Portable tire inflators can be a lifesaver when you find yourself with a flat tire. Thankfully these days, you don’t need to get a huge portable tire inflator to get the job done. There are lots of smaller options that you can easily tuck away in the trunk of your car so that you’ll have a backup plan every time.
- 1 Tire inflator with gauge
- 2 Portable tire inflator
- 3 usb tire inflator
- 4 Cordless tire inflator
- 5 What to Consider When Choosing the Best Tire Inflator
- 6 How did we choose these tire inflators?
- 7 What is the difference between a tire inflator and an air compressor?
- 8 Does my car need to be running to use a tire inflator?
- 9 Are portable tire inflators worth it?
- 10 Why is tire pressure important?
- 11 How do I find the recommended PSI for my tires?
- 12 Is there a difference in pressure for winter and summer tires?
- 13 Is a portable tire inflator worth it?
- 14 How long do tire inflators last?
Driving long distances without a tire inflator with a gauge tucked away somewhere in your vehicle is simply a bad idea. In an emergency situation, they could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a lengthy wait for a rescue vehicle. Make sure you’re prepared for any roadside emergency by reviewing some of our recommendations for the best tire inflators with gauges on the market.
Most drivers have looked down at their dashboard and noticed a warning light indicating a tire with low pressure. If you drive for a minute or so and the light stays on, it’s time to take action and check your tires. You can either pay for air at the gas station pump or grab your trusty tire inflator and handle the problem yourself.
9 Best Tire Inflator Options for 2023：Our Top Picks
With that background on what to look for when shopping for one of the best tire inflators for your needs, it’s time to start comparing the top products. This section is a compilation of some of the best tire inflators on the market. This list considers the factors listed above, from convenience and portability to pressure and power source. In fact, I tested each of the following inflators to ensure they’re up to snuff.
| Best portable tire inflator | CRAFTSMAN V20 Inflator |
| BEST OVERALL | Fanttik X8 APEX Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor |
| BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK | AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator Air Compressor |
| UPGRADE PICK | Makita MP100DZ 12V max CXT |
| Best tire inflator for trucks | Ryobi P737D 18-Volt ONE |
| Best tire inflator 120V | CRAFTSMAN V20 Inflator |
| Best digital tire inflator | Husky 12 Volt Inflator |
| Best manual air pump for car tires | TIREWELL 12V Tire Inflator |
| Best portable tire inflator | Kensun Portable Air Compressor Pump |
Whether it’s battery-operated, 110-volt electric, or one that plugs into your car’s 12-volt system, the right tire inflator is just the ticket when you’re in a pinch. In no time at all, these noisy day-savers can boost a low tire to optimal pressure.
Choosing the best tire inflator for your needs helps keep your vehicle running at its best. From poor gas mileage to terrible ride quality, tires low on pressure can make driving problematic. Instead, arm yourself with one of the best tire inflators from this guide.
1.Best portable tire inflator：CRAFTSMAN V20 Inflator
Pros:
- 3 power sources
- Automatic shutoff
- Multi-purpose attachments
Cons:
- No pressure relief valve
- May be a bit bulky for smaller car trunks
This tire inflator from Craftsman is an almost perfect choice to keep in your car or garage. 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. 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 tire stem chuck has a locking clamp for leak-free operation, and you can use the included attachments to inflate everything from air mattresses to soccer balls.
2.BEST OVERALL：Fanttik X8 APEX Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor
Key Features
- Rechargeable 7800.0-mAh battery
- Cordless
- Three modes of LED lights
What’s In The Box?
The Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator comes with a number of accessories: a USB charging cable, an air tube, a needle valve adaptor, a Schrader-Presta valve adapter, an accessory bag, and a user manual.
The Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator has a built-in high-performance chip that allows it to quickly inflate tires up to 150.0 pound-force per square inch (psi). This cordless tire pump with a gauge comes with a rechargeable 7800.0-mAh battery, so you won’t need to worry about low battery life or needing to stock up on AAA batteries. A high-quality LCD screen allows you to see pressure readings in real time on the digital display.
You can rely on the automatic shut-off feature to inflate your low tire by simply pre-setting your desired psi, allowing you to walk away and come back to fully inflated tires. This versatile tire inflator features a three-mode LED light to allow you to inflate your tires in the dark, as well as it has the ability to act as a power bank with a 5V/3A USB-C input port and a 5V/2A USB-A port on the side of the device. Press the mode button to cycle between psi, bar, and kPa readings.
