How To Let Air Out Of Tires: Using a Tire Deflator
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How To Let Air Out Of Tires: Using a Tire Deflator

Written by Thomas Nielsen
April 12, 2023

 Learning how to let air out of tires is essential for off-roading, traveling long distances and enhancing the life of your car tires. You'll need to learn how to let air out of your tires safely when off-roading to experience the following benefits:

  • Better traction when off-roading
  • Your tire has a more flexible circular shape, allowing for less damage when going over obstacles
  • Reduced pressure on your suspension and car body
  • Reduced the risks of over inflated tires bursting
  • Less uneven tire wear
  • Increased surface area for your tires for better grip

This article will help you learn how to let air out of tires with the support of Rhino USA's pro tire deflator kit. Check your owner's manual before beginning, as some UTV vehicles have onboard deflation systems which control tire pressure.

What Equipment Do I Need?

To deflate your tires to the ideal tire pressure, you will need the following:

Tire Pressure Gauge

A tire pressure gauge can help ensure you've reached the ideal air pressure in your tires after airing down. The pro tire deflator kit comes with its own 60 PSI tire pressure gauge, complete with deflator valves.

Tire pressure gauge

Caps

You will need to ensure you have the correct cylindrical cap to top off your valves, whether they are plastic or chrome. Caps protect your valve stem, which holds the air in your tires. The pro tire deflator kit comes with its very own spare caps.

4-Way Valve Core Replacement Tool

Safely remove and replace your valves without damaging the outer edges of your tires. Without your core replacement tool, you'll need long needle nose pliers, a flat head screwdriver, or a blunt tool to hold your valve core. Rhino USA's 4-Way Valve Core Replacement tool is much better than using a tire pump or any other solutions from auto parts stores due to its efficiency and ease of use.

4-valve replacement tool

Air Compressor

While the aim is letting air out of your tires, if you see the air pressure is too low when checking tire pressure, you'll need an air compressor to pump it back up safely.

How To Let Air Out Of Tires

The first step of any tire assessment is to ensure your car is safely elevated. Find the jack points for your vehicle and insert jack stands at each jack point to lift your car safely above the ground.

Understand Your Tire Components

Your valve stems are the part of the tire that stops air from escaping. Presta valves are the common name for mountain bikes, while most other vehicle types have a Schrader valve. A Presta valve, in general, is much less common as a type of valve stem. 

To reduce air pressure in your car tire, you'll need to adjust the valve pin; this small, thin metal pin stops air from escaping from the valve stem. On top of your valve stem will be a valve cap, also known as a stem cap. This is a small circular cap that holds the metal pin in place. You will need to remove it to access the metal pin. Fortunately, Rhino USA's pro tire deflator kit comes with its own replacement caps, so you're good to go even if one goes missing.

Use The Deflator Component

Luckily for Rhino USA's customers, you won't need to mess around locating the metal pin. You won't need to search for your needle nose pliers or try and find the pin yourself. Our pro tire deflator kit makes letting air out of your tires simple and effective: no more injuring your back or investing in expensive tire pumps.

Use the deflator component to remove the valve core from your tire and control the air pressure leaving your tires. A hissing sound will indicate your tire is losing pressure, and the tires will start to lose air.

Check The Tire Pressure Gauge

A tire pressure gauge will give you an accurate reading for proper tire pressure and tell you how much air is in each tire. Each tire, from your rear tires to your front left and right tire, should have the same amount of air removed. Use the 60 PSI (pounds per square inch) tire pressure gauge from your pro tire kit to let air out of your tire safely. Your PSI gauge is connected to the deflator valve to release air. You can replace it with the deflator body when ready for continued and controlled tire pressure release.

Use The 4-Way Valve Core Replacement Tool

Does the idea of removing the valve pin yourself, or using a tire pump, make you nervous? With the 4-way valve core replacement tool from Rhino USA, you can feel confident that you can let the air out of tires faster for a quicker flow. The 4-way valve core replacement tool helps you remove the valve core effectively and quickly let the air out of your tires.

You don't have to manually remove the valve core from the valve cap, and the tire pressure gauges are installed with their own deflator valve for easy use. Deflating your tires using the pro tire deflator kit takes minutes. Screw back in your valve core once done for easy use.

Let The Air Back Into Your Valve Stem After Use

You should always ensure that when returning to road or on-road travel, you know how much air should be pumped back into your tires. Higher air pressure is needed for on-road driving to keep you and other road users safe. Keeping your car tires completely at the required air pressure also helps with gas mileage, fuel economy and fuel efficiency. If your valve cap is missing, use the replacement valve cap with your pro tire deflator kit to get moving again.

Pro tire inflator

Link To Product: Rhino USA Pro Tire Deflator Kit

Rhino USA's innovative new pro tire deflator kit is the only set you'll ever need to let the air out of your tires. Whether you are rock crawling, off-roading in sand, snow or mud, or simply have too much air pressure in your tires, this complete kit has everything you need to deflate your tires to the perfect tire pressure. 

rhino usa tow strap

FAQ's

How Do I Know If My Tires Are Over Inflated?

Consult your owner's manual or the sticker inside your driver's door for advice on tire pressure. When using your original tires, you should have a recommended pressure inside the manual. Many car owners need to realize that in warmer seasons, the air in your tires takes up more volume, resulting in over inflation, too much air, and a set of over inflated tires. Over inflated tires will only reach half their expected lifespan. Over inflated tires will also result in lower gas mileage and fuel efficiency. In the cold weather, you will also have a maximum cold tire pressure, usually no more than 35 PSI.

How low to air down when off-roading

The recommended tire pressure for off-roading varies depending on the vehicle, tire size, and terrain. However, a common practice is to air down your tires to between 15-20 psi, depending on the situation. Airing down helps to increase the tire's contact area with the ground, providing better traction and stability on rough terrain. It also helps to reduce the risk of punctures and damage to the tires and rims. It is important to remember to re-inflate your tires to the recommended pressure once you are back on paved roads to avoid damaging the tires or affecting the vehicle's handling and safety. 

Here are some examples to give you an idea of optimum tire pressure for different surfaces:

  • Dirt roads and uneven trails: airing down by up to 25%
  • Slick rock, loose terrain and rock crawling: air down by around 35%
  • Soft surfaces, including mud and sand: air down by 50%