We have mixed feelings about the screw in connection, which is fiddly but makes a better seal than clamp-on ones. You can set the desired air pressure on this unit, which will automatically shut off once it reaches that value. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
But keep in mind some of todays vehicles are equipped with a standard power outlet, so we include a few recommendations for those as well. See which tire inflators stand out above the rest. It may just be a portable tire compressor, but if you want something thats stylish and looks good, H Heltekos portable air compressor pump is an excellent option. We would rather have a quick-connect fitting rather than the screw-on connection to the valve stem, although it is very secure. This model retails for under $50 and is a great light-duty unit for topping up tires on cars, small trucks, and bicycles. The tire stem chuck uses a threaded sleeve for more secure and leak-free operation, and the feet of the unit have rubberized pads to help eliminate "walking" as it runs. It includes a needle ball inflator and an air nozzle for things like yoga balls, in case you need to inflate something other than your cars tire.
One of the cheaper options available, AAA says its product can inflate a standard spare tire in eight minutes. Speed is where Avid Power loses the most points. The body of the inflator has lots of storage for hoses, cords, and accessories so you can keep everything organized. Best for Home Use: Kensun AC/DC Rapid Performance Portable Air Compressor, 5: Most Compact: Slime 40034 Deluxe All-Purpose Tire and Raft Inflator, 8. Air compressors are also used for many more things than just inflating tires; you can purchase air-driven tools like sanders and torque wrenches or use your air compressor for high-powered cleaning of dust and debris in your workshop. Considering some models start from under $50, it can actually save you money compared to having a towing company take your vehicle to a repair shop. A very bright built-in flashlight turns on whenever the inflator gets power and cant be turned off. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. If youre looking for a tire inflator with a gauge you can use away from the car if need be, Avid Power has you covered. As mentioned, Avid Power provides a rechargeable battery with its air compressor. The product also has an overheat protection for the compressor when it overloads. What is a good air compressor for filling tires? Some negative reviews say the product is too expensive and doesnt perform well when paired with an AC adapter. Air flow peaks at 70L/min on the GSPSCN, which allows you to inflate a standard vehicle tire in from zero to 40 PSI in about 1.5 minutes. Like similarly priced products, EPAutos inflator has an auto shutoff feature once it reaches the desired air pressure.
Lastly, it comes with a two-year warranty.
The air hose connector snapped onto our tires, and setting the desired pressure proved to be simple. If you have power tool experience, this tire inflator will feel familiar in your hand since its similar to a cordless drill. We also monitored the responsiveness of the buttons in adjusting tire pressure, the accuracy of each products pressure gauges, and the consistency of the automatic shutoff feature.
It connects to any vehicles 12-volt cigarette lighter receptacle with an 11.5-foot long cable for extra reach. We love having a built in flashlight and emergency signal, but weve used tire inflators that power their lights only through the 12-volt cord. It had no trouble filling truck tires, and head-to-head with the similar size, top-rated EPAuto, wed choose the Pittsburgh for faster inflation with lower noise, and an easier to read dial gauge. Photo credit: Amazon.com. We like the long duty cycle compared to other products, and the carrying case is the highest quality weve seen. More than 16,100 Amazon customer reviews give the Avid Power Tire Inflator a 4.5-star average rating. I've curated a list of the best portable tire inflators available from top brands like Craftsman, DeWalt, and Black+Decker and broke down their features to help you find the one that best fits your budget and needs. It includes the basics: The two inflators, emergency LED lamp and 100 PSI pressure gauge. Find your recommended tire pressure in the drivers side doorjamb or in your manual, making sure you note whether the front and rear tires have different values. You will want to check your tire pressure when your tires are cold, or hasnt been driven for at least 30 minutes. We subtracted points because the DeWalt is by far the bulkiest car air pump we tested. Setting up the valve stem is easy, although hose length could be better. Underinflated tires have an adverse effect on both fuel economy and premature wear, potentially costing you hundreds of dollars if you dont check it periodically. AAA also offers a Mini version thats only about 6 x 6 x 2.5 inches. We also missed the automatic shutoff feature found on competitor products.
