You may think you don’t need a portable tire inflator. But they can come in handy while helping you save money. The Best Portable Tire Inflators and Air Compressors
Truth be told, there isn’t a whole lot differentiating the portable tire inflators or air compressors available on the market.
But some are manufactured better than others, which makes them more reliable and likely to last a long time.
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If time is important to you, you’ll want to see which products inflate a tire quicker, while others have a maximum pressure limit.
Lastly, you’ll want to pay attention to whether the product uses a 12-volt car outlet or a standard power outlet.
It’s more convenient to purchase a 12-volt air compressor, this way you can keep it in your car and use it on the go.
But keep in mind some of today’s vehicles are equipped with a standard power outlet, so we include a few recommendations for those as well.
Here are our picks for the best portable tire inflators.
1. EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump – Portable Tire Inflators
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One of the highest-rated portable inflators on Amazon is the EPAuto 12-volt DC portable air compressor pump.
Rated at 120 watts with an inflation speed of 1.06 CFM. This pump has a maximum working pressure of 100 PSI.
There’s a digital gauge that reads in four display units: PSI, KPA, BAR, and kg/cm. Like similarly priced products, EPAuto’s inflator has an auto shutoff feature once it reaches the desired air pressure.
The product also has an overheat protection, which automatically shuts off the compressor when it overloads.
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Designed to inflate tires on cars, bikes, sedans, and midsize SUVs, this compressor does not support LT, HT, and truck tires.
It does, however, come with adapters so it can be used on other inflatables. There is also a bright LED flashlight built-in for nighttime use.
The EPAuto portable air compressor pump weighs 3.81 lbs while measuring 9.6 inches by 7.8 inches by 5.4 inches.
Best for Heavy Duty Use: Best Portable Tire Inflators
2. GSPSCN Portable Tire Inflator
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Featuring a double cylinder design and maximum pressure of 150 PSI, this is our recommendation for heavy duty use.
Air flow peaks at 70L/min on this unit, which allows you to inflate a standard vehicle tire in from zero-to-40 PSI in about 1.5 minutes.
One feature we like with this inflator is that it’s equipped with rubber feet at the bottom, so the pump stays in place while operating.
Some of our other recommendations will vibrate quite a bit while in use, which could be annoying to some.
It’s equipped with an 11.5-feet air hose and the cigarette lighter power cord is the same length, giving you a total of 23 feet of reach to easily inflate your tires front to back.
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Unlike some of our other recommendations, this inflator doesn’t have a digital display and while that may be more difficult to read, it’s generally more accurate.
The built-in handle makes it convenient to carry the tire inflator and it can be flipped so it doesn’t get in the way when it’s not in use.
Included with the inflator are battery clamps, in case you don’t have easy access to a cigarette lighter receptacle, three adapters to inflate household objects, and a bag for easy storage.
Best Portable Tire Inflators For Home Use:
3. Kensun AC/DC Rapid Performance Portable Air Compressor
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One of the most expensive options on the list is the Kensun AC/DC Rapid Performance Portable Air Compressor Tire Inflator.
As its name indicates, Kensun’s inflator works both with a standard power outlet or your car’s 12-volt cigarette lighter.
It’s designed to work with a variety of inflatables in addition to your car’s tires. With a digital pressure gauge, LCD display, and unit conversion.
There are even digital presets to easily deliver the ideal pressure to whatever you’re inflating.
Kensun says the unit is capable of working for a continuous 30 minutes at 35 psi. On the front of the device is a white LED work light for easy illumination in the dark.
It comes with a pair of attachment nozzles for other inflatables.
4. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Portable Tire Inflator,
Tool Only (DCC020IB)
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The versatile DeWalt 20V Max Inflator is the most full-featured and easiest-to-use inflator we’ve tested, but it’s also one of the most expensive.
You can use it cordlessly, with the same 20V Max battery used in other DeWalt tools. Or you can plug it into a car’s 12-volt port or a household AC outlet (with an optional adapter).
In addition to its high-pressure hose, for inflating tires and sports balls. The DeWalt also has a separate, high-volume hose for quickly filling inflatable beds, pool floats, lawn decorations, and more.
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The 20V Max Inflator also includes the best digital gauge we’ve seen. The easiest auto-shutoff feature, large buttons, a well-designed housing, and a work light.
This DeWalt is larger than most inflators, though, which makes it less convenient to stow in a smaller vehicle.
And it’s almost always sold as a battery-less “bare tool”—if you want to use it cordlessly but don’t already have a DeWalt 20V Max battery and charger, you’ll have to add that onto the cost of the inflator.
Best Portable Tire Inflators For Larger Tires:
5. Viair 84P
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If your vehicle has tires that are larger than 18 inches, the Viair 84P may be a better choice than our other picks because it has a stronger motor and it inflates faster.
Like the Viair 77P and 78P, the 84P is easy to use, comes with a carrying case, and has an accurate gauge (although the compressor needs to be turned off to get a good reading).
But it’s a little louder, its dial gauge is a little harder to read than those of our other picks, and it has a shorter air hose and power cord (3 feet and 10 feet, respectively).
Best Portable Tire Inflators – Cordless Option
6. Ryobi P737 18V ONE+ Portable Cordless Power Inflator
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A trusted brand in the power tools industry, Ryobi offers a battery-powered, cordless tire inflator. The inflator itself isn’t very expensive.
But keep in mind you will have to purchase a separate battery and charger if you don’t already have a plethora of Ryobi tools in your garage.
