can u air up a bike at a one of those gas station air things?

Question

i have a flat tire, but don't have a pump. can u air it up at a gas station air thing?

Answer 1

No, you shouldn't, and it isn't because of the pressure that the pumps produce. Let me explain.

Car tires tend to run at very low pressures, but need a large VOLUME of air to fill the tire. Bike tires run at high pressures but use a very LOW volume of air to fill the tire.

Gas station air pumps supply a high volume of air at lower pressures than are usually needed for bikes. It is the VOLUME of air, not the PRESSURE that blows the tire off the rim.

In emergencies you CAN use this type of pump but be VERY careful. Fill in short bursts of about 1 second each until the tire is filled.

Answer 2

You really shouldn't do this. It is not about pressure in this case. A car tire takes about 30 to 45 pounds of air whereas a bike tire can take up to 140. It's about volume. The gas station air compressors put out a ton of air very quickly. In some cases, it has been known to blow a tire off of the rim and destroy the wall of the wheel. Watch a good mechanic in a shop inflate a tire after changing a tube. He installs the tube and then inflates it to about 20 pounds. He stops and makes sure that the tire if properly and securely seated. Only then will he inflate the whole thing. Be careful if you go this route.

Answer 3

Of course! When I was growing up, none of my friends had a pump at home, and the gas station was the only place we had access to compressed air. Just make sure you have a standard (Shrader) valve because the Presta valves need an adapter. Also, like others have said, make sure you keep an eye on the pressure b/c the tube will inflate faster than a floor or hand pump.

Answer 4

The side of the tire will have a pressure range on it just like a car tire. Most mountain bikes are 40-65 and road bikes with the real skinny tires will be 85 to 115 psi depending on the size and brand. Get a good bicycle bump they come in handy and its better then paying 75 cents to use the air for 2 seconds or less. Get your self a flour pump for home and a frame pump to carry you with in case of a flat on the road or trail..

Answer 5

Of course! But, as quite a few people have said/implied, use your common sense. If you're talking about a mountain bike, which has valves like a car, it'll work fine (in fact, it's the easiest way!), but be careful not to overinflate and burst your tube. If you've got a road bike or any bike with Presta valves, you can't pump your tyres at a garage (without a suitable adaptor).

Answer 6

Hell NO! That's way to much pressure or PSI for you to control . I always use a hand or floor pump to fill that tube it's much safer than that gas station air pump. Don't blow that tube pump by hand especially with Presta valve tubes.

Answer 7

depends on the type of tube you are running. Most regular tubes...yes.
If you have a presta valve tube, then there is an attachment you can buy to attach to it to fill up at a gas station. Good to have it along if you get a flat on the road and can only get it filled up enough with your hand pump to get to a gas station!

Answer 8

Yes, but you should have a pressure gauge handy (some air pumps have one built in) Check the pressure of the tire as you go. The recommended pressure and range should be marked on the side of your tire. Don't go too high or you'll rupture your tire.

Answer 9

Usually the only time you would not be able to is if you have a special bicycle tire tube used on high performance bikes then you may need an adapter ..

Answer 10

Yes - the air pressure used to fill up car tires is the same for bikes, just expect it to fill up quickly