We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products.
The durability of a power inflator should last a few years, depending on customer handling. The product is designed to be portable and stored in your car, so you always have access to it when on the road. Due to the lack of design features in the Viair 84P, we dropped this tire inflators overall score to 4.4 stars. We then purchased several of the most popular brands and tested them in real-life situations.
coming equipped with pressure monitoring systems, 1.
It is estimated that for every 3 PSI below the recommendation, your vehicle is using one percent more fuel and adding 10 percent more tire wear. If time is important to you, youll want to see which products inflate a tire quicker, while others have a maximum pressure limit. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. February 24, 2022: Added a promoted product recommendation. This inflator is heavier than most of the competition, weighing five pounds. Having properly inflated tires not only makes driving safer, but it can have an impact on your wallet. If you want to keep your tire inflator at home, you'll want to choose a model that is capable of multiple power sources so you can easily move around vehicles and your space. Lastly, youll want to pay attention to whether the product uses a 12-volt car outlet or a standard power outlet. The digital tire inflator takes up most of the box and has extra connectors that clamp onto the product for easy storage. But if youre looking for the absolute smallest and lightest tire inflator, with the ability to fill rafts and yoga balls, this might be the one for you. The DeWalt comes with a high-pressure tapered nozzle, a Presta valve adapter, and an inflator needle. The EPAuto portable air compressor pump weighs 3.81 pounds, and measures a compact 9.6 x 7.8 x 5.4 inches. The tire inflators in this article went through two rounds of reviews. As its name indicates, Kensuns inflator works both with a standard power outlet or your cars 12-volt cigarette lighter. Youll want to get in the habit of routinely checking your tire pressure once a month or so, to make sure theyre as close to spec as possible. It does comes with adapters so it can be used on other inflatables. The backlit LED display is readable in various lighting conditions, and the automatic shutoff feature works well. With a max PSI of 160, you can use it for everything from air mattresses on your family camping trip, sports equipment and even pickup truck tires. Reinstall your valve stem caps before you forget!
It plugs into a car's 12V outlet, and the 156-inch cord gives you plenty of room to move around your car and reach the back tires. He now subjects a series of old high-performance cars to the roads and weather in Vermont and wonders why they're always expensively broken. Our experience with mini inflators says that while it would definitely be better than nothing and would get you out of a jam, expect to spend a long time filling a tire, and a long time cooling the unit down between tires. The compressor features an LED work light, a 100-PSI pressure gauge, solid brass twist-on tire chuck and includes an accessory power plug, three-piece inflation tips kit, and a deluxe carry bag. Each manufacturer stipulates how long a tire inflator can operate until it needs a cool down period.
You should first identify what you want a tire inflator for. Constructed from durable ABS plastic and stainless steel, this portable tire inflator is available in red, yellow, or black and features an LCD digital display that shows tire pressure in PSI, BAR, KPA, and kg/cm. 2022 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. First on the list is the fact that it can inflate to a maximum pressure of 125 PSI, though there is an 80 PSI max for car, mid-size SUV, and motorcycle tires. Back to school: Must-have tech for students, How to answer "tell me about yourself" in interviews, Apple explains why iPhone cases are a waste, Best portable power station: Emergency power when you need it, The 6 best Samsung phones: Explore a new Galaxy, The top home batteries: Essential battery backup systems, Our favorite pellet grills: Alternatives to gas and charcoal, The 5 best wireless headphones: Great sound untethered, The top GPS trackers and devices for kids: Find your child fast, May be a bit bulky for smaller car trunks, Analog dial may be difficult for some to read.
Even if your car is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), you dont want to wait until the light illuminates to check your tires pressure. If you care about how your inflator looks, then Fortems digital tire inflator might interest you. January 4, 2022: Updated link to Slime40034 inflator. Can a small air compressor fill flat car tires? The Black+Decker multi-purpose inflator is a great option for anyone who doesn't like to have single-purpose tools in their workshop. The Pittsburgh has a short 90-day warranty, but the EPAuto has none, and you can exchange it at and Harbor Freight store within the warranty period. Not only is it speedy, but the inclusion of a digital pressure gauge and 12-volt adapter make it great for both maintenance and a roadside emergency. Our team ordered the four-tire inflators that best met these standards to use the products for testing. Inside is a solid aluminum direct drive connecting rod, piston, and solid metal sleeve for extreme durability.
The backlit LCD screen makes it easy to read PSI output, while an automatic shutoff feature lets you "set and forget" the correct PSI for your tires; that way you won't have to worry about dangerously overinflating your tires. The max PSI and performance specs might be a little too sophisticated for most drivers, but this is an excellent choice if you want tires inflated fast and dont care about an electronic display. The battery-operated models are great for anyone who already has that brand of tool and that kind of battery since they can seamlessly integrate into your workshop while 12V or 120V power models are better for anyone with less experience and skill who just want to keep their tires filled. One feature we like with this inflator is that its equipped with rubber feet at the bottom, so the pump stays in place while operating. Its a convenient unit, all packaged into a little one-pound,7 x 5 x 9 inch cube with a top carrying handle. Its a very tight connection which makes it hard to take off for storage, and the hose does snap back out of your hands when you let it go. H Helteko also provides a two-year warranty with its portable tire inflator. It can draw power from a regular wall outlet, 20V Max tool battery, or 12V outlet in your car, giving you plenty of options for when you need to top off your tires. You want as much as you can get of both. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. Pittsburgh Tools High Volume Air Inflator is a very popular compact electric air compressor which we like for its included storage bag, three included inflator nozzles, and solid steel pump body. A portable tire inflator is a valuable tool if you need a quick fix for low tire pressure or youre performing regular car maintenance. Power: 12V outlet/120V outlet/20V battery| Max PSI: 160 | Hose length: 36 inches | Dimensions: 12 x 7.5 x 8.75 inches | Weight: 5.25lbs. Its better to overinflate your tires when using a compressor, since its easy to let air back out of your tires afterwards. All rights reserved. Rated at 120 watts with an inflation speed of 1.06 cubic feet per minute (CFM), this pump has a maximum working pressure of 100 PSI. Please note that Pittsburgh says you need to plug it in and turn it on in a specific order or risk blowing the replaceable 15-amp fuse. Photo credit: David Traver Adolphus / AutoGuide.com. They can all help with a flat tire or when your tires have low pressure. There are even digital presets to easily deliver the ideal pressure to whatever youre inflating. Thats fine if you just have one low tire, but if you have more than one, or are filling SUV or truck tires, you want more capacity. Two of the compressors we tested werent good enough to make it into our list, so well be doing another round in the future. It features a heavy duty and powerful motor, with a 10-foot power cable and 1.5-foot quick connect hose. Technically, tire inflators are simply small air compressors, although they are not equipped with tanks to store compressed air.
ZDNet's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. Even the best tire inflators need a power source. It includes a portable air compressor pump with a built-in power cord.
Or do you want to keep one in your vehicle as part of a roadside emergency kit? Not at all! Besides the benefit of a rechargeable battery, the LED screen is adequate, and we found the instruction manual easy to follow. Turn on the compressor and push the hose fitting down on the valve stem. The best air compressor depends on the size of your tires and the amount of air pressure a tire has lost. We found the EPAuto inflator loud and harder to use than the #2 Harbor Freight Pittsburgh brand. If you arent able to locate the sticker inside your drivers side doorjamb, the cars manual will also have the recommended tire pressure values. You will want to do this when the tires are cold. Happy customers praise the 12.0-volt tire inflator for its portability and power. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
If youre looking for a DC portable air compressor with a small footprint, the AstroAl is probably your best choice. Photo credit: David Traver Adolphus / AutoGuide.com. Best for Heavy Duty Use: GSPSCN Tire Inflator, 4. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. Our review team chose the AstroAI Air Compressor, the DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Tire Inflator, the Viair 84P Portable Compressor, and the Avid Power Tire Inflator as the best tire inflators. The inflator with the quickest inflation time tested by our review team is the DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Tire Inflator. Remove the valve stem caps from all four wheels and put them in your pocket or somewhere you wont lose them. It can handle anything from truck to bicycle tires. In total, 91 percent of reviews give it four or more stars. You dont necessarily need to have a puncture or a leak for your tire to lose pressure. TheDeWalt 20V Max Cordless Tire Inflatoris a solid choice if youre looking for brand name and performance. Once youre done refilling all four tires, do a final check on the pressure with your digital gauge. It uses a 12V lithium-ion battery for power, so you won't have to worry about draining your car's own battery or looking for a wall outlet when you need air. Why Driving on Underinflated Tires is Bad. The DeWalt has an average customer rating of 4.8 stars from more than 6,700 Amazon reviews. Learn more about how this works. Featuring a stylish design, this 12-volt system comes with a built-in LED flashlight and a bright LCD display for easy reading. One of the best features of this tire inflator is that if you already use 20V Max DeWalt cordless tools, it can seamlessly integrate into your workshop since it uses the same batteries if you can't find a reliable 12V or 120V outlet. Milwaukee is well known for cordless power tools; theyre probably one of the first brands that comes to mind for battery-operated drills and so on, but their portable air compressors are very highly rated too. The black woven hose measures 23.6 inches, while the DC power cord is just under 11 feet. A portable tire inflator can be a handy tool to keep in your garage or vehicle for routine maintenance or taking care of emergency situations. If you want something more powerful from VIAIR, it will have to connect to the cars battery for power. You could pay for air at gas stations, but having a tire inflator of your own saves a lot of hassle. Most 12-volt inflators wont do the job quickly, but theyre more convenient and you wont have to pay to use an air compressor at a gas station. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. The dual LCD screens let you easily read PSI output and set desired pressure, and the intuitive push-button controls let you quickly switch from tire inflation to general-purpose use and even use the integrated flashlight.
But keep in mind some of todays vehicles are equipped with a standard power outlet, so we include a few recommendations for those as well. See which tire inflators stand out above the rest. It may just be a portable tire compressor, but if you want something thats stylish and looks good, H Heltekos portable air compressor pump is an excellent option. We would rather have a quick-connect fitting rather than the screw-on connection to the valve stem, although it is very secure. This model retails for under $50 and is a great light-duty unit for topping up tires on cars, small trucks, and bicycles. The tire stem chuck uses a threaded sleeve for more secure and leak-free operation, and the feet of the unit have rubberized pads to help eliminate "walking" as it runs. It includes a needle ball inflator and an air nozzle for things like yoga balls, in case you need to inflate something other than your cars tire.
One of the cheaper options available, AAA says its product can inflate a standard spare tire in eight minutes. Speed is where Avid Power loses the most points. The body of the inflator has lots of storage for hoses, cords, and accessories so you can keep everything organized. Best for Home Use: Kensun AC/DC Rapid Performance Portable Air Compressor, 5: Most Compact: Slime 40034 Deluxe All-Purpose Tire and Raft Inflator, 8. Air compressors are also used for many more things than just inflating tires; you can purchase air-driven tools like sanders and torque wrenches or use your air compressor for high-powered cleaning of dust and debris in your workshop. Considering some models start from under $50, it can actually save you money compared to having a towing company take your vehicle to a repair shop. A very bright built-in flashlight turns on whenever the inflator gets power and cant be turned off. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. If youre looking for a tire inflator with a gauge you can use away from the car if need be, Avid Power has you covered. As mentioned, Avid Power provides a rechargeable battery with its air compressor. The product also has an overheat protection for the compressor when it overloads. What is a good air compressor for filling tires? Some negative reviews say the product is too expensive and doesnt perform well when paired with an AC adapter. Air flow peaks at 70L/min on the GSPSCN, which allows you to inflate a standard vehicle tire in from zero to 40 PSI in about 1.5 minutes. Like similarly priced products, EPAutos inflator has an auto shutoff feature once it reaches the desired air pressure.
Lastly, it comes with a two-year warranty.
The air hose connector snapped onto our tires, and setting the desired pressure proved to be simple. If you have power tool experience, this tire inflator will feel familiar in your hand since its similar to a cordless drill. We also monitored the responsiveness of the buttons in adjusting tire pressure, the accuracy of each products pressure gauges, and the consistency of the automatic shutoff feature.
It connects to any vehicles 12-volt cigarette lighter receptacle with an 11.5-foot long cable for extra reach. We love having a built in flashlight and emergency signal, but weve used tire inflators that power their lights only through the 12-volt cord. It had no trouble filling truck tires, and head-to-head with the similar size, top-rated EPAuto, wed choose the Pittsburgh for faster inflation with lower noise, and an easier to read dial gauge. Photo credit: Amazon.com. We like the long duty cycle compared to other products, and the carrying case is the highest quality weve seen. More than 16,100 Amazon customer reviews give the Avid Power Tire Inflator a 4.5-star average rating. I've curated a list of the best portable tire inflators available from top brands like Craftsman, DeWalt, and Black+Decker and broke down their features to help you find the one that best fits your budget and needs. It includes the basics: The two inflators, emergency LED lamp and 100 PSI pressure gauge. Find your recommended tire pressure in the drivers side doorjamb or in your manual, making sure you note whether the front and rear tires have different values. You will want to check your tire pressure when your tires are cold, or hasnt been driven for at least 30 minutes. We subtracted points because the DeWalt is by far the bulkiest car air pump we tested. Setting up the valve stem is easy, although hose length could be better. Underinflated tires have an adverse effect on both fuel economy and premature wear, potentially costing you hundreds of dollars if you dont check it periodically. AAA also offers a Mini version thats only about 6 x 6 x 2.5 inches. We also missed the automatic shutoff feature found on competitor products.
We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products.
The durability of a power inflator should last a few years, depending on customer handling. The product is designed to be portable and stored in your car, so you always have access to it when on the road. Due to the lack of design features in the Viair 84P, we dropped this tire inflators overall score to 4.4 stars. We then purchased several of the most popular brands and tested them in real-life situations.
coming equipped with pressure monitoring systems, 1.
It is estimated that for every 3 PSI below the recommendation, your vehicle is using one percent more fuel and adding 10 percent more tire wear. If time is important to you, youll want to see which products inflate a tire quicker, while others have a maximum pressure limit. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. February 24, 2022: Added a promoted product recommendation. This inflator is heavier than most of the competition, weighing five pounds. Having properly inflated tires not only makes driving safer, but it can have an impact on your wallet. If you want to keep your tire inflator at home, you'll want to choose a model that is capable of multiple power sources so you can easily move around vehicles and your space. Lastly, youll want to pay attention to whether the product uses a 12-volt car outlet or a standard power outlet. The digital tire inflator takes up most of the box and has extra connectors that clamp onto the product for easy storage. But if youre looking for the absolute smallest and lightest tire inflator, with the ability to fill rafts and yoga balls, this might be the one for you. The DeWalt comes with a high-pressure tapered nozzle, a Presta valve adapter, and an inflator needle. The EPAuto portable air compressor pump weighs 3.81 pounds, and measures a compact 9.6 x 7.8 x 5.4 inches. The tire inflators in this article went through two rounds of reviews. As its name indicates, Kensuns inflator works both with a standard power outlet or your cars 12-volt cigarette lighter. Youll want to get in the habit of routinely checking your tire pressure once a month or so, to make sure theyre as close to spec as possible. It does comes with adapters so it can be used on other inflatables. The backlit LED display is readable in various lighting conditions, and the automatic shutoff feature works well. With a max PSI of 160, you can use it for everything from air mattresses on your family camping trip, sports equipment and even pickup truck tires. Reinstall your valve stem caps before you forget!
It plugs into a car's 12V outlet, and the 156-inch cord gives you plenty of room to move around your car and reach the back tires. He now subjects a series of old high-performance cars to the roads and weather in Vermont and wonders why they're always expensively broken. Our experience with mini inflators says that while it would definitely be better than nothing and would get you out of a jam, expect to spend a long time filling a tire, and a long time cooling the unit down between tires. The compressor features an LED work light, a 100-PSI pressure gauge, solid brass twist-on tire chuck and includes an accessory power plug, three-piece inflation tips kit, and a deluxe carry bag. Each manufacturer stipulates how long a tire inflator can operate until it needs a cool down period.
You should first identify what you want a tire inflator for. Constructed from durable ABS plastic and stainless steel, this portable tire inflator is available in red, yellow, or black and features an LCD digital display that shows tire pressure in PSI, BAR, KPA, and kg/cm. 2022 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. First on the list is the fact that it can inflate to a maximum pressure of 125 PSI, though there is an 80 PSI max for car, mid-size SUV, and motorcycle tires. Back to school: Must-have tech for students, How to answer "tell me about yourself" in interviews, Apple explains why iPhone cases are a waste, Best portable power station: Emergency power when you need it, The 6 best Samsung phones: Explore a new Galaxy, The top home batteries: Essential battery backup systems, Our favorite pellet grills: Alternatives to gas and charcoal, The 5 best wireless headphones: Great sound untethered, The top GPS trackers and devices for kids: Find your child fast, May be a bit bulky for smaller car trunks, Analog dial may be difficult for some to read.
Even if your car is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), you dont want to wait until the light illuminates to check your tires pressure. If you care about how your inflator looks, then Fortems digital tire inflator might interest you. January 4, 2022: Updated link to Slime40034 inflator. Can a small air compressor fill flat car tires? The Black+Decker multi-purpose inflator is a great option for anyone who doesn't like to have single-purpose tools in their workshop. The Pittsburgh has a short 90-day warranty, but the EPAuto has none, and you can exchange it at and Harbor Freight store within the warranty period. Not only is it speedy, but the inclusion of a digital pressure gauge and 12-volt adapter make it great for both maintenance and a roadside emergency. Our team ordered the four-tire inflators that best met these standards to use the products for testing. Inside is a solid aluminum direct drive connecting rod, piston, and solid metal sleeve for extreme durability.
The backlit LCD screen makes it easy to read PSI output, while an automatic shutoff feature lets you "set and forget" the correct PSI for your tires; that way you won't have to worry about dangerously overinflating your tires. The max PSI and performance specs might be a little too sophisticated for most drivers, but this is an excellent choice if you want tires inflated fast and dont care about an electronic display. The battery-operated models are great for anyone who already has that brand of tool and that kind of battery since they can seamlessly integrate into your workshop while 12V or 120V power models are better for anyone with less experience and skill who just want to keep their tires filled. One feature we like with this inflator is that its equipped with rubber feet at the bottom, so the pump stays in place while operating. Its a convenient unit, all packaged into a little one-pound,7 x 5 x 9 inch cube with a top carrying handle. Its a very tight connection which makes it hard to take off for storage, and the hose does snap back out of your hands when you let it go. H Helteko also provides a two-year warranty with its portable tire inflator. It can draw power from a regular wall outlet, 20V Max tool battery, or 12V outlet in your car, giving you plenty of options for when you need to top off your tires. You want as much as you can get of both. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. Pittsburgh Tools High Volume Air Inflator is a very popular compact electric air compressor which we like for its included storage bag, three included inflator nozzles, and solid steel pump body. A portable tire inflator is a valuable tool if you need a quick fix for low tire pressure or youre performing regular car maintenance. Power: 12V outlet/120V outlet/20V battery| Max PSI: 160 | Hose length: 36 inches | Dimensions: 12 x 7.5 x 8.75 inches | Weight: 5.25lbs. Its better to overinflate your tires when using a compressor, since its easy to let air back out of your tires afterwards. All rights reserved. Rated at 120 watts with an inflation speed of 1.06 cubic feet per minute (CFM), this pump has a maximum working pressure of 100 PSI. Please note that Pittsburgh says you need to plug it in and turn it on in a specific order or risk blowing the replaceable 15-amp fuse. Photo credit: David Traver Adolphus / AutoGuide.com. They can all help with a flat tire or when your tires have low pressure. There are even digital presets to easily deliver the ideal pressure to whatever youre inflating. Thats fine if you just have one low tire, but if you have more than one, or are filling SUV or truck tires, you want more capacity. Two of the compressors we tested werent good enough to make it into our list, so well be doing another round in the future. It features a heavy duty and powerful motor, with a 10-foot power cable and 1.5-foot quick connect hose. Technically, tire inflators are simply small air compressors, although they are not equipped with tanks to store compressed air.