Inflation Speed: In the automotive industry, there may not be a quicker tire inflator with gauges than the Fanttik X8. This tire inflator was lightyears ahead of our other top picks in this article in terms of inflation speed.
Ease of Use: The fact that the Fanttik X8 is a cordless tire inflator makes a world of difference. This tire inflator with a gauge is incredibly easy to use, as you don’t even need to connect the device to the car charger or wall. Simply pre-set your desired psi, connect the device to the tire valve, and come back to fully inflated tires at the exact psi you want thanks to the auto shut-off feature.
Features: This tire inflator is incredibly versatile and has a range of features. We found the three modes of LED lights to be helpful, effective, and easy to switch between. In terms of the device doubling as a power bank, our team hadn’t come across any tire inflators with a gauge that offer such multi-purpose features.
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on 500 ratings
One customer remarked that if you own a car that doesn’t have a spare tire, then you should never go without this device. Another customer praises the quick inflation time of this tire inflator and appreciates how the gauge gave an accurate reading of the psi in his truck tires.
3.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK：AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator Air Compressor
This AstroAI inflator has a powerful motor that inflates 30% faster than comparable inflators. It has a fast-charging battery with enough power to top off three sets of tires. It comes with a metal cylinder, tire pressure measurement, auto shut-off, an LED flashlight, fast inflation, dual power supply and real-time monitoring.
4.UPGRADE PICK：Makita MP100DZ 12V max CXT
Pros
- Cordless operation
- Very lightweight
- Fills quickly
- Easy to set
Cons
- On-board accessory storage is tricky
- Hose storage system could use a redesign
- LED light is kind of a novelty
The Makita MP100DZ 12V Max CXT Cordless Inflator is a battery-operated model that can pump up to 120 PSI of pressure into a car, bike, or tractor tire. It’s compact and lightweight, so there’s no need to lug a large, unwieldy compressor to the tire. The high-visibility pressure gauge shows exactly how much air pressure is in the tire. By presetting the MP100DZ, it even turns off automatically when the tire reaches the desired PSI.
I found that there was a lot to like about this Makita tire inflator during testing. It had plenty of power (filling the fastest of all the inflators in the group) while being compact and comfortable to hold during inflation. The pressure was easy to set, and the gauge was accurate to within 1 PSI of the vehicle’s tire pressure monitor.
5.Best tire inflator for trucks：Ryobi P737D 18-Volt ONE
Pros
- Cordless operation
- Easy to use
- Fills very quickly
Cons
- Bulky to handle
- Doesn’t have preset pressure
- Needed topping off
The Ryobi P737D is an affordable battery-operated tire inflator that is simple and straightforward, yet it can boost a tire up to 150 PSI. Its pistol-grip design is ergonomic and comfortable to use, and it houses two additional needles for blowing up pool toys and athletic balls. It features a 20-inch snap-on hose for standard tire valves and weighs just 2.5 pounds.
Originally, the P737D featured an analog gauge, which Ryobi has upgraded to a digital gauge, and it’s a welcome addition. I did feel like the Ryobi was a little bulky in hand during testing, but it was more than up to the task of filling anything, including truck tires. With the battery attached, it’s actually a little heavier than most other models, but it has a better battery life and plenty of power.
6.Best tire inflator 120V：CRAFTSMAN V20 Inflator
Pros
- Cordless operation
- Most pressure in test
- AC or DC connections
Cons
- Heavier than other options
- Might be too large for some trunks
For a high-quality tire inflator that provides plenty of power options, the Craftsman V20 CMC3520B inflator is worth a look. This inflator runs on 110V or 12V power and comes with a 4-Ah battery to ensure strong inflation power. It also includes a 20-inch hose, a digital pressure gauge with a regulator, and onboard cord and hose storage. The CMCE520B has a maximum pressure of 160 PSI, providing plenty of pressure for filling car and truck tires. Once it reaches the desired pressure, this inflator’s automatic shutoff will turn the compressor off, eliminating the risk of over-inflating your tires.
