Most motorists usually get flat tires at the time when they least expect it. For instance, your tires may be fine in the evening and flat the following morning.
When you have a flat tire and you don’t have a spare one to replace it, you may be tempted to use a hand pump to inflate it. So, the big question is, can you use a hand pump to inflate your car tire when the pressure is low?
The answer is YES. In this article, we will explain to you in-depth how a hand pump can help you inflate your tires.
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Can you use a hand pump for a car tire?
YES, you can use a hand pump to inflate your car tire but it is going to take long before you get the job done. Pumping your car tire using a hand pump will take you up to 30 minutes, depending on how flat the tire is.
The hand pump uses human power to move air from the pump to the tire. That is why it uses a lot of effort to inflate the tire. A hand pump can reach up to 120 PSI, while a typical pressure of a car tire is between 30 and 35 PSI.
So, there is no reason why you cannot use a hand air pump to fill your car tires. However, the volume of air in the car tire is significantly higher than what the hand pump provides, meaning it will take you more time to get the tire filled.
How do you pump a car tire with a hand pump?
Now that you know it is possible to inflate your car tire with a hand pump, you are probably wondering how you can do it. Inflating a car tire with a hand pump is straightforward.
As long as the tire has not broken loose from the bead, a bike pump will get the job done. Below is a simple step-by-step process on how to pump your car tire with a hand pump.
Step 1: Park your car on a clear flat surface
A clear flat surface will allow you to move freely and fill up the tires with ease. It will also make it easier for you to balance and operate your pump.
Step 2: Remove the valve cap on the tire
Remove the valve cap on the tire that you want to inflate. Valve caps are very easy to lose because they are small. So, once you remove yours, store them safely to prevent losing them.
Step 3: Inflate your car tire
Once everything is set, insert the hand pump on the tire then inflate your car tire by rising and lowering the pump bar. Check your tire pressure regularly when pumping to ensure that you don’t exceed the recommended pressure.
In the event you exceed the recommended pressure, use your tire pressure gauge or any other tool to get rid of excess pressure.
How can I pump my car tires at home?
There are many methods of pumping your car tire in the comfort of your home. Below are the most recommended methods of inflating your car tires at home.
Use a hand pump
One of the ways to pump your car tires at home is by using a hand pump. Although it will take a while before you finally fill the tire, this pump will get the job done. Make sure you have a pressure gauge to prevent exceeding the recommended pressure.
Use an air pressure pump
You can also inflate your tires at home using air pressure. Using an air pressure is simple, all you need to do is attract the air pressure hose the valve on your tire then turn it on to inflate the tire.
Can a bicycle pump fill a car tire?
YES, a bicycle pump can fill the car tire. But because the bike pump only provides a small volume of air and the volume of air in the car tire is significantly higher than that of a bike tire, it will take you more time to get the tire filled.
It will take you between 20 -40 minutes to inflate the tire, depending on the current pressure level and your energy.
Are there other methods to inflate a car tire without using a compressor?
If your tire pressure is low and you don’t have access to a compressor, don’t worry because you can inflate your tire using a hand air pump.
This device uses human power to move air from the pump to the tire and can help you to fill up your tires to the recommended level.
However, because the tire volume is way larger than the pressure that the hand pump provides, it will take you more time to inflate your tires to the recommended level.
Why is correct tire pressure important?
The optimal tire pressure is based on several factors, including the make and model of the car, the size of the tire, and much more.
Having the right tire pressure is very important because it determines your safety and driving experience. On average, a car tire loses about 1 PSI of pressure each month.
This means that you need to refill your tires periodically. Correct tire pressure is important because it helps to decrease tire lifespan by ensuring that it is firm and stable on the road.
Correct tire pressure also reduces the risk of your tires getting completely flat. The right tire pressure also helps to enhance your car’s fuel efficiency.
Final verdict
If your tire pressure level is low and you are wondering whether a hand pump can inflate it, the answer is yes. However, the process will take a lot of time and energy because the volume is larger than the pressure directed in the tire by the hand pump.
So, if you have a hand pump in your garage and one of your tires is almost flat, you should use it to fill up your tire.
