If you have a Schrader valve, you’re in luck - you won’t need an adapter to use a gas station pump. Ask the attendant for a pressure gauge and inflate your tires in small bursts, checking the pressure after each one. Gas station pumps are extremely high pressure, and you can pop your tires if you’re not careful. If you’re using a bicycle pump with two openings, the larger one is meant for the Schrader valve. Smart pumps with one opening will automatically adjust to accommodate a Schrader valve. [2] X Research source A pump with one opening may require you to reverse an internal rubber stop to fit a Schrader valve. Unscrew the face cap and find the rubber stop. The larger end should be facing out for a Schrader valve.
Put the pump on the valve. If there’s a lever near the nozzle, make sure it’s in the open position (parallel to the nozzle) when you’re putting it on the valve; snap the lever down into the closed position (perpendicular to the nozzle) when it’s on. Keep an eye on the PSI as you pump. Flip the lever back up to remove the pump, then quickly return the rubber cap to the valve.
To use a gas station pump on a Presta valve, you’ll need a Presta adapter. This is a small cap you can screw onto a Presta valve to essentially turn it into a Schrader valve. [6] X Research source Some older bike pumps might also require you to have a Presta adapter. You can purchase one from your local cycle shop. When using a gas station pump, ask the attendant for a pressure gauge and inflate your tires in small bursts, checking the pressure after each one. Gas station pumps are extremely high pressure, and you can pop your tires if you’re not careful. If you’re using a bike pump with two openings, the smaller one is for a Presta valve. Smart pumps with one opening will automatically adjust to accommodate a Presta valve. A pump with one opening may require you to reverse an internal rubber stop to fit a Presta valve. Unscrew the face cap and find the rubber stop. The smaller end should be facing out for a Presta valve.
Put the pump on the valve. If there’s a lever near the nozzle, make sure it’s in the open position (parallel to the nozzle) when you’re putting it on the valve; snap the lever down into the closed position (perpendicular to the nozzle) when it’s on. Keep an eye on the PSI as you pump. Flip the lever back up to remove the pump, and screw the brass cap closed. Replace the dust cap.