Testing proved that the Craftsman is a quality compressor, and the increased pressure over other models is really a standout feature. I liked that all the storage was on board for the different valve attachments, both AC and DC wires, as well as the flexible hose for floats and air mattresses. I also liked that it sits securely on the ground while filling, which is especially nice when coupled with the automatic shut-off. It also filled to within 1 PSI of the vehicle’s TPMS reading, which I felt was very accurate.
7.Best digital tire inflator：Husky 12 Volt Inflator
Pros:
- Long power cable
- Locking tire stem chuck
- Integrated handle
Cons:
- Analog dial may be difficult for some to read
The Husky 12V portable tire inflator is a simple, no-nonsense tool that is great for anyone who is looking to build a roadside emergency kit for themselves or loved ones or just wants a tire inflator for regular car maintenance. 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. The tire stem chuck has a locking clamp for leak-free operation, and the unit’s feet have integrated cable and hose management channels to keep things organized when not in use. It has a single power switch for easy operation, and the analog dial lets you see PSI output.
8.Best manual air pump for car tires：TIREWELL 12V Tire Inflator
Key Features
- Stability technology
- Dual-cylinder direct-drive motor
- 5.0-meter extension hose
What’s In The Box?
There’s not much included in the box when you purchase the Tirewell 12V Tire Inflator, outside of the tire inflator itself. Customers who purchase this item can also expect to receive a 5.0-m extension hose, an instruction manual, and a carrying bag.
The Tirewell 12V Tire Inflator can inflate tires to a maximum pressure of 150.0 psi with an airflow of 2.12 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Stability technology comes in the form of a fuselage with a four-rod design, which effectively reduces vibration and noise. Rubber feet make sure the tire inflator doesn’t move around during operation, making the tire inflator more powerful. Weighing only 8.4 lbs, this tire inflator with a gauge is also very portable.
A dual-cylinder direct-drive motor powers this inflator, making it powerful and quick to inflate tires. Featuring a 5.0-meter extension hose and battery clamp, you won’t even need to open your car doors to inflate your tires, as you can simply pop the hood, attach the battery clamp to your car battery, and be ready to use this product.
9.Best portable tire inflator：Kensun Portable Air Compressor Pump
This inflator comes with AC and DC chargers, so you can use it with your car or at home. With three different nozzle heads, you can use it to inflate car tires, bicycles, basketballs and more. It has an analog pressure gauge, which some people may prefer over digital gauges.
Tire inflator with gauge
10.Air Compressor Tire Inflator
This portable air compressor for your car tire is capable of providing a maximum pressure of 150 psi and an airflow of 35L/Min. You can inflate a car tire from 0 to 35psi in just minutes.
The 12V tire pump will stop at preset air pressure. It will also shut itself off before overheating. The digital display can measure tire pressure in KPA, PSI, BAR, KG/CM, and it’s easy to read under poor light.
Equipped with 12V plug to meet your daily and car use, make sure you can use it wherever you want. Air hose can be wound around the underside of the tire pump, no need to worry about messy cords when using.
11.Nilight 50026R Digital Tire Inflator Pressure Gauge
View on Amazon
The LED backlit screen features measurements in PSI, KPA, Bar, and Kg/cm²; Includes an inflation gun, chuck, gauge, Thread seal tape roll, and bleed valve, all in one unit; Compatible with ¼” NPT air compressor’s output
Performance tested & calibrated highly accurate to 1% full scale range with display resolution of . 1 for maximum accuracy; features bright 0-250 PSI LCD display that automatically shuts off after 2 minutes of inactivity
Built of high quality, heavy duty steel and brass components that provide lasting performance; Use of all vehicles, such as car, SUV, truck, motorcycle, bicycle (with Schrader valve) etc
Portable tire inflator
12.Eastvolt 12V Tire Inflator Air Compressor
The 1500mAh rechargeable air compressor can be turned on rapidly. It can inflate cars, bicycles, motorbikes, balls and inflatable toys very quickly.
With power display, you can preset tire pressure to what your tires need (4 kinds of unit values: PSI, bar, kpa and kg/cm²).
The pump with LED light is uniquely pistol-shaped and portable to use in the daytime or nighttime.
The maximum inflatable pressure is 150Psi, suitable for bicycles, motorcycles and small/medium-sized cars (SUV included).
