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5 Best Tire Inflator For Cars (Reviews & Buying Guide)

By Christopher Davis on September 22, 2018

5 Best Tire Inflator For Cars (Reviews & Buying Guide)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The next time you get a tire pressure warning, save a trip to the gas station by inflating your car tires at home. Tire inflators are both accurate and economical, and can save you a great deal of stress if you own more than one vehicle. You just need to know what to look for.

To help you find the best product, we’ve compiled a list of 3 top-quality car tire inflators and thoroughly detailed their pros and cons. If you’re still not satisfied with our recommendations, you can also follow our comprehensive buyers’ guide to find a product that matches your needs. So, without further ado, let’s check out the 5 best tire inflators for cars.

5 Best Tire Inflators For Cars

Preview
Editor's Choice
AVID POWER Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor, 12V DC / 110V AC Car Tire Pump, Air Mattress Pump with Inflation and Deflation Modes, Dual Powerful Motors, Digital Pressure Gauge
Budget Choice
FORