When to let air out
Common reasons include changing a tube, removing a tire, lowering pressure after overinflating, or preparing a wheel for travel or storage. How you do it depends on your valve type.
Presta valve (thin, with a small nut)
- Remove the cap if there is one.
- Unscrew the small nut counterclockwise until it stops.
- Press the tip of the valve with a finger. Air will come out.
- Squeeze the tire to push out the remaining air.
- If you only wanted to reduce pressure, tighten the nut again. If you are removing the tube, you can leave it loose.
See also pumping up a tire with a small (Presta) valve for the opposite process.
Schrader valve (wider, like a car valve)
- Remove the cap.
- Press the small pin at the center of the valve opening. A fingernail, a small tool tip or a key can do it.
- Squeeze the tire to let out the rest.
- Replace the cap.
Lowering pressure to a target
If you only want to drop a few psi, release air in short taps instead of all at once, and check with a gauge between each. Some pump heads have a bleed button that does this more precisely. It is much easier to let out a little more than to add it back.
Stubborn valves
A Presta valve can stick shut and seem not to release air. Try pressing the tip sideways and down with a fingertip, or tapping it. If the nut is stuck, hold the stem steady while you turn the nut gently. Avoid bending the valve or using excessive force, since this can damage the stem.
Loosening a tight tire
If the tire is deflated but difficult to take off the rim:
- Squeeze the sidewalls toward the center around the whole wheel, to push the bead off its seat.
- Push the bead into the center channel of the rim, since this gives you slack on the opposite side.
- Use tire levers carefully, working a little at a time, so you do not pinch the tube.
Tubeless notes
A tubeless tire contains sealant. Release air slowly, and be prepared for some sealant to come out of the valve. If you plan to remove the tire, check the sealant condition. See adding tubeless sealant for more.
Why a tire keeps losing air
If your tire is losing pressure faster than expected, possible causes include:
- a small puncture or thorn,
- a leaking valve core or a loose Presta nut,
- a worn or aging tube,
- a rim or bead seating problem,
- for tubeless, worn-out sealant or poor bead seal.
Inflate it, listen, and wipe the tire with soapy water to look for bubbles (the slow leaks guide goes further). For inflating again, read how to inflate a bike tire properly.
FAQ
How do you deflate a tire? Open the valve (unscrew a Presta nut, or press a Schrader pin) and release the air, then squeeze out the rest.
How do I get a tight tire off a wheel? Fully deflate it, push the bead into the center of the rim, and work it off with levers.
How do I pump a flat tire? Follow the normal steps and see whether it holds air. If it does not, there is a puncture or the tire is not seated on the rim.