13.RYSEAB Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor
After thousands of polishing and upgrading, we got a breakthrough! Reference turbo design, this small portable tire inflator embedded with a powerful 24-cylinder air pump. It provide maximum pressure of 150 PSI and airflow of 38L/Min! Only need 5 mins to fully inflate a car tire (0-36PSI) or 1 min to refill car tire in daily situation (28-35PSI). It is a good helper for your driving! (Mark: Testing data base on a flat standard tire 185/65/R15)
Are you still struggling with the messy long power cord connection of traditional air pumps? This innovative portable air compressor will be your wonderful solution! The new and compact cordless design with rechargeable battery allows you to inflate any device without external power supply and get rid of annoying power cords. Just put it in your pocket, backpack or car to help you anytime and anywhere, saves the time to the gas station!
The Digital Tire Inflator has a large LCD digital display screen with 4 pressure measurement units- PSI, KPA, BAR, KG/CM. Real-time reporting of accurate data to know tire pressure at a glance! It also provides you with rest-assured using experience based on the auto shut off function at the desired level. There is no need to worry about over inflating, RYSEAB smart portable inflator for tires got your back!
usb tire inflator
14.Inflator Mini Air Compressor Usb
The battery capacity is 2000mAh,4 unit values are available: PSI, BAR, KPA, Kg/cm 2,which enables you to measure the real-time pressure at any time and place and inflate your motorcycle, bicycle, basketball and car.
Large size display, real-time tire pressure and preset tire pressure data at a glance, convenient for users to use clearly.High brightness LED light, convenient for you to use the tire inflator at night or in dark places.
Universal interface,Type-C charging interface,compatible with most smartphone charging cables.Compatible with power bank and carry it with the car.
The electric tire inflator is small in size, light in weight, easy to carry and does not take up space. It is very suitable for storage in a vehicle, bag or anywhere.
This portable air pump has 6000mAh built-in battery, which has 40% more battery capacity than other similar products (it can fill 3 car tires from zero air pressure). Even if the battery runs out, an extended 3.5M DC 12V input cable is attached, which can be connected to a car cigarette lighter, so you will never worry about power shortage.
Pure copper movement used in, it can provides up to 150PSI air pressure, greater air volume and less heat, the inflation time can be reduced more than 20%, which is better than other similar products (car tires can be inflated from 2.2BAR to 2.5BAR but only 2 minutes needed); the motor is equipped with a silent cooling fan, and the shell is densely covered with 296 cooling holes, it has longer continuous working time.
With USB output port, it can be also used as a power bank, which supply power to phones and other electronic devices; The LED flashlight with SOS and other 2 light modes, it can be used as an outdoor emergency light; multiple inflatable nozzles are included so that you can inflate cars, bicycles, motorcycles, basketballs, inflatable cushions, etc. A valve converter attached, you can easily inflact for all Dunlop/Schrader/Presta valve bike.
Cordless tire inflator
16.Airmoto The Original Portable Air Pump
The Airmoto air pump packs 120 PSI output and is easy to store in your pocket, backpack or car at 1.2 lbs and 6″ long. The charging cable is a USB-C type for inflation on the go.
Be ready for an emergency. Stay safe and save money with properly inflated tires. Avoid gas station visits or a tow truck and use the built-in LED flashlight for low light situations.
Digital gauge to view current pressure and set target pressure
Automatic shutoff stops the unit once the desired pressure is reached
High-pressure and high-volume outputs
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Tire Inflator
Before comparing products, it’s helpful to have a little background. This section will cover the key considerations to keep in mind when looking for a tire inflator. From power source to readability, pay attention to these factors when making your choice.
Power Source
Tire inflators use electric motors and pumps to fill your tire. They need a power source to do that, and there are two options: corded and cordless.
Corded inflators that use 12V power plug into your vehicle’s 12V jack to run off the car’s battery. Some may clip directly to the battery, like jumper cables. These inflators are convenient because they don’t require keeping an additional battery charged. As long as the car’s battery has power, the inflator can operate.
While most corded inflators run on 12V power, there are flexible models that use both 12V and 110V power. These models plug into a standard electrical outlet as well as 12V jacks.
Cordless inflators are battery operated and use rechargeable batteries to power the motor and pump. Some cordless inflators have built-in batteries that charge via USB or 110V power, while others have removable batteries.
