How long does it take to inflate a 215/60R16 tire?
A 215/60R16 tire (about 26.2 inches tall) holds roughly 40 liters. Raising it from 30 to 35 psi takes about 58 s with a compact 12V or cordless inflator, and filling it from flat to 35 psi about 6 min 45 s, or 2 min 29 s with a heavy-duty compressor.
AstroAI Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor, 12V DC/120V AC Dual Power
A compact inflator is enough for a 40 liter tire: top-ups take about 58 s.
How long for each inflator class?
Times for one 215/60R16 tire using delivered flow at tire pressure, which is roughly 40 to 50 percent of the rated figure on the box: about 14, 22 and 38 liters per minute for the three classes.
| Job | Air to pump | Compact | Fast cordless | Heavy-duty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top up 30 to 35 psi | 13 L | 58 s | 37 s | 21 s |
| Top up 25 to 35 psi | 27 L | 1 min 56 s | 1 min 14 s | 43 s |
| Low tire 15 to 35 psi | 54 L | 3 min 51 s | 2 min 27 s | 1 min 25 s |
| Flat 0 to 35 psi | 94 L | 6 min 45 s | 4 min 17 s | 2 min 29 s |
What do the numbers in 215/60R16 mean?
215 is the section width in millimeters. 60 is the sidewall height as a percentage of the width, here 129mm. R16 means radial construction on a 16 inch rim. Together they give an overall diameter of about 26.2 inches and an internal volume of about 40 liters, typical of cars and crossovers, where any decent portable inflator copes.
Check pressure cold, before driving. All four tires from 30 to 35 psi take about 3 min 51 s with a compact unit.
Inflators and a gauge for 215/60R16 tires
Prices change often.
AstroAI L7 Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor,150 PSI Cordless Bike Pump150 PSI / cordless$23.49Check price on Amazon
KeenPower Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor 21V Battery Powered 160PSI160 PSI / cordless$53.79Check price on Amazon
Nearby tire sizes
Frequently asked questions
What is the air volume of a 215/60R16 tire?
About 40 liters, estimated from the sidewall size: 215mm wide, a 60 percent sidewall (129mm) and a 16 inch rim. To add 5 psi you pump in about 13 liters of free air, because each 14.7 psi of pressure equals one tire volume of outside air.
Can a small tire inflator fill a 215/60R16 tire?
Yes. A compact unit tops it up in about 58 s and fills it from flat in about 6 min 45 s, within the duty cycle of most compact inflators. Always inflate to the door-jamb placard, not the sidewall maximum.
How much does a 215/60R16 tire lose in cold weather?
Like every tire, about 1 psi per 10 F drop. A 215/60R16 set to 35 psi at 70 F reads about 30 psi at 20 F. Put back the 13 liters of air it is missing when you check it on a cold morning.