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How do I use a car air pump?

My tires are low and I need to use the air pump at the gas station. How do I use it? I feel so silly when I pull up because I have no idea what I'm doing.

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Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You should definitely fill up your tires ASAP! Luckily, using a car air pump is actually pretty easy once you know what you’re doing.
If you need to, feed coins into the pump. Some gas station pumps will require payment, while others are free. You should hear a rumbling or humming noise when the pump turns on. Then, stretch the hose to the first tire.
Remove the cap on the air valve and hold the end of the hose firmly on the valve stem. You should be able to hear the air pumping into the tires. Filling your tires may take several minutes or just a few seconds, depending on how low they are.
Check the pressure
as you go. Most tires should be between 30 to 35 psi, but you can check your owner’s manual to be sure. Once you’ve reached the correct pressure, replace the stem cap to prevent any more air loss.
If your tires continue to lose air, they made need to be replaced. You can stop by any tire shop to ask them to measure the treads and to give you an opinion on how long they have left.
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