Cordless inflators offer quite a bit more flexibility than a corded 12V inflator, as they don’t require an additional power source to fill a tire. For this reason, they’re just as good at filling bike tires and sports equipment as they are at pumping pressure into car tires.
Pressure
When it comes to tire inflators, pressure usually equals speed. The higher the pressure a tire inflator can produce, the quicker it can fill a tire. In order to avoid spending too much time filling a tire, look for a compressor with at least 100 PSI. However, an inflator with a maximum pressure of 150 PSI will have it up and running even faster. Most tire inflators can fill your car’s tire to the recommended 30 to 40 PSI without an issue.
Inflation Time
When choosing a tire inflator, the amount of time it takes to pump up a tire can be a significant factor. Inflation time can run from around 10 minutes to up to 20 or 30 minutes, depending on the tire inflator and its output. The less time spent filling a tire, the sooner the vehicle or bike can get on the road.
Duty Cycle
Air compressors operate on what’s known as a “duty cycle.” The duty cycle describes how long a compressor can run before needing a certain amount of time to cool down.
Many tire inflators can only run for 15 minutes or so before needing a break. They have to run at high speeds to produce the amount of pressure necessary, and compressing air creates heat. Also, their compact design causes them to retain that heat, so they’re not able to run as long as a pancake or full-size compressor. These larger compressors are able to fill a tank with air and then shut off, making duty cycle less of a consideration (except in commercial settings).
Shorter duty cycles are rarely an issue when filling pool floats or sports equipment, but it can be a drawback when filling large truck tires. For that reason, many portable tire inflators clearly state they’re not designed for truck tires, though anything will help in a pinch.
Gauge Readability
To get the most wear and mileage out of car tires, fill them with the optimal amount of pressure that the manufacturer recommends. This is usually around 35 PSI.
To put the proper amount of air into the tire, a tire inflator needs a gauge that’s easy to read. Inflators with digital gauges are the easiest, especially if they have a light in the background or backlit. However, analog gauges also work well if their faces have large numerals. Most analog gauges don’t have a backlight, though, so they can be challenging to read in low-light situations.
Automatic Shutoff
Small air compressors are stout, tough machines, but they can overheat if they run too long. Manufacturers protect their tire inflators by including built-in automatic shut-off functions.
The three measurements that a tire inflator can take before shutting off automatically are pressure, temperature, and time. A pressure shutoff is particularly handy, as it can be set to the desired pressure, and the inflator will stop pumping air once the tire reaches it. Likewise, if the tire inflator starts reaching a dangerous temperature, typically around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, it will shut down until it cools off. A built-in shutoff could also begin a cooldown process after running for a prescribed amount of time, usually around 15 minutes.
Hose Length
Trying to fill a tire with a short hose isn’t much fun, but tripping over a long, tangled hose isn’t much better. A tire inflator with a 16- to 20-inch hose generally works best—long enough to easily reach most tires but still manageable.
For a longer hose that’s also manageable, look for a tire inflator with a coiled hose. These hoses stretch considerably, often enough to fill each of the four tires without moving the compressor. These inflators can be very helpful for off-road enthusiasts and large vehicles like pickup trucks and SUVs.
Weight and Portability
People often look for a tire inflator over a standard air compressor because they’re light and portable—and that’s an excellent reason. A tire inflator can often weigh less than a pound, so you can carry it in one hand.
When heading out on a road trip, a tire inflator can be a handy tool, though trunk space can get tight on a longer trip. A compact inflator can fit nicely in the trunk without taking up valuable space needed for luggage or snacks. Most tire inflators fit this bill, but compact models take up even less space.
Ease of Use
If the tire pressure warning light pops on, indicating some lost pressure overnight, the fix needs to be fast and straightforward. This requires a tire inflator that’s easy to use.
While tire inflators are often simple by design, there are a few features that can make using them even easier. For example, a programmable pressure regulator will prevent overfilling the tire. Another handy feature is a built-in pressure gauge. This shows how much pressure is going into the tire without having to remove the hose to check it with a separate tire gauge.
Our Review Standards
The tire inflators with gauges in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon for top products, looking at factors like Prime shipping eligibility, customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and prices. The five tire inflators with gauges that best met these standards were ordered by our team for testing.
