How to Take Air Out of Tire? – Everything You Need to Know
There are times when you need to reduce the air in your tire. Undoubtedly, most cars don’t come with automatic deflators/inflators. So, the task should be done manually. But you don’t necessarily need an automotive technician for the job. This is because it is one of the easiest DIY tasks you can do. So, here’s when to and how to take air out of a tire, and everything else.
The Main Question: How to Take Air Out of a Tire?
With that, here’s how you can counter overinflation. All you need is:
- A screwdriver
- A pressure gauge
The following steps show how to take air out of tire:
1. Locate the valve stem
2. Rotate the valve cap counter-clockwise for removal
3. Put the pressure gauge on the stem
4. Check the pressure (should be 30-35psi); read owner’s manual
5. If its more, put a screwdriver on the pin
6. Press on it to let air out
7. Remove the screwdriver to stop the airflow
8. Check the pressure again
9. Screw the valve stem cap back on
To inflate your tires, you’ll need a compressor. Just follow the first four steps, and connect the machine to the valve stem. Turn it on as required.
The Disadvantages of Overinflated Tires
DIYers sometimes fill their tire up to the brim. This can be done on purpose or by accident. While it may feel satisfactory to overdo it, it can be disastrous. Here is what can happen:
1. You could be in for a bad ride
Overfilling your tires will reduce the area of contact between the tire and the road. This will give you an uncomfortable ride.
2. The tire will wear out quicker
Fill up your tires to the max and they won’t last as long as they should. Overinflation will make a tire stiffer. So, it won’t be able to absorb bumps and potholes well. This will decrease its life.
3. You will lose traction
Overinflation will cause a tire’s area of contact to decrease. This will reduce its grip as the shape is now distorted.
4. The safety systems might not work
Your car might boast numerous safety features. But they are compliant to work under a certain range of tire pressures. So, you’ll lose them because of overinflation as well.
5. The tire could explode
If you’ve got an older tire and you keep driving it overinflated, it will blowout. This can lead to fatal crashes depending on the roadway you’re on.
When Should I Lessen the Air in My Tire?
We’ve covered overinflation, but what about underinflation? There are times when you need to lower your tire pressure than its normal value. You should do this while going offroad for better traction.
Tire Pressure in The Winter
Your tires automatically deflate in the winter. This is because the lower temperatures make the air particles lose energy. So, you should check the tire pressure regularly. Pump up the tires if needed.
In addition, if you’re losing tire pressure in the summer, you might have an untightened valve stem.
How Can Underinflated Tires Be Bad?
Apart from when you need traction, you should never allow your tires to be underfilled. Firstly, this is because they can lead to a terrible fuel economy. Secondly, you will also lose your braking ability. Thirdly, the tire will wear out more. So, you shouldn’t risk it.
