Inflating ATV tires, while just as easy as inflating automobile and bicycle tires, is very much different. While automobiles and bicycles are designed to ride on paved surfaces, and thus have tires filled to relatively high air pressures, ATVs are not. ATVs are designed for riding on rough terrain, with relatively low air pressures in their tires. Hence, you must be aware of recommended air pressure.
Search for writing stamped on the side of your tire -- you will find the tire pressure recommended by the tire manufacturer here. The optimal air pressure for tires varies widely among makes, but is usually between 2.7 and 10 pounds per square inch. Never operate an ATV on tires that are inflated with more or less pressure than recommended. Also, pay attention to the stampings on all of the other tires; some ATVs have different size tires with different recommended pressures in the front and the back.
Remove the valve stem cap from one of your tires and use your tire gauge to measure the pressure of that tire. If the pressure is higher than the recommended pressure, proceed to Step 3. If the pressure is lower than the recommended pressure, proceed to Step 4. If the pressure in the tire is the same as the recommended pressure, replace the valve stem cap and repeat Step 2 on the next tire.
Open the valve by depressing the pin at the center of the valve stem to release air. Repeatedly check the pressure at regular intervals, so as to avoid releasing so much air that your tire becomes under-inflated. Continue until the air pressure is at or below the recommended level. If you do release too much air, proceed to Step 4. Otherwise, replace your valve stem cap and repeat Step 2 on the next tire.
Place the nozzle of your air compressor or tire pump over the end of the valve stem in such a manner that the pin at the center of the nozzle depresses the pin at the center of the valve stem, and begin inflating the tire. Repeatedly check the pressure at regular intervals, so as to avoid over-inflating the tire. Continue until the air pressure is at or above the recommended level. If you do over-inflate the tire, proceed to Step 3. Otherwise, replace your valve stem cap and repeat Step 2 on the next tire.
Repeat these steps on all tires weekly to monthly, in order to ensure that your tires are always at their optimal air pressures.
