Most drivers have spotted a warning light on their dashboard showing a tire with low pressure. If the light remains on after a minute or so of driving, it’s important to inspect your tires. You have the option of paying for air at the gas station pump or using your trusty tire inflator to take care of the situation yourself.
When you’re in a panic, the appropriate tire inflator is just the ticket, whether it’s battery-operated, 110-volt electric, or one that plugs into your car’s 12-volt system. These loud day-savers can quickly restore a low tire to its proper pressure.
Choosing the right tire inflator for your needs ensures that your car runs smoothly. Tires with low pressure can cause a variety of problems, from poor gas mileage to poor ride quality. Instead, choose one of the best tire inflators listed in this article.
Contents
- 1 Cordless Inflator Makita MP100DZ 12V Max CXT
- 2 Inflator Ryobi P737D 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless
- 3 Inflator CRAFTSMAN V20
- 4 Portable Air Compressor Pump by AstroAI
- 5 Digital Tire Inflator with Pressure Gauge by AstroAI
- 6 Kensun 12V DC Car Portable Air Compressor Pump
- 7 CYCPLUS Mini Inflator Pump Portable Air Compressor
- What to Look for When Purchasing a Tire Inflator
- How to Inflate Your Tires
- FAQs
1 Cordless Inflator Makita MP100DZ 12V Max CXT
The Makita MP100DZ 12V Max CXT Cordless Inflator is a battery-powered type that can inflate a car, bike, or tractor tire to 120 PSI. There’s no need to haul a huge, cumbersome compressor to the tire because it’s small and light. The high-visibility pressure gauge displays the precise amount of air in the tire. The MP100DZ may be programmed to switch off automatically when the tire reaches the appropriate PSI.
During my testing, I discovered that there was a lot to enjoy about this Makita tire inflator. It possessed a lot of power (it filled the fastest of all the inflators in the group), yet it was small and pleasant to grip during inflation. The pressure was simple to set, and the gauge matched the vehicle’s tire pressure monitor to within 1 PSI.
Specifications
- Powered by batteries
- PSI: 120
- MP100DZ (Model Number)
Pros
- Operation is cordless.
- Extremely light
- Quickly fills
- Setup is simple.
Cons
- Storage of onboard accessories is difficult.
- The hose storage method may be improved.
- LED lighting is a revolutionary concept.
2 Inflator Ryobi P737D 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless
The Ryobi P737D is a simple and basic battery-operated tire inflator that can increase a tire’s pressure to 150 PSI. It has two more needles for blowing up pool toys and athletic balls, and it has an ergonomic pistol-grip design. It weighs under 2.5 pounds and has a 20-inch snap-on hose for normal tire valves.
The P737D formerly had an analog gauge, which Ryobi has replaced with a digital gauge, which is a great improvement. During testing, the Ryobi seemed a touch big in my hands, but it was more than capable of filling anything, including truck tires. It’s a touch heavier than most other versions with the battery attached, but it has a longer battery life and lots of power.
Specifications
- Powered by batteries
- PSI: 150
- P737D (Model Number)
Pros
- Operation is cordless.
- Simple to use
- It rapidly fills.
Cons
- To manage bulky
- There is no pressure setting.
- Topping up was required.
3 Inflator CRAFTSMAN V20
The Craftsman V20 CMC3520B inflator is a good alternative if you want a high-quality tire inflate with a lot of power options. This inflator operates on 110V or 12V power and includes a 4-Ah battery for reliable inflation. A 20-inch hose, a digital pressure gauge with a regulator, and onboard cable and hose storage are also included. The CMCE520B has a maximum pressure of 160 PSI, which is sufficient for filling automobile and truck tires. This inflator’s automated shutdown will switch off the compressor once it reaches the proper pressure, reducing the risk of over-inflating your tires.
