They both have the same type of valve, and my car tires have less than half the pressure of my bike tires. True, it is more volume, but that just means more pumps, right?
And if it is possible, why doesn't everyone have a bike pump in his or her car?
2007-05-01 15:18:11 · 11 answers · asked by Jen 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
My bike tires should be around 70 psi and that's actually on the low end for bike tires. Racing tires are probably double that. My car tires are what? 32? 35?
2007-05-01 15:35:53 · update #1
Also, my tires are fine, all 6 of them. I'm simply curious.
2007-05-01 15:38:11 · update #2
Yup, footpumps were designed for cars.
Handpumps, on the other hand, were not and you would be worn out long before the tyre was full. That's not to say they wouldn't work, just that I wouldn't want to try it.
I carry a footpump in my car at all times alongside the jack and spare wheel.
2007-05-02 04:17:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I cannot believe that a bike has more air pressure than a car. When you air up a bicycle tire you squeeze the tire for proper pressure, I guess it should be close to 20# or so. A car tire has usually between 35 and 40#, depends on what vehicle and tire size. A semi truck has a pressure of 100 to 110#. Theoretical you can air up a car tire with a bicycle pump, but for about $15,- (I am guessing about the same price as a bicycle pump) you can buy a 12 volt pump which you just plug in a cigarette lighter. Also for about 50 cents you can just drive your car to a gas station and pump your tire up, too.
I believe that people are more comfortable to use an easier way to air up a car tire.
2007-05-01 15:32:26 · answer #2 · answered by Irene S 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes, you can use a bike pump on a car tire but it will take a while to achieve the pressure that you want. a tire pump is a low volume pump, not much out put, you will be a little sore in the arms, especially if you drive a hummer or anything Else with larger tires. your best bet is just go to the local gas station and fill them there, but please watch the guage. i have seen some strange things happen, such as a Honda van coming into the shop with all tires over 120 psi in them, recommended is only 32-35 i believe. i have seen tires on a bike recommended as high as 65 psi>
2007-05-01 19:17:05 · answer #3 · answered by mdk68gto, ase certified m tech 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes Jen in the really old days you could only pump your tires up by hand and most car pumps were just huge versions of your common bike pump it will take you hours to get that 30psi into your car tire though because its not just volume it is also pressure over that area and that is a lot of pumping indeed. why don't we have pumps ? well it would be easier if they just put a small high pressure cylinder that screws to you valve and inflates your tire , but what is the point if you already have a spare and the punctured tire is no able to hold air.
2007-05-02 00:07:29 · answer #4 · answered by slick 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless the car tire is flat enough to loose its seal, yes you can, BUT:
There are several kinds of bike pumps. I have one of those great stand-up floor pumps, and it will put about 3 pounds per pump in a MTB tire.
In a car tire its about 3 pumps per pound! so it can take some energy and some time.
If you have a hand pump, instead of a floor pump, it is going to take a long time. not advised unless you have some other agenda.
Usually with a flat tire the battery still works, and a little electric pump is cheaper, faster and less stressful than a floor pump.
2007-05-01 19:29:45 · answer #5 · answered by Rockies VM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you will need a lot of energy because its a lot of work, it easier to take it off and get it to an air pump with lots of pressure. If its flat you might try Fix-A -Flat if the tire is old and you just need to get it to a place and replace it. Good Luck and GOD Bless.
2007-05-01 15:23:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no if you try to fill a car tire with a bike pump air will leak out and you'll have even less air in them. why don't you spare the 50 cents and fill it up at a gas station air pump
2007-05-01 15:29:15 · answer #7 · answered by NYsNumba1Man 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't see why not. It may take a little longer, and I would recommend using one with a gauge so you don't overinflate it. Most bicycle pumps are capable of 160-180 psi.
Now that I have read this, I am buying one for my wife's car.
2007-05-01 15:30:33 · answer #8 · answered by cplkittle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first thing a mehanic learns is to use the right tool for the right job.
2007-05-01 15:23:04 · answer #9 · answered by Barry auh2o 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yeah.....have fun trying that one.
2007-05-01 15:20:54 · answer #10 · answered by Ray Finkle 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