Riding on a flat or low-pressure tire of your car is an accident threat. That’s why you should always have a portable tire inflator for car in your trunk. It will save you from a lot of hassle and keep your pace fast like always.
Portable tire inflator is necessary for drivers, because it is a matter of the fact that you may need to top your tire while traveling for long drives. You may have a puncture and different tire problems, and you would need to cover them quickly.
Therefore, your toolbox demands a tire inflator. So, it is clear that a portable air compressor has a lot of duties according to the need and requirements.
People buy and keep them in their toolboxes for the sake of getting rid of bad times. On the other hand, they consider it necessary to put it in the garage as a helping accessory.
Let’s get straight to the best tire inflators available in the market.
Let’s get straight to the 7 best tire inflators available on the market. But first, let’s find out what portable tire inflators are and why you need them?
Table of Contents
What is a portable air compressor, and why do you need them?
A portable air pump is a small device to fill the tires of cars, trucks, bicycles, and sports balls. A portable tire inflator is also so multipurpose that it can run high-pressure tools like pneumatic nailers and paint sprayers.
However, the portable tire inflator comes in a compact form, and you can store them in a car truck for emergency use.
Now when it comes when you need them? Then there are many reasons for this. They are great in emergencies where your tire gets low-inflated. When you have your portable tire inflator, you can easily take it off and adjust and check the tire pressure during long rides. You will not need to stop at local service shops and gas stations to have a proper air supply in your tires.
7 Best Portable Tire Inflator in 2022
1. HAUSBELL Portable Air Compressor
Best all-around Portable Tire Inflator
Why should you buy it?
Are you searching for a super portable tire inflator? The Hausbell inflator is what you are looking for. It is a compact unit with a light weight of 1.8 pounds. Of all the units here, this inflator is the lightest. Inflate more than just a tire with it. The unit comes with three extra nozzle attachments with the help of which you can feed air in the pool toys, mattress, and sports equipment.
What about maximum pressure?
The unit is quicker than you think at a fast pace of 35 L/min. It inflates all four tires within a few minutes and shuts off automatically when it reaches the set pressure. The highest pressure it consists of is 150 PSI.
If you want, you can alter the unit system of the inflator. It agrees to provide you with reading in PSI, BAR, KG/CM2, and KPa. All in all, it’s so easy to operate and provides you with multiple features at a minimal cost.
Cord/hose Length
A long cord of 9.8 feet allows you to approach all four tires. The digital gauge on the inflator is installed with an LED flashlight. So, you can use this lifeline even if you get stuck on a road at night and your phone’s battery is dead.
Other features
It is made out of plastic, and that’s how it becomes lightweight and easy to carry. However, it’s the minimum weight that gets it knocking over recurrently. If you’ll keep it straight, giving good back support, it’s not a deal-breaker.
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Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- LED light integrated
- Multiple unit system
- Automatic shut off
- Three additional nozzle attachment
Cons
- Knocks over frequently
2. AstroAI Air Compressor
Best Value for Money
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Why should you buy it?
Sold out 33,000 times and still counting, the AstroAi tire inflator is one of the best candidates on the list of portable car tire inflators. It comes with three extra nozzle attachments, and a fuse included.Thanks to these nozzle attachments, you can do more than tire inflation. It’s good for pool toys and sports equipment and the most acceptable option for cars, bikes, and SUVs.
What about maximum pressure?
While it’s compatible with the DC outlet, you’d need to have a converter to plug it into the AC outlet. The run and output time of the inflator is the same as that of the Hasubell inflator above. It reaches from 0 to 26 PSI in almost 2 minutes which is quick.
Cord/Hose Length
The large air hose of 3.5 meters permits the unit to reach all four tires for inflation. On the other hand, the 10 feet long cord connects easily to the cigarette lighter switch in your car.
Other features
Other than having an LCD screen, it’s installed with a LED light. The button of this LED is above the power switch and allows you to perform an inflation job after the sunset. The 10-lumen light is enough to spotlight the tire you are working on.
Additional features the unit has are the automatic shut-off, multiple unit systems (PSI, BAR, KPa, and KG/CM2), and lightweight of 2.2 pounds to transport it easily. So, forget not to check the price of a reliable product available in the town.
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Easy to read gauges
- LED flashlight
- Extra nozzle attachment
- Auto shut off and fast
Cons
- Loud from others
3. Kensun AC/DC Power Supply Portable Air Compressor
Most Versatile Tire Inflator
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Why should you buy it?
A big reason why tire inflator’s life cut down to half is the lack of carrying case. But this isn’t going to happen with your inflator if you buy the Kensun inflator. It already includes one to keep the unit from dirt, dust, and grime.
