Can Tubeless Tires Be Inflated with a Bicycle Pump?
2 Answers
Tubeless tires can be inflated with a bicycle pump. The method for inflating tubeless tires with a pump is as follows: First, use a valve core tool to remove the valve core from the tire. Next, push the wheel rim flange to one side, then quickly proceed to inflate. Once the specified pressure is reached, tighten the valve core. Finally, perform a check to ensure there are no leaks before installation and use. Before inflating, ensure the tire has completely cooled down. Do not rush to inflate immediately after the vehicle has stopped. This is because during driving, the tire heats up due to rolling friction, causing the tire temperature to rise and increasing the internal tire pressure, which affects the accuracy of inflation. Additionally, to ensure driving safety, it is generally recommended to check the tire pressure once a month. Even the most airtight tires will naturally lose some pressure over time. If insufficient pressure is detected, it should be replenished promptly. Of course, if a tire leak is noticed while driving, besides promptly replenishing the pressure, it is more important to identify the cause of the leak.
Recently I tried using a regular bicycle pump to inflate my car's tubeless tires, and honestly it was quite a hassle. I have an old-fashioned manual pump at home that works fine for bicycle tires, but when used on car tubeless tires, it was extremely laborious. After pumping for over ten minutes, I barely got any air in and my hands were numb. Later when I checked with a tire pressure gauge, the pressure was still insufficient—only a little over half the recommended value. This is because tubeless tires require relatively high pressure, typically between 30-50 PSI, and the pump's maximum pressure capacity is inadequate, making it prone to air leakage. If you insist on using a pump, I suggest only doing so in emergencies, like dealing with a flat tire in the wilderness, but for regular use, it's much more reliable to buy an electric air pump for your trunk. I previously bought a small portable car air pump for just a few hundred bucks—it plugs into the cigarette lighter and inflates quickly with minimal effort. Don't forget that incorrect tire pressure can affect braking performance and fuel consumption, so this matter should be handled carefully.
