Have you ever found yourself at a gas station, staring at your Tesla's tires, and wondering how to properly inflate them? You're not alone! While Teslas are electric, their tires still need air just like any other car. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your Tesla's tires are always at their optimal pressure for safety, efficiency, and performance. Let's get started!
Step 1: Understand Your Tesla's Tire Pressure Needs
Before you even think about the air pump, you need to know what pressure your Tesla's tires should be at. This is crucial for safety, tire longevity, and maintaining your vehicle's efficiency.
 |
| How To Put Air In Tesla Tires At Gas Station |
Locating the Recommended Tire Pressure
Where to Find It: The recommended tire pressure (often called PSI - pounds per square inch) for your Tesla is not on the tire itself. Instead, it's typically found on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Open your driver's door and look for a label similar to the one shown in your owner's manual.
Why It Matters: This sticker provides the cold inflation pressure, meaning the pressure when the tires haven't been driven on for a few hours (or at least a mile). Driving heats up the tires, increasing the internal pressure, so always check them when they're "cold" for the most accurate reading.
Model Specifics: Keep in mind that different Tesla models (Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X) and even different wheel/tire combinations within those models will have varying recommended pressures. Always refer to your specific vehicle's sticker.
What if I Can't Find the Sticker?
Owner's Manual: Your Tesla's digital owner's manual (accessible via the touchscreen) will also list the recommended tire pressures.
Tesla App: The Tesla mobile app might also display the recommended pressure or provide a link to the owner's manual.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools (and Know Your Station)
While you're at a gas station, you'll still need to be prepared.
Essential Equipment
Tire Pressure Gauge: While many air pumps have a built-in gauge, it's always a good idea to carry your own reliable digital tire pressure gauge. These are more accurate and easier to read than the often-worn gauges on public air pumps. You can buy one for a few dollars at any auto parts store.
Air Compressor at the Gas Station: Locate the air pump. These are usually near the gas pumps themselves, or sometimes in a separate area of the station.
Understanding Gas Station Air Pumps
Types: Gas station air pumps can be manual or digital.
Manual pumps often require you to hold down a lever or button to dispense air and then use your own gauge to check the pressure.
Digital pumps are more common now. You typically set your desired PSI on the machine, and it will automatically stop once that pressure is reached, often beeping to indicate completion. These are generally easier to use.
Cost: Some gas stations offer free air, while others require a small payment (usually a dollar or two in coins or by card). Be prepared with exact change or a credit/debit card if needed.
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
Step 3: Prepare Your Tesla
Before connecting the air hose, a little preparation goes a long way.
Parking and Access
Park Safely: Pull your Tesla close enough to the air pump so the hose can reach all four tires comfortably, but ensure you're not blocking traffic or other vehicles.
Engage Park Brake: Always put your Tesla in Park (P) and engage the parking brake. For Teslas, simply putting it in Park is usually sufficient, but good practice dictates ensuring it's secure.
Removing the Valve Stem Cap
Locate the Valve Stem: On each tire, you'll see a small, usually black or silver, cap covering the valve stem. This is where you'll add air.
Unscrew the Cap: Unscrew the cap by turning it counter-clockwise. Be careful not to lose it! It's a good idea to put the caps in a secure place, like your pocket or the car's cup holder, so they don't roll away.
Step 4: Adding Air to Your Tires
Now for the main event!
Using a Manual Air Pump
Connect the Hose: Firmly press the air hose chuck onto the tire's valve stem. You'll hear a hissing sound as air escapes, but once connected properly, the hissing should stop or be minimal. If it continues to hiss loudly, readjust the chuck.
Add Air in Bursts: Press the lever or button on the air pump to add air in short bursts (2-3 seconds at a time).
Check Pressure: Remove the hose and immediately use your personal tire pressure gauge to check the current PSI.
Repeat: Continue adding small amounts of air and checking the pressure until you reach your Tesla's recommended PSI. It's better to add a little at a time and recheck than to overinflate.
Using a Digital Air Pump
Set Desired PSI: On the digital display of the air pump, use the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons to set the desired PSI for your Tesla's tires (from the door jamb sticker).
Connect the Hose: Firmly connect the air hose chuck to the tire's valve stem. Again, you might hear a brief hiss.
Automatic Inflation: The machine will usually start inflating automatically once connected. It will typically show the current pressure and then the pressure as it increases.
