How to put air in car tyres Australia

Maintaining the appropriate tyre pressure is crucial for your car's safety and performance. Driving with under-inflated or over-inflated tyres can be dangerous and increase your risk of accidents. Under-inflated tyres can cause poor handling, decreased fuel efficiency, and even tyre blowouts, while over-inflated tyres can reduce traction, cause uneven tyre wear, and make your ride uncomfortable.

Equipment Required for Inflating Car Tyres

Tyre pressure gauge

A tyre pressure gauge measures the air pressure in your car's tyres. It is an essential tool for inflating your tyres as it helps you ensure they are inflated to the correct pressure. A digital tyre pressure gauge is recommended as it provides accurate and easy-to-read measurements.

Air compressor or manual tyre pump

An air compressor or a manual tyre pump is needed to inflate your car tyres. Air compressors are faster and more convenient, but they can be expensive and require some maintenance. A manual pump is a cheaper alternative and can be used anywhere, but it requires more effort and can take longer to inflate the tyres.

Valve stem tool

A valve stem tool is required to remove the valve cap from your tyre's valve stem. Different types of valve stem tools are available, including T-handle, screwdriver, and pliers-style tools. T-handle tools are the most common and are easy to use. Screwdriver-style tools are less common but can be helpful for tight valve caps. Pliers-style tools are designed for heavy-duty use and can handle larger valve caps.

Portable tyre inflator

A portable tyre inflator is a convenient device you can carry in your car and use to inflate your tyres anytime and anywhere. It is powered by the car's cigarette lighter or a rechargeable battery and can inflate tyres quickly and easily.

Torch or flashlight

A torch or flashlight can be helpful when inflating your tyres at night or in low-light conditions. It can help you locate the valve stem and accurately read the tyre pressure gauge.

How to Determine the Correct Inflation Level

Find the recommended tyre pressure

The recommended tyre pressure for cars in Australia can be found in the owner's manual or on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb. The recommended pressure can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the type of tyres you are using.

Check the tyre pressure

Once you have located the recommended tyre pressure, you can check the current pressure using a tyre pressure gauge. Remove the valve cap and push the gauge onto the stem. The gauge will display the pressure in the tyre.

Compare the readings

Compare the current pressure reading to the recommended pressure. If the current pressure is lower than recommended, you will need to inflate the tyre. If the current pressure exceeds the recommended pressure, you must release some air from the tyre. Check the pressure in all four tyres and adjust as necessary. Make sure to check the spare tyre as well.

Consider the conditions

The recommended tyre pressure may need to be adjusted depending on the conditions. For example, if you are carrying a heavy load or driving on rough terrain, you may need to increase the tyre pressure to compensate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Inflating Car Tyres

Remove the valve cap

The first step to inflating your car's tyres is to remove the valve cap from the valve stem. You can use a valve stem tool to do this. It's essential to keep the valve cap in a safe place where it won't get lost.

Check the current tyre pressure

The next step is to check the current pressure in your tyre. This will help you determine how much air you need to add to the tyre. To do this, attach a tyre pressure gauge to the valve stem and press it down firmly. The gauge will display the current tyre pressure. Make a note of the reading.

Connect the air compressor or manual pump

The third step is to connect the air compressor or manual pump to the valve stem. This will allow you to add air to the tyre. Ensure the connection is secure before moving on to the next step.

Inflate the tyre

Turn on the air compressor or manual pump and begin inflating the tyre until the pressure reaches the recommended level. If you use an air compressor, you may need to adjust the pressure setting to ensure you don't over inflate the tyre.

Recheck the tyre pressure

Once you have finished inflating the tyre, it's essential to recheck the tyre pressure. This will help you ensure the tyre is inflated to the correct pressure. Attach the tyre pressure gauge to the valve stem again and press it down firmly.

The gauge will display the current tyre pressure. Compare the reading to the recommended pressure for your tyre. Repeat this process for all four tyres, including the spare tyre, ensuring that each tyre is inflated to the correct pressure.

Replace the valve caps

Once you have finished inflating all your tyres, it's essential to replace the valve caps. This will help prevent dirt and debris from getting inside the valve stem and causing damage to the tyre.

Inflating your car tyres is a simple process that can be done with a few essential tools. By following these steps, you can ensure your inflated tyres have the correct pressure, which will help you stay safe on the road and improve your car's performance.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

The valve stem is leaking air

If the valve stem is leaking air, it can prevent you from inflating the tyre properly. You may need to replace the valve stem or valve core to fix this. You can purchase replacement parts at a local auto parts store. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when replacing the valve stem or core.

Air is escaping from the tyre

If you hear air escaping from the tyre while inflating it, you may have a puncture or leak. Stop inflating the tyre immediately and check for any signs of damage or leaks. If you find a hole or leak, you may need to patch or replace the tyre.

The tyre pressure gauge is inaccurate

If you're using an inaccurate tyre pressure gauge, it can lead to over or underinflation of your tyres. To fix this, you can purchase a new tyre pressure gauge or calibrate your current one. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when calibrating your gauge.

The air compressor is not working

If your air compressor is not working, ensure it's properly plugged in and the power switch is turned on. You may also need to check the fuse or circuit breaker for the outlet you're using. If the air compressor is still not working, you may need to have it repaired or replaced.

Tyre is over-inflated

If you've over-inflated your tyre, you must let some air out. You can do this by using the valve stem tool to press the valve stem in slightly. This will release some of the air from the tyre. Recheck the pressure and repeat until the tyre is at the recommended pressure.

Remember, it's vital to maintain the correct tyre pressure for your car to ensure your safety and the longevity of your tyres. By following these troubleshooting tips, you can ensure that you can inflate your car tyres properly and address any issues that may arise.

Maintaining Proper Tyre Pressure

Check your tyre pressure regularly

It's essential to check your tyre pressure to ensure they're correctly inflated. You can do this by using a tyre pressure gauge. Check the tyre pressure at least once a month before any long trips.

Inflate your tyres to the recommended pressure

To guarantee that your tyres are properly inflated, it's crucial to inflate them to the recommended pressure. You can find the recommended pressure for your car's tyres in the owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's side door. Make sure to inflate all four tyres to the recommended pressure.

Don't over-inflate your tyres

Over-inflating your tyres can lead to uneven wear and reduce your tyres' lifespan. Ensure to inflate your tyres to the recommended pressure and check the pressure regularly to ensure they're not overinflated.

Check your tyres after a temperature change

Temperature changes can affect your tyre pressure. For example, during winter, your tyre pressure may decrease due to the cold weather. Make sure to check your tyre pressure after any significant temperature changes.

Inspect your tyres regularly

In addition to checking your tyres' pressure, inspecting for tyre wear or damage on a regular basis is crucial. Look for any cuts, punctures, or bulges in the tyres, and ensure the tread is not worn down. If you notice any damage or wear, it's essential to have your tyre inspected or replaced.

Take Control of Your Tyre Health Today

Maintaining proper tyre pressure is crucial for your safety on the road and the longevity of your tyres. By following the step-by-step guide and troubleshooting tips in this article, you can confidently inflate your car tyres and address any issues that may arise. Remember to check your tyre pressure regularly, inflate to the recommended pressure, and inspect your tyres for any signs of damage or wear.

Don't wait until it's too late to take control of your tyre's health. Start implementing these tips today to ensure you drive on adequately inflated and maintained tyres. In addition, well-maintained tyre pressure is a central selling point if you plan to sell your car soon, so take it seriously. Your safety on the road is worth it.