The Best Tire Inflators
You never want to be caught driving without a tire inflator on hand. This handy little gadget is an important safety tool for all drivers; it's dangerous to be without one, since you could end up stranded on the side of the road if your tire-pressure warning light comes on or you get a flat tire. Having your own portable tire inflator means that you can quickly and efficiently check your own tire pressure if necessary, helping to make sure your tires last as long as possible, and most importantly, ensuring your safety on the road. We've researched all the options, and these are the best tire inflators that we recommend choosing from.
EPAuto Portable Air Compressor
When it comes to user-friendliness, accuracy, technology, and pure efficiency, the EPAuto Portable Air Compressor is unparalleled. All you have to do is plug this nifty little tool into your cigarette lighter, and sit back and watch as it quickly and efficiently inflates your tire. It works well on cars, sedans, bikes, and even mid-size SUV’s. And thanks to the super-bright LED screen (with four display units), it’s really easy to read and use. Not to mention, this inflator has an auto shut-off feature and comes in four cheery colors—and, at 13.5 x 8.1 x 5.6 inches (and just under a pound), it’s relatively compact and very portable, too.
Pros:
- You can plug it right into your cigarette lighter
- Super-easy to read, thanks to four display units and LED light
- Multiple uses; you can inflate tires on cars, bikes, sedans, and SUV’s
- Auto shut-off feature
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Screwing on the inflation hose can be a tad tricky at first
AstroAl Air Compressor
The AstroAl Air Compressor is an easy pick for one of the best tire inflators that money can buy. Why, you ask? This inflator boasts extremely high-quality materials, fully programmable inflation, and the ability to calibrate a reading that always comes within 1.5% of the pressure of your tire. Not too shabby. All it takes is one click to change pressure units (among PSI, kPa, BAR, and KG/CM). Plus, the gleaming white screen with an integrated LED flashlight is easy to read, even in the dark. All that, and this inflator has a wide range of applications, from cars to SUV’s to motorcycles.
Pros:
- Super quick, efficient inflation
- Advanced accuracy
- Professionally calibrated to always return a reading within 1.5% of the pressure of your tire
- Set your desired pressure and the compressor will automatically shut off when it’s reached the pre-set pressure
- Integrated LED flashlight with independent switch control for emergency use
Cons:
- Would be nice if the cord were a little longer
POTEK Tire Inflator
Gotta Love a Versatile Tool
Want a tire inflator that works extremely well for all kinds of vehicles? The POTEK Tire Inflator does just that. In fact, it’s designed to inflate car and bike tires (and even sports equipment or inflatables) equally well. Handily, this inflator is equipped with a 9AH sealed lead acid battery, just in case of emergencies, and it even has a DC outlet and USB port—which means that you can charge your cell phone and other devices, if necessary. And, an integrated, high-powered LED light makes for clear, easy reading, which is always helpful.
Pros:
- Suitable for cars, bikes, and other inflatables; it’s very multi-purpose
- You can charge it with an AC adapter at home, or with the DC adapter in your car
- It’s equipped with a USB port, so you can charge your phone or other devices
- Comes with a 9AH sealed lead acid battery (for potential emergencies)
Cons:
- Definitely on the pricey end
FORTEM Digital Tire Inflator
So Sleek, So Travel-Friendly
At just 8 x 6.5 x 3.3 inches, the FORTEM Digital Tire Inflator is so lightweight and compact that you can easily store it anywhere and take it with you on the go—an absolutely crucial feature of any good tire inflator. Crafted from durable plastic, with an extra-sturdy hose that resists high pressures, this inflator is small yet powerful (talk about the best of both worlds). It’s easy to use, and built with an LED flashlight, in case you get stuck in the dark somewhere. And, it even comes with a one-year warranty, for your peace of mind.
Pros:
- Made from extremely lightweight (yet durable) plastic
- Compact, sleek design
- Sturdy hose resists high pressure while allowing for maximum air flow
- Very easy to use: Simply plug in, attach hose to tire, set the desired PSI, and flip the switch
- Comes with a one-year warranty
Cons:
- The plastic film gets scratched pretty easily
VacLife Air Compressor
Works at Lightning Speed
If speed is one of your main concerns, the VacLife Air Compressor is your friend. This top-notch tire inflator can inflate a standard car tire in mere seconds. All you have to do is plug it into the 12V power outlet inside your vehicle, attach the hose to your tire, and flip the switch—and you’ll be good to go. Conveniently, you also never have to worry about over-inflating your tires, since this inflator automatically shuts off once the tire reaches its desired pressure. Plus, it comes with an extra-long power cord and four additional nozzles, so you can inflate a wide variety of vehicles and equipment.
Pros:
- Can inflate a standard car tire in seconds
- You can preset the pressure so that the compressor automatically shuts off
- The power cable is 13 feet long (many are just 10 feet)
- Has four additional nozzles that help you to reach all your tires quicker and easier
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a case
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right tire inflator?
The best kind of tire inflator is one that’s, of course, fitted for your tire size and vehicle type, along with being relatively compact and portable. Automatic inflators also tend to be easier to handle than manual ones—they’re usually quicker and easier to read, too.
Do most tire inflators plug into the cigarette lighter of your car?
Many do, and this is an important feature to look for—that way, it’s easy and convenient to use your inflator on the road.
How much money should I spend on a tire inflator?
This typically depends on the size of your car—you can expect to pay less for a smaller, more lightweight inflator that’s designed for a car than you would for an inflator that’s designed for an SUV or truck. If you need more power for your vehicle, you’ll likely need to pay more for an inflator.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.