Tire Inflators With Gauges Testing Process
A team member tested each product on a car, taking note of how well the tire inflators did at quickly increasing the air pressure in a car tire, how easy the air compressor was to use, and the number of additional features. Each tire inflator with a gauge was given a rating out of 5 stars based on this criteria.
- Inflation Speed: The inflation speed of a tire inflator with a gauge is arguably its most important characteristic. We tested this by timing how long it took to inflate a single car tire from 10.0 to 40.0 psi.
- Ease of Use: To test this, our team members inflated a full set of tires on our testing vehicle taking note of any difficulties or issues they encountered during the tire inflation process.
- Features: Our team members recorded any additional features on the tire inflator outside of its original intended use. Following this, we tested if each feature worked and how well it worked.
Why You Can Trust Us
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more.
How to Use a Tire Inflator
- Fill your tire to the recommended pressure. Before filling a tire, check the sidewall of the tire or inside the vehicle’s door to determine the pressure that the manufacturer recommends. With cars and trucks, this is usually between 30 and 40 PSI. Filling a tire within this range leads to even tread wear, a comfortable ride, and better gas mileage.
- Check for punctures in the tire if your inflator isn’t building pressure. If a tire inflator has difficulty making progress, it might not be the inflator’s fault. There may be a hole in the tire caused by a puncture or excessive wear. Be sure to check the condition of the tire if the inflator can’t build pressure like it’s supposed to.
- Use an adapter to fill bike tires with Presta valves. When attempting to fill a bike tire, sometimes the inflator’s hose doesn’t latch onto the valve stem; this could be because the bike has a different style of stem. Most car and bike tires use Schrader valves, but some cycling tires use Presta valves, which may require an attachable adapter.
How did we choose these tire inflators?
Aside from price, I chose tire inflators that were suited to a variety of different applications and skill levels. Push-button controls and easy-to-read screens make operation simple even for someone who has never used a tire inflator before, where more experienced users can appreciate multi-purpose attachments, multiple power sources, and quality of life features like cable management.
What is the difference between a tire inflator and an air compressor?
Size and max PSI are the main differences between the two tools. An air compressor is typically a large, metal tank with a motor and pressure valve attached to cold and release pressurized air; they’re typically capable of much higher air pressure than a tire inflator, with max PSIs of 200 or more. 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. Tire inflators tend to have lower max PSIs of around 150 or 160 for use with smaller tires and household things like air mattresses and sports equipment.
Does my car need to be running to use a tire inflator?
Not at all! If your tire inflator uses a 12V plug, it can draw power from the car battery without the vehicle needing to be on. In fact, you shouldn’t have your car running while you’re operating the tire inflator so you aren’t exposed to exhaust fumes that can make you sick.
Are portable tire inflators worth it?
A portable tire inflator offers convenience in that you can keep your vehicle’s tires properly inflated or repair them on the go. 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.
Why is tire pressure important?
Proper tire pressure helps maintain even tread wear on vehicle tires, allowing for the longest possible life out of a tire set. Proper pressure also improves gas mileage.
How do I find the recommended PSI for my tires?
This value is usually available in the driver’s side doorjamb, on a label prescribing the correct pressures. However, for older vehicles check the tire’s sidewall for the recommended PSI. It can be hard to read, so bring a wet rag to wipe off dirt and grime.
Is there a difference in pressure for winter and summer tires?
Air condenses in colder temperatures, so tire pressure drops in cooler seasons. The first chilly mornings of fall usually create a line of cars at gas station tire pumps, a good reason to keep a tire inflator at home.
Is a portable tire inflator worth it?
If you drive a car, a small, low-priced inflator (less than $50) will do the job. If you want an inflator to bring a car’s tires up to proper pressure, as well as to inflate balls and bicycle tires, this is all you need. Such inflators don’t need more power than what’s provided from a 12-volt cigarette lighter outlet.
How long do tire inflators last?
The motors inside tire inflators can heat up pretty quickly, and if the cooling isn’t adequate, they can’t run for very long. Some of the most common run times you’ll see are only for about 5-10 minutes, but each inflator will be different.
Our Verdict
Whether it’s to fix low tire pressure on the road or just to fill a basketball, a tire inflator is a great tool to have on hand. The variety of inflators I tested fit the bill for a multitude of needs, no matter how I used them.