Inflate A Bike Tyre With A Schrader Valve Or Auto Valve

Find the schrader valve and remove any dust-cap.

If the valve hasn’t been opened for a while release a short hiss of air to check it’s not stuck. The same process, holding the valve open longer, deflates the tyre.

Release air by pressing down on the valve stem. A match stick or some other small blunt tool may be helpful.

The hose or pump connection may screw on or press on. Some push fit connections lock with a cam lever. To check the correct operation of the connection look at the rubber washer and move the lever back and forth. The the ‘locked’ position squeezes the washer, the ‘on-off’ position lets the washer relax. The rubber washer in a pump connector wears out with use. It needs to be replaced when it stops gripping valves to give an air-tight sea. It's considerable easier to inflate a tyre when you're pump has a good seal.

A push fit connection to a schrader valve usually needs a locking lever. A small amount of air is released when the connector goes on or off. Pull the connector off briskly, parallel to the valve, to minimise the air loss after pumping.

Fully open and fully close the pump with each stroke. It’s important to press the piston right to the end of it’s travel to force air into the tyre. If you stop too soon the air in the pump will tend to compress rather than flow into the tyre.

Place both feet on the rests to stabilise the pump. Open the pump fully at the start of each stroke. As you get to the bottom of the stroke you can use your body weight – rather than your arms – to force the last bit of air out of the chamber by softening your knees. Using the full stroke is a more efficient way to inflate a tyre.

It helps if you can brace the connection between the schrader valve and the pump by hooking a finger or two around the tyre or spokes. Plant your feet and try to position yourself so you can get your shoulder behind the piston of the pump.