicle.
Driving with inadequate tire pressure is reckless since the risk of suffering a mishap on the road is quite high.
You are exposed to the risk of a blowout or losing control of the car in the event of a difficult situation, as you lose grip on the asphalt.
In addition, with underinflated tires, you are exposing your car to a series of damages that can cause costly breakdowns.
That is why we recommend that you not only check the tire pressure regularly but also make sure that there are no anomalies such as cracks or dents.
And, of course, do not let the tread depth exceed the legal limits and replace them before this happens.