Listen for the Beep: The machine will usually beep or make another distinct sound when the set pressure has been reached and inflation stops.
Disconnect: Once complete, disconnect the hose.
 |
What if I Overinflate?
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
Don't Panic: It happens! Most air chucks have a small pin or lever that allows you to release air. Gently press the pin (usually in the center of the chuck) against the valve stem to let air out slowly.
Recheck: Recheck the pressure with your gauge and continue releasing air until you hit the correct PSI.
Step 5: Final Checks and Maintenance
You're almost done!
Replace Valve Stem Caps
Crucial Step: Once you've inflated all your tires to the correct pressure, don't forget to screw the valve stem caps back on firmly. These caps prevent dirt, moisture, and debris from entering the valve stem and potentially causing leaks or damage.
Check All Tires
Consistency is Key: Ensure you've checked and adjusted the pressure in all four of your Tesla's tires. Some Teslas also have a small 12V battery, but this doesn't affect tire inflation.
Spare Tire (if applicable): If your Tesla has a spare tire (some do, some don't, especially newer models), check its pressure periodically as well. The recommended pressure for a spare is often much higher than the regular tires.
Monitor Tire Pressure Regularly
In-Car Display: Your Tesla has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that displays the current tire pressure for each tire on your touchscreen. While convenient, it's still good practice to manually check them with a gauge every month or so, and especially before long trips.
Temperature Fluctuations: Tire pressure changes with temperature. For every 10-degree Fahrenheit (or about 5.5-degree Celsius) change in ambient temperature, your tire pressure can change by about 1 PSI. This means you might need to adjust your tire pressure more frequently during seasonal changes.
Conclusion
Keeping your Tesla's tires properly inflated is one of the easiest and most important maintenance tasks you can perform. It ensures optimal range, extends tire life, and most importantly, keeps you safe on the road. So next time you're at a gas station, you'll be a pro at giving your Tesla's tires the air they need! Happy driving! ️
Related FAQ Questions
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
How to check my Tesla's current tire pressure?
You can check your Tesla's current tire pressure directly on the vehicle's touchscreen display. Navigate to the "Controls" menu, then usually to the "Service" or "Tires" section, where you'll see a real-time readout for each tire.
How to find the recommended tire pressure for my specific Tesla model?
The recommended tire pressure is found on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb when you open the door. It's also listed in your Tesla's digital owner's manual.
How to use a digital air pump at a gas station for my Tesla?
On a digital air pump, set the desired PSI (found on your door jamb sticker) using the controls. Then, firmly connect the air hose chuck to your Tesla's tire valve stem. The pump will automatically inflate to the set pressure and usually beep when finished.
How to use a manual air pump at a gas station for my Tesla?
For a manual pump, connect the hose to the valve stem and add air in short bursts. After each burst, disconnect the hose and immediately use your own reliable tire pressure gauge to check the PSI. Repeat until the correct pressure is reached.
How to release air from an overinflated Tesla tire?
Most air chucks or your personal tire pressure gauge will have a small pin that, when pressed against the valve stem, will release air. Gently press it to let air out slowly, rechecking the pressure as you go.
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
How to know if my Tesla tires need air?
Besides a visual check for a visibly low tire, your Tesla's TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) will alert you on the touchscreen if a tire's pressure is significantly below the recommended level.
How to avoid losing the valve stem caps when adding air to Tesla tires?
Unscrew the caps and immediately place them in a secure spot, such as your pocket, a cup holder inside your car, or the small coin tray if your car has one.
How to ensure accurate tire pressure readings for my Tesla?
Always check your tire pressure when the tires are "cold" – meaning they haven't been driven on for at least three hours or more than a mile. Use your own accurate digital tire pressure gauge for the most reliable reading.
How to reset the TPMS warning on my Tesla after inflating tires?
Usually, after you've inflated your Tesla's tires to the correct pressure, the TPMS warning light will reset automatically after driving for a short period (sometimes a few minutes at a certain speed). If it doesn't, refer to your owner's manual for specific reset procedures, though often simply driving resolves it.
How to maintain my Tesla tire pressure during temperature changes?
Tire pressure decreases in colder temperatures and increases in warmer ones. It's advisable to check your Tesla's tire pressure more frequently during significant seasonal temperature shifts, adjusting as needed to maintain the recommended PSI.
 |
This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Breath fresh Air with this Air Purifier with washable filter.