What about maximum pressure?
On the downside is its maximum pressure. It has to offer 120 PSI as the highest, unlike others that give you the freedom to adjust it between 150 PSI. At 3.38 pounds, it does weigh more than others but stands tall in the trunk of your car.
Cord/Hose length
One of the best advantages is the inclusion of AC and DC cords. Its AC cord is 9 feet 10 inches, while the DC outlet measures 9 feet 2 inches. That said, you can use it round the year in and out of your house.
Other features
As it comes with accessory attachments, you can use it to inflate bikes, pool rings, and balls if you are fond of sports. It can work for 30 minutes straight, so you can inflate multiple household objects in one sitting on a weekend.
Compared to other units here, it lacks an automatic shut-off and flashlight. However, check out its price if you don’t find it a deal-breaker.
Pros
- Both AC and Dc power cord
- Easy to read gauge
- Comes with a carrying case
- Works quick and well
Cons
- Short air hose
4. GSPSCN Tire Inflator
Best affordable Quick Tire Inflator
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Why should you buy it?
Of all the tire inflators here, it is the most heavyweight. It weighs 6 pounds, but that’s for the right reasons. The inflator contains two cylinders, unlike others that have one.The dual number of cylinders makes the output quick. That said, it promises to perform for 70 L/min. It’s also an excellent fit to inflate trucks, SUVs, vans, and RVs.
What about maximum pressure?
It has the highest pressure of 150 PSI. Ensure you turn it off for 10-15 minutes after every 20 minutes of use. This will help the motor cool down and make it available for you in the long run.However, the gauge is not that accurate according to the users.
Cord/Hose Length
It has a long cord of 11.5 feet, making reaching all the tires easier.While the feet of the inflator are rubber for added stability, the handle is swingable. Credit the design; you can move it out of the way when working on the car’s tire.
Other features
Besides, it consists of a carrying case. The carrying case allows you to keep the unit safe and sound for many years.If you are not interested in titanium, it’s also available in red and silver colors. So, you can match the vibes of your car and inflator.
Pros
- Rubber feet and swingable handle
- Solid built and quick
- Sturdy carrying case
- Quick outcome
Cons
- Gauge is not accurate
5. Glamore Portable Tire Compressor
Best Budget-Friendly Portable Tire Inflator
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Why should you buy it?
you have enough space to store a vertically designed tire inflator for your car, Glamore is an excellent option to put your bucks on. It is 10.1 x 6.1 x 3.1 inches and consumes a little more space than other inflators listed.
What about maximum pressure?
The maximum pressure of the unit is 150 PSI. It is quick and gets the job done within 2-3 minutes, depending on your car’s tire size. Due to this pressure, you can use it on multiple other vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, or RVs.
There are four unit systems you can operate it in: PSI, KPa, BAR, and KG/CM2. It requires a single tap to reach the desired pressure. You can adjust the pressure between 150 PSI to inflate your car tires.
Cord/Hose Length
Although the cord of the 12 DC inflator is 9 feet 1 inch, it’s still short. It doesn’t reach all four tires of a significant size car so you might need an extension for this.
Other features
Like the other units, it comes with an automatic shut-off feature. Add the LED light that enlightens the working area for you when it’s dark. The unit is 2 pounds with a top handle, so you can easily displace it.
Pros
- Easy to transport
- Automatic shut off
- Storage compartment for hose
- LCD screen
- LED light for visibility
Cons
- Gets hot quickly
- Short cord
6. C P CHANTPOWER Tire Inflator Air Compressor
Best cordless Tire Inflator
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Why should you buy it?
Appearing more like a nail gun, the yellow and black tire inflator is one of the best tire inflators you can travel with. It weighs 4.93 pounds, making it easy to carry through the handheld area.
What about maximum pressure?
The maximum pressure it provides you with is 100 PSI. No surprise that it won’t be able to inflate your heavy vehicles. However, it’s a decent option for your car. Coming along is its four nozzle attachments that allow you to carry out chores efficiently.
Other than tire inflation, you can use it to pump air in your pool toys and sports equipment. Whether the rechargeable battery of 2.0 Ah or the cigarette lighter switch of your car, you can operate it through any of the two power sources.
Reading the pressure on the display gauge is also easy. Due to the LCD screen that is backed by the light, the digits are visible. PSI, KPa, BAR, and KG/CM2 are the four-unit systems it displays reading.
Cord/Hose Length
It is easy to manuever it all around with its long Power cord with 9.18Ft . The long power cord will make sure you give access to it to the longer area.
Other features
Since it has a built-in LED light, inflation during dark hours is easy. Add in here the auto shut-off features that give you the freedom to stay worry-free while switclight hing itself to prevent overfilling in tires.