ZDNet's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. Even the best tire inflators need a power source. It includes a portable air compressor pump with a built-in power cord.
Or do you want to keep one in your vehicle as part of a roadside emergency kit? Not at all! Besides the benefit of a rechargeable battery, the LED screen is adequate, and we found the instruction manual easy to follow. Turn on the compressor and push the hose fitting down on the valve stem. The best air compressor depends on the size of your tires and the amount of air pressure a tire has lost. We found the EPAuto inflator loud and harder to use than the #2 Harbor Freight Pittsburgh brand. If you arent able to locate the sticker inside your drivers side doorjamb, the cars manual will also have the recommended tire pressure values. You will want to do this when the tires are cold. Happy customers praise the 12.0-volt tire inflator for its portability and power. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
If youre looking for a DC portable air compressor with a small footprint, the AstroAl is probably your best choice. Photo credit: David Traver Adolphus / AutoGuide.com. Best for Heavy Duty Use: GSPSCN Tire Inflator, 4. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. Our review team chose the AstroAI Air Compressor, the DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Tire Inflator, the Viair 84P Portable Compressor, and the Avid Power Tire Inflator as the best tire inflators. The inflator with the quickest inflation time tested by our review team is the DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Tire Inflator. Remove the valve stem caps from all four wheels and put them in your pocket or somewhere you wont lose them. It can handle anything from truck to bicycle tires. In total, 91 percent of reviews give it four or more stars. You dont necessarily need to have a puncture or a leak for your tire to lose pressure. TheDeWalt 20V Max Cordless Tire Inflatoris a solid choice if youre looking for brand name and performance. Once youre done refilling all four tires, do a final check on the pressure with your digital gauge. It uses a 12V lithium-ion battery for power, so you won't have to worry about draining your car's own battery or looking for a wall outlet when you need air. Why Driving on Underinflated Tires is Bad. The DeWalt has an average customer rating of 4.8 stars from more than 6,700 Amazon reviews. Learn more about how this works. Featuring a stylish design, this 12-volt system comes with a built-in LED flashlight and a bright LCD display for easy reading. One of the best features of this tire inflator is that if you already use 20V Max DeWalt cordless tools, it can seamlessly integrate into your workshop since it uses the same batteries if you can't find a reliable 12V or 120V outlet. Milwaukee is well known for cordless power tools; theyre probably one of the first brands that comes to mind for battery-operated drills and so on, but their portable air compressors are very highly rated too. The black woven hose measures 23.6 inches, while the DC power cord is just under 11 feet. A portable tire inflator can be a handy tool to keep in your garage or vehicle for routine maintenance or taking care of emergency situations. If you want something more powerful from VIAIR, it will have to connect to the cars battery for power. You could pay for air at gas stations, but having a tire inflator of your own saves a lot of hassle. Most 12-volt inflators wont do the job quickly, but theyre more convenient and you wont have to pay to use an air compressor at a gas station. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. The dual LCD screens let you easily read PSI output and set desired pressure, and the intuitive push-button controls let you quickly switch from tire inflation to general-purpose use and even use the integrated flashlight.