Capable of inflating tires and small inflatables from zero-to-150 PSI. The cordless convenience of the tool makes it easy for you to go from tire to tire without worrying about any power cords or air hoses.
The attached hose measures 20 inches and can be stored on the tool itself. There’s a built-in two-inch pressure gauge for easy reading.
Included with the tool is a sports equipment needle and two high-pressure nozzles. The Ryobi P737 18V ONE+ Portable Cordless Power Inflator comes with a three-year limited warranty.
There are a variety of packages available online if you’re shopping for the Ryobi P737 and need a battery and a charger. There is even a 12-volt charger option, so you could charge the P737’s battery from your car.
7. Helteko Portable Air Compressor Pump: Best Portable Tire Inflators
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It may just be a portable tire compressor, but if you want something that’s stylish and looks good, Helteko’s portable air compressor pump is an excellent option.
Constructed from durable ABS plastic and stainless steel. This portable tire inflator is available in red or yellow and features an LCD digital display that shows tire pressure in PSI, BAR, KPA, and kg/cm.
This air compressor is rated at 35L/min can inflate a standard midsize car tire in 3 to 5 minutes. You can set the desired air pressure on this unit, which will automatically shut off once it reaches that value.
It connects to any vehicle’s 12-volt cigarette lighter receptacle with an 11.5-foot long cable for extra reach.
It comes with 3 additional nozzles so you can inflate household items such as basketballs and other sports equipment.
Helteko also provides an 18-month warranty with its portable tire inflator.
Why is Tire Pressure Important? Best Portable Tire Inflators
Having properly inflated tires not only makes driving safer, but it can have an impact on your wallet.
Underinflated tires have an adverse effect on both fuel economy and premature wear. Potentially costing you hundreds of dollars if you don’t check it periodically.
Even if your car is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), You don’t want to wait until the light illuminates to check your tire’s pressure.
That’s because most TPMS only warn you when the pressure is 25 percent below the manufacturer’s recommendation, and by then, you’re already sacrificing your fuel economy.
You don’t necessarily need to have a puncture or a leak for your tire to lose pressure. 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.
Doesn’t that mean you can just overinflate your tires and not have to worry about any pressure loss?
Not quite, as overinflated tires make for a rougher ride and are more easily damaged by potholes since they’re stiffer.
You’ll want to get in the habit of routinely checking your tire pressure once a month or so. To make sure they’re as close to spec as possible.
This will ensure your tires last as long as possible while maintaining estimated fuel economy figures.
How do I know the recommended PSI for my tires?
Almost all vehicles have a sticker located on the driver’s side doorjamb with the recommended tire pressure.
Pay close attention to the values listed on the sticker. As some vehicles have different recommended pressures for the front and rear tires.
If you aren’t able to locate the sticker inside your driver’s side doorjamb. The car’s manual will also have the recommended tire pressure values.
How to Properly Check your Tire Pressure
- First, you will want to get yourself a digital tire pressure gauge. Although standard tire pressure gauges are cheaper and do the job, a digital gauge is more accurate and easier to use.
- Find your recommended tire pressure in the driver’s 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 hasn’t been driven for at least 30 minutes. Tires heat up as you drive and the pressure will increase, giving you an inaccurate reading. The recommended tire pressures listed on the sticker in the doorjamb or in the manual are for cold tires.
- Remove the valve stem caps from your tires and put them in your pocket or somewhere safe, where you won’t lose them.
- Press the tire pressure gauge onto the valve stem and a reading should appear on your tire pressure gauge. If you’re using a standard gauge, it doesn’t hurt to do the check two or even three times to make sure you have an accurate reading.
- If any of your tires have pressures lower than their recommended values, you will want to inflate them to ensure you’re getting the best fuel economy possible, while making sure your tires don’t experience premature wear.
- Reinstall your valve stem caps before you forget!
How to Properly Inflate your Tires: Best Portable Tire Inflators
It’s recommended that you purchase your own portable tire inflator. Or air compressor so you can refill your tires at home.
There’s a wide range of portable inflators and air compressors available. Some that use your car’s built-in 12-volt cigarette lighter, or a standard power outlet.
More powerful compressors that fill up tires quicker will need to hook up to your car’s battery.
Most 12-volt inflators won’t do the job quickly. But they’re more convenient and you won’t have to pay to use an air compressor at a gas station.
If you don’t want to purchase a portable inflator, most gas stations will have an air compressor. Some stations charge and some don’t. Once you’ve determined which method you’ll be using to refill your tires, follow these steps:
- Pull in as close to the compressor as possible, if you’re using one at a gas station. This way you can easily access all four tires without having to move your vehicle.
- Remove the valve stem caps from all four wheels and put them in your pocket or somewhere you won’t lose them.
- Turn on the compressor and push the hose fitting down on the valve stem. You should be able to tell if the tire is being inflated.
- Most air compressors will have a built-in gauge so you can check your tire pressure while you are refilling. Digital air compressors, some of which are available at gas stations, allow you to set your desired tire pressure and the compressor will automatically shut off once it reaches that value.
- It’s better to overinflate your tires when using a compressor, since it’s easy to let air back out of your tires afterwards.
- Adjust all four tires the same way. Now if you are refilling after your tires are warmed up, you will want to inflate about 3 PSI over the recommended value. Make sure to check your tire pressure once your tires are cold.
- Do a final check on the pressure with your digital gauge . You will want to do this when the tires are cold.
- Reinstall your valve stem caps.
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