The Craftsman was found to be a good compressor after testing, and the increased pressure above other versions is a notable feature. All of the storage for the various valve attachments, including AC and DC cables, as well as the flexible hose for floats and air mattresses, was conveniently located on board. I really enjoyed how it rests firmly on the ground when filling, which is particularly convenient when combined with the automated shut-off. It also filled to within 1 PSI of the TPMS reading on the vehicle, which I thought was pretty precise.
Specifications
- Powered by batteries
- PSI: 160
- CMC3520B model number
Pros
- Operation is cordless.
- Test with the most pressure
- Connections: AC or DC
Cons
- Other alternatives are heavier.
- Some trunks may be overly big.
4 Portable Air Compressor Pump by AstroAI
A compressor may not be easily available if a tire loses pressure at a mall parking lot or at a camping, for example. The 12-volt battery system in an automobile powers the AstroAI tire inflate. Connect it to the car’s 12V jack and activate the accessory mode to get the power you need to deal with a flat tire—at least long enough to get it to a tire shop for repair. It also has an LED lamp for increased visibility. This compact pump fits in practically any trunk and has adapters for pool floats and sports balls. It also has a lighted pressure gauge that is easy to read.
The AstroAI portable air compressor is exceptionally well-made. It looks and works like a little commercial horizontal compressor, which I appreciate. The top-mounted digital gauge was also the finest of the bunch. It took a long to pump up a truck tire, but the reading was dead on with the vehicle’s TPMS system, and because to the rubber feet, it was the quietest running of the bunch.
Specifications
- Plug-in automobile
- PSI: 100
- N/A Model Number
Pros
- In testing, the best gauge was chosen.
- Extremely quiet
- Compact and cool design
- There are several accessories.
Cons
- Not as effective as other suggestions
- With use, the temperature rises.
5 Digital Tire Inflator with Pressure Gauge by AstroAI
Tire inflators are unnecessary for car owners who already have an air compressor. Instead, they may use this AstroAI tire inflator attachment. This valve has a threaded brass fitting, a comfortable squeeze trigger, and a lighted digital gauge that is easy to read. When the digital gauge detects pressure, it automatically turns on and shuts off after 20 seconds. This valve can withstand up to 250 PSI, which is sufficient to fill most tires. It has a 1/4-inch quick-connect connection that clamps onto most air hoses with ease.
I had a lot of fun using this AstroAI tire inflator with my compressor since the gauge was easy to read and responsive when I let go of the trigger to check the pressure. I had to wriggle the connection between the tire valve and this inflator a few times, which might be a drawback for some. When connected to my heavy-duty air compressor, it filled swiftly and correctly. However, it may not fill as rapidly for light-duty compressors.
Specifications
- Accessory kind
- PSI: 250
- N/A Model Number
Pros
- Excellent estimation
- Simple to use
- A valve stem repair tool is included.
- Quickly filled with a heavy-duty compressor
Cons
- The compressor utilized has an impact on performance.
- The valve connection requires regular monitoring.
6 Kensun 12V DC Car Portable Air Compressor Pump
The Kensun air compressor is a portable air compressor and tire inflator that works with both 12V and 110V power sources. A needle for sports balls and an adaptor for blowing up pool floats and other inflatables are included in this set. It has a maximum pressure of 120 PSI and will run for 30 minutes before automatically switching off.
One of the finest aspects I discovered in the Kensun Portable Air Compressor is how easy it is to use. Only two buttons are present, one for each power source. Aside from that, it was effective and powerful enough to fill a truck tire and had no issues with bike or basketball tires. The gauge isn’t very precise or simple to see, and I had to sit next to it to make sure it didn’t overinflate the tire because there are no auto shut-off options.
Specifications
- Plug-in automobile
- PSI: 120
- N/A Model Number
Pros
- Simple to operate
- Includes a carrying case.
- Powerful
Cons
- It’s difficult to wrap and store.
- It’s difficult to interpret an analog gauge.
- Smaller trunks may find it overly bulky.