After getting done with the inflation, you can put the unit in the bag. It will keep your inflator from dust, dirt, and harmful elements.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Bright LCD screen
- Good hose length
- Accurate gauge
- Auto shut off and LED light
Cons
- Low maximum pressure
7. GEHUAY Portable Car Tire Inflator
Best small Portable Tire Inflator with Good Duty Cycle
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Why should you buy it?
Very few tire inflator provides you with a good duty cycle. Count the Gehuay portable inflator in that category as it claims to work for 4 hours straight without getting your unit to turn hot.
Another plus of the inflator is its LED light. While every unit here consists of one, only this inflator is 100 lumens. That said, the light is bright enough and brings a large area into visibility to help you inflate tires at night.
What about maximum pressure?
You can also pump air inside the mattress, sports equipment, and bikes. It has a maximum pressure of 150 PSI, allowing you to adjust it. On the downside is its slow operation. It takes 5 minutes to help to 35 PSI for car tires.
Cord/Hose length
Featured with auto shut-off and a 3-meter power cable, you can approach all four tires of your car. It gives you the freedom to move around when inflation is on. Like others, it has four unit systems which you can access through the “R” button.
Other features
At the back of the inflator is a heat dissipation chamber. The warm air passes out through this channel and keeps the unit sound working for many years. It’s also easy to move here and there as it weighs no more than 2.32 pounds.
Pros
- Automatic shut off
- Large area illuminating LED light
- Good duty cycle
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- Takes time to inflate the tire
Buying Guide
Guide to Buy the Best Portable Tire Inflator for Car
A portable tire inflator for car has its own ins and outs. That’s why it’s always better that you know them before buying. We have aligned the primary pointers here to help you buy the best option, so make sure you skim through them.
Check CFM rating
The first thing you need to consider is the CFM rating. CFM rating stands for how many feet per minute an air compressor can deliver. The higher the CFM rating, the faster your tire will get refilled. So make sure to check the CFM rating before the buy. Here you need to ember one thing: the maximum CFM value should also be 120V wall current, so you can easily connect it with your car battery.
Weight
When you are buying a tire inflator, its weight should be minimum. That’s how you’d be able to carry it here and there and slide it out of the car without any hassle. Along with that, check if there’s a handle plugged in for easy handling and displacement.
Dimension
Cross-check the dimension of the tire inflator. The trunk of your car might be occupied with a lot more than just a tire inflator. For instance, stroller, and then you’ll run short on space. So, it’s better to know the inflator’s length, breadth, and height to have a sound idea if it will seamlessly fit in your car.
Duty Cycle
You’d never prefer waiting for inflating two tires after a long gap of the first two. Especially on a silent road where you need to rush. Pay attention to the duty cycle of your tire inflator and make sure it’s good, so you get to finish the job real quick.
Maximum Pressure
What’s wrong with having versatility? So, when you buy a portable inflator, keep an eye on the maximum pressure it has to offer. Ideally, it’s 150 PSI as this pressure allows you to do a lot inside and outside the house, including filling air into the mattresses, sports equipment, and pool toys.
Hose Length
There’s a significant role of hose length in a portable tire inflator. It should be at least 2.5 to 3 meters long to reach all four tires of your car. In case you have a big size car, it’ll need an even more long cord so take note of it.
Additional Features
Three things need attention in a portable air inflator other than everything stated above. That is the inclusion of an auto shut-off feature, LED light, and a carrying case. While the LED should be bright enough, the case will protect your unit in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best portable tire inflator for car?
HAUSBELL Portable Air Compressor is the best portable tire inflator for cars. It has a maximum pressure of 150 PSI, so you can also use it for inflating mattresses and sports equipment. It is featured with LED light, accurate gauges, carry handle, and auto shut off mechanism.
Can you use a tire inflator for inflating sports equipment?
Yes, you can also use a tire inflator for inflating sports equipment, mattress, and pool toys. However, make sure to check the manufacturer’s description once to prevent any wrongdoings.
How to choose the best portable tire inflator for car?
There are a few pointers you should keep in mind to have the best portable tire inflator. That includes weight, dimension, carry handle, duty cycle, maximum pressure, and hose length. Buying one after checking these, you’ll have a peaceful experience with an inflator.
Conclusion
These were portable tire inflators for cars. Most are versatile and usable for trucks, bikes, sports equipment, mattresses, and pool toys. So, make sure to buy an inflator, considering the advantages you get with one. Our buyer guide also helps you with what to think right before choosing a portable air pump for cars. Make sure to pick one that is portable and powerful to perform various tasks. So what do you think which model is the perfect fit to keep in your car trunk?
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