How to Let Air Out of A Tire

If you have a vehicle built in the last 15 years or so, you're probably familiar with the tire pressure monitor system, or TPMS. It's a system that tracks tire pressure and notifies you if a tire's PSI drops below the recommended amount. An icon on your dashboard will let you know it's time to check the tire for damage and add air. 

OK, that's good information to be aware of for tires losing air pressure. But what about tires that have been overfilled with air? Let's examine why you might want to let the air out of a car's tires. (And, no, never to exact revenge on an ex.) Then we'll give you the proper techniques.

6 Reasons to Deflate Vehicle Tires

Letting air out of a vehicle's tires can be a deliberate and necessary action in certain situations. Here are some reasons why you might want to let the air out of your vehicle's tires:

• Off-roading: When driving off-road, letting air out of the tires can increase traction and allow the vehicle to grip the terrain better. Lower tire pressure helps the tire's tread to widen and make contact with a larger surface area, resulting in more grip and better stability.
• Snow and ice driving: Reducing tire pressure may improve traction on slippery surfaces when driving in snowy or icy conditions. Some drivers believe that lower tire pressure means more tire surface area in contact with the ground, which may prevent sliding. 
• Sand driving: Similarly, driving on sand requires lower tire pressure to avoid getting stuck. Reducing tire pressure helps the tire's tread better grip and push through the sand.
• Comfort: In some situations, a vehicle's tires may be inflated to a higher pressure than necessary for the load they are carrying. This may result in a rougher ride and discomfort for everyone in the vehicle. Lowering the tire pressure might improve ride comfort.
• Emergency situations: In the event of a tire blowout or flat tire, reducing the pressure in the remaining tires may help you maintain control of the vehicle and avoid a serious accident.
• Over-inflated tires: If your tires have too much air, you'll need to let some air out, so the PSI is within the range that the tire manufacturer specifies. Learn more about how to tell if a tire has too much air.

Keep in mind that while lowering tire pressure may be beneficial in certain situations, it's vital to ensure the tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure when driving on normal roads. Properly inflated tires are safer, and they last longer. 

Underinflated tires may reduce fuel efficiency, decrease handling and braking performance, and increase risk of tire damage and blowouts. With that said, here's how to deflate a tire the right way.

Steps to Release Air From a Tire

Letting air out of car tires is a simple process that can be done with just a few tools. It's important to check the tire pressure before letting air out and to avoid over-deflating the tire. Always recheck the tire pressure after deflating to ensure it is at the manufacturer's recommended level.

If you are going to air down tires, whether for snow or because they're overinflated, do it near an air hose. That way, if you release too much air, you've got a source for refilling the tires. 

Here are steps to letting air out of a tire:

• Safety first: Make sure you park your car in a safe location, such as a flat surface away from traffic. Turn off your engine and apply the handbrake.
• Locate the tire valve: Each tire has a valve stem on the rim, which is usually capped with a plastic or metal cap. Remove the cap by twisting it off with your fingers.
• Use a pressure gauge: Before letting air out, check the current pressure in the tire with a pressure gauge. This will give you a baseline for how much air you need to release. The recommended tire pressure can be found in your car's manual or on the driver's side door jamb.
• Press the valve stem: Place the end of the pressure gauge or a small object like a screwdriver on the valve stem and press down. This will open the valve and release the air from the tire.
• Check the pressure: Release air slowly in short bursts to avoid over-deflating the tire. Stop periodically to check the tire pressure with the gauge until you have reached the desired pressure.
• Follow the same steps for each tire: Repeat this process for all tires that need air pressure adjustment.
• Recheck the pressure: After letting the air out, recheck the tire pressure with the gauge to ensure it is at the correct level. If not, add or release air as needed.
• Recap the valve: After letting air out, replace the valve caps by screwing them back onto the valve stems.

So, what if you need to release air from a tire but don't have access to a pressure gauge? This can be challenging as you won't be able to measure the exact amount of air you are removing. However, if you need to remove some air from your tire, you can follow the steps above. But check tire pressure as soon as you are safely near a tire pressure gauge.

Photo 123500203 | Airubon | Dreamstime.com