7 CYCPLUS Mini Inflator Pump Portable Air Compressor
This tiny inflator from Cycplus is a fantastic alternative for a tire inflate that fits conveniently in a glove compartment or bag. This little pump is just approximately 7 inches long, but it can inflate automobile tires, motorbike tires, and sports equipment up to 150 PSI. It also has a digital pressure gauge and an LED flashlight. It charges in two and a half hours and may be used as a portable power bank to charge cell phones and other electrical devices. Onboard storage for the air tube and other equipment is also provided.
Surprisingly, this little inflator was the group’s biggest surprise. It’s not designed for a truck tire, but because I don’t own a car, it had to suffice. It was up to the task. It became heated, and the battery could only fill one tire after the basketball and bike tires were filled, but it worked. It’s tiny enough to put in a glove box, yet strong enough to get a low tire up to speed. I wouldn’t use it to fill numerous tires, but it comes in handy in a pinch.
Specifications
- Powered by batteries
- PSI: 150
- N/A Model Number
Pros
- Very small.
- Having the ability to pump a truck tire
Cons
- With use, the temperature rises.
- The battery life may be a concern.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Tire Inflator
It’s helpful to have some prior knowledge when comparing items. This section will go over the most important factors to consider when purchasing a tire inflator. Consider these variables before making your decision, from power supply to readability.
Source of Energy
To inflate your tire, tire inflators use electric motors and pumps. To do so, they’ll need a power source, and there are two types: corded and cordless.
12V corded inflators connect to your vehicle’s 12V jack and run on the car’s battery. Some, like jumper cables, may clip straight to the battery. These inflators are handy since they do not require a separate battery to function. The inflator may run as long as the car’s battery is charged.
While most corded inflators are powered by 12V, there are certain versions that can operate on both 12V and 110V. These variants include 12V jacks as well as a normal electrical outlet.
The engine and pump are powered by rechargeable batteries, which are used in cordless inflators. Some cordless inflators feature built-in batteries that can be charged through USB or 110V power, while others have batteries that can be removed.
Because they don’t require an external power source to inflate a tire, cordless inflators give a lot more freedom than corded 12V inflators. As a result, they’re equally adept at filling bike tires and sports equipment as they are at inflating automobile tires.
Pressure
Pressure typically equals speed when it comes to tire inflators. The faster a tire inflator can inflate a tire, the higher the pressure it can create. Look for a compressor with at least 100 PSI to prevent wasting time while filling a tire. An inflator with a maximum pressure of 150 PSI, on the other hand, will get it up and running even faster. Most tire inflators will easily inflate your car’s tire to the necessary PSI of 30 to 40.
Time for Inflation
The time it takes to inflate a tire might be a major consideration when purchasing a tire inflator. Depending on the tire inflator and its output, inflation time might range from 10 minutes to 20 or 30 minutes. The faster a car or bike can get on the road, the less time it takes to fill a tire.
Cycle Time
A “duty cycle” is used to describe how air compressors work. The duty cycle is a measurement of how long a compressor can run before it has to cool down.
Many tire inflators can only operate for around 15 minutes before they need to be stopped. They must operate at high speeds to provide the required pressure, because compressing air produces heat. They can’t operate as long as a pancake or full-size compressor because of their small shape, which causes them to retain heat. Because these bigger compressors can fill a tank with air and then shut down, duty cycle is less of an issue (except in commercial settings).
When filling pool floats or sports equipment, shorter duty cycles are rarely an issue, but they might be a disadvantage when filling massive truck tires. As a result, many portable tire inflators explicitly say that they are not suited for truck tires, however anything would suffice in an emergency.
Readability of Gauge
Fill automobile tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to get the greatest wear and mileage out of them. Typically, this is roughly 35 PSI.
A tire inflator requires an easy-to-read gauge in order to properly inflate the tire. Digital gauge inflators are the simplest to use, especially if they have a light in the backdrop or are backlit. Analog gauges, on the other hand, function well with huge numerals on their faces. However, because most analog gauges lack a backlight, they can be difficult to see in low-light circumstances.
Shutdown by itself
Small air compressors are robust equipment, but if they operate for too long, they can overheat. Manufacturers provide built-in automatic shut-off capabilities to preserve their tire inflators.
Pressure, temperature, and time are the three measures that a tire inflator may take before switching off automatically. A pressure shutdown is very useful since it can be adjusted to the desired pressure, and once the tire achieves it, the inflator will stop pumping air. Similarly, if the tire inflator reaches a dangerous temperature, which is usually approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit, it will turn off until it cools down. After a predetermined amount of time, usually around 15 minutes, a built-in shutoff could start the cooling process.
Length of Hose
Tripping over a long, tangled hose isn’t much better than trying to fill a tire with a short hose. The best tire inflator is one with a 16- to 20-inch hose, which is long enough to reach most tires but still manageable.
Look for a tire inflator with a coiled hose for a longer, more manageable hose. These hoses can stretch far enough to fill all four tires without having to move the compressor. Off-road enthusiasts and big vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs can benefit greatly from these inflators.
Portability and Weight
People prefer tire inflators over ordinary air compressors because they’re lighter and more portable—and for good reason. A tire inflator is usually under a pound and can be carried in one hand.
A tire inflator might be useful while going on a road trip, albeit trunk capacity can be limited on longer trips. A small inflator may be stored in the trunk without taking up important baggage or snack space. The majority of tire inflators meet this requirement, however small variants take up even less room.
Usefulness
If the tire pressure warning light illuminates, indicating that pressure has been lost overnight, the solution must be quick and simple. This necessitates the use of a simple tire inflate.
While most tire inflators are designed to be easy, there are a few features that may make them even easier to use. A programmed pressure regulator, for example, will prevent the tire from being overfilled. A built-in pressure gauge is another useful feature. Without having to remove the line and check it with a separate tire gauge, this reveals how much pressure is going into the tire.
How to Inflate Your Tires
Fill your tire with the correct amount of air. Check the manufacturer’s recommended pressure on the sidewall of the tire or inside the vehicle’s door before filling it. This is normally between 30 and 40 PSI in vehicles and trucks. Filling a tire to this level ensures even tread wear, a smooth ride, and higher gas mileage.
If your inflator isn’t working, look for punctures in the tire. If a tire inflator is having trouble moving, it may not be the inflator’s issue. A puncture or severe wear may have produced a hole in the tire. If the inflator isn’t able to create pressure as it should, make sure you inspect the tire.
Fill bike tires with Presta valves using an adaptor (available on Amazon). When trying to inflate a bike tire, the inflator’s hose may not latch onto the valve stem; this might be due to the bike’s stem being of a different style. Schrader valves are used in most vehicle and bike tires, however certain cycling tires utilize Presta valves, which may require an adaptor.
FAQs
Don’t worry if you still have questions regarding your new tire inflator. The most commonly asked questions concerning tire inflators are answered in this section. If you still have questions after reading it, you can contact the customer service department of the tire inflator manufacturer.
Q: What is the significance of tire pressure?
Proper tire pressure helps car tires maintain even tread wear, allowing them to last as long as feasible. Gas mileage is also improved with proper pressure.
Q: How do I check the pressure on my tires?
A pressure gauge is the most convenient way to check tire pressure (available on Amazon). To acquire a reading, just remove the valve cover and push the gauge on the tire’s valve.
Q: How can I figure out what PSI my tires should have?
This information is normally found on a label on the driver’s side doorjamb that specifies the proper pressures. Check the tire’s sidewall for the appropriate PSI on older cars. Bring a moist rag to wipe away dirt and dust, since it might be difficult to read.
Is there a pressure difference between winter and summer tires?
Because air condenses at lower temperatures, tire pressure reduces throughout the winter. The first chilly mornings of autumn generally result in a long queue of automobiles at gas station tire pumps, which is another reason to carry a tire inflator at home.