Even avid bicyclists might have wondered sometimes: can you use gas station air for bikes? The temptation is high because gas stations are available so easily—however, it’s not a recommended practice.
Table of Contents
Riding a bike is one of the best exercises that keeps your whole body fit. It is also a great way to lose some weight and get into shape.
Cycling can relax your mind and take you to your favorite spots without costing you a penny.
It is the most environmentally friendly and economical form of transport as it uses mechanical energy generated by your body to work.
But it isn’t very pleasant when your tires get deflated, or you get a puncture during a long ride, especially if you are on a highway road. Bike repair centers are few and far between on highways, but gas station pumps are a dime a dozen. Haven’t you wondered if gas station pumps could be used to air your bike up?
The answer is both yes and no. Let’s understand in more detail.
How to Put Air In Your Bike In A Gas Station?
You need to have some knowledge about your bike’s tires before using gas station air to fill them. The first thing that you need to know is the type of valve present in tires. The nozzle should fit the valve; otherwise, air will leak out without getting into the tire.
Valves are present in all systems, be it natural like your body or artificial like your bike. These control the flow of air or liquid through a pipe. Different types of valves are present in different vehicles like bikes, cars, etc.
Another thing that you must know about your bike is the tube material. If it is too thin, it will not tolerate the pressure of a gas station pump.
You might like to read: Can You Go Backwards On Fixed Gear Bikes
Types Of Valves Available
There are mainly two types of valves, Schrader and Presta.
Schrader Valve
Schrader valves are a more common type of valve. These are easily available in gas stations as cars use the same kind of valve.
The exterior has a threaded texture to fit in the pump. The valve is wider than Presta valves.
It has a pin to direct the flow of air. Schrader valve tubes need pressure inside to allow the air into the tube.
Presta Valve
Presta valves are used in advanced bikes. These valves are narrower than Schrader valves. The valve is completely made of metal, unlike Schrader valves that could be surrounded by rubber sometimes.
Presta valves contain an added fastener like a nut to lock the tube, which will prevent leaking. You need to be careful while opening or closing as it can get unscrewed if handled roughly.
You might like to read: How Long Do Bikes Last
Step-by-Step Process of filling Air in Your Bike In A Gas Station
As mentioned earlier, the pump present in the particular gas station should fit into the valve in your bike.
If your bike tire has a Presta valve, and the gas station you went to has a nozzle compatible with the Schrader valve, you would not be able to use that pump to fill in the air.
Therefore, before starting, you need to make sure that the nozzle and the valve are compatible.
Now you can follow the steps given below to fill in the air using a gas station pump.
- Stand your bike, and make sure it is stable. Now rotate the wheel so that the valve is closest to the ground to ensure efficient air filling.
- Now, you need to open the valve. If your bike has a Schrader valve, remove the rubber or plastic cap. If you have a Presta valve, first open the cap and then unscrew it. To unscrew the Presta valve, you need to rotate it in a clockwise direction.
- Now, fit the nozzle into the valve. Make sure it fits well; otherwise, air will escape from the gaps if present.
- Now you can start inflating the tube. But you need to carefully check the tires and make sure you don’t over inflate them.
- After filling the air, quickly close the valve. Then put on the plastic cap. For the Schrader valve, put on the cap to the valve, while for Presta, you need to rotate the valve anti-clockwise to close it.
- If you feel you have over inflated the tires, open the cap halfway to release the excess air.
Why Should You Not Use Gas Station Air For Bikes?
Although it is feasible to use gas station air for bikes, it is not advised to use it regularly. In case of emergency, you can easily use a gas station pump to fill your tires.
But suppose your bike tire has a Presta valve. In that case, there is less chance of finding a gas station where a compatible nozzle is available.
Pressure
Most people will suggest you avoid station air because of one main reason. That is, the pumps available in gas stations lack a mechanism to control the pressure.
Bicycle tubes are weaker than tires of engine bikes and cars. Therefore the pressure of the gas station pumps is not appropriate for them.
Suppose you regularly use gas station pumps to inflate your bike’s tires. In that case, their lifespan will be seriously affected due to constant exposure to such high pressure.
You might like to read: Will Bikes Rust In A Shed
Over Inflation
Moreover, when you gas station pumps, it is highly possible to overinflate the tires. Overinflation of tires could lead to serious hazards. Your tire could burst while you are riding on it.
Overinflation also decreases the contact surface between the tire and the road, thus reducing friction between them. Lack of friction increases the chances of accidents.
The recommended PSI ( Pound Force Per Square Inch) for bicycle tires depends on the tire, which you should know for your bike and follow to avoid over-inflation.
What Are Better Alternatives To Gas Station Air For Bikes?
When you are going for a long ride with your bike, you do not want the headache of finding a gas station with the correct type of valve.
It is always better to carry a mechanical or electric pump for your bike whenever you need it. This way, you could ride freely without worrying about checking your tire frequently.
The following two products are cheap and lightweight devices to save your ride.
Portable Bicycle Pump
If you love riding your bike, it is probably an important investment in your life. These pumps are cost-effective and easy to carry.
These pumps are available at a wide range of prices from a few dollars to 30 dollars or more.
One good quality portable pump can last for years without the need for any repair.
You need to compress and pull the pump simultaneously, where the air is compressed and then directed into the tire by a valve.
Air Compressor
Air compressors lead air inside it then pressurize it with the help of a power source. You could fill your bike by attaching its nozzle to the valve.
If the nozzle does not fit in the valve, you need to buy an adapter to connect the compressor and your bike.
Air Compressors work like magic and inflate your bike quickly. You could also set the PSI to avoid over-inflation. A pump requires manual labor and takes more time than an air compressor.
But it requires a power source to operate, which is a disadvantage against portable air pumps.
You might like to read: Can You Use Car Cleaner On Bikes
Answers to More Questions About Filling Air In Bike Tires
Can you put air in a bike tire at a gas station?
Yes. If your bike’s tire valve matches the pump’s nozzle, you can use that pump to air it.
Can you use an air compressor to fill bike tires?
Yes. It is a good option to fill bike tires as it takes less time than other methods. PSI can also be fixed in some compressors that help you avoid over or under-inflation.
Can you pump air into a bike without an air pump?
You can use Air compressor, which takes the air and pressurizes it, then leads into the bike tires.
How do I fill my bike with air?
There are several options available to fill your bike. You can use bicycle pumps, air compressors, or if those are not available to you, you can visit a gas station to fill your bike.
You Can Use Gas Station Air For Bikes, But You Should Not!
As mentioned earlier, it is feasible to use gas station air for your bike. As long as the pump nozzle is compatible with your tire’s valve, you can easily use that to fill your tires.
It would be best if you did not regularly use gas station pumps for your bike as they could negatively impact the tube of your bike by causing over-inflation.
Rather, it is advised that you carry portable devices like portable air pumps to fill those tires at any time without the worry of harming the tube.
Happy Riding!