Using a foot pump to inflate a tire is a pretty straightforward process, requiring minimal technical expertise and a small amount of physical exertion. Keeping the air properly inflated can increase the lifespan of tires and make them safer to travel on. Many foot pumps are sold with a range of tire adaptors for inflating different tire types.
Prepare the tire, and the associated vehicle, for inflation. Different types of tires require different adaptors, such as a small valve used to pump bicycle tires. Some tire valves require lubrication before you can start the inflation process. Refer to your tire/vehicle's user manual for specific instructions.
Attach the nozzle of your foot pump to the valve stem of the tire you want to inflate. Unscrew the cap from the tire's valve before affixing the nozzle of your foot pump. Ensure that you have made an airtight seal between the nozzle of the foot pump and the valve stem of the tire.
Apply pressure to the foot pedal of the pump and start inflating the tire. If your pump has a gauge, you can take a reading of the tire's air pressure. The unit of measurement is almost always pounds per square inch (PSI)). Read the tire or vehicle's manual to find out the required air pressure for safe use of the tire. Establish where the appropriate air pressure is displayed on the pump's gauge and continue to inflate the tire until it reaches this pressure. You can also purchase separate tire pressure gauges if your pump does not have one.
Detach the nozzle of the foot pump and replace the cap back on the tire's valve. Fasten the cap until it fits tightly, but ensure you leave it so it can be unscrewed by hand at a future date. Pack up your foot pump and place it in storage. You should always ensure that the hose of the pump is not twisted and does not have any weight or pressure placed upon it when storing it.
Test your tire in a controlled environment. If you have inflated an auto's tires, drive with caution to a nearby parking lot and try a few simple maneuvers. Afterward, assess the pressure of your tires to see if they have remained near the pressure you inflated them to. It is natural for the pressure to decrease a small amount when you first use the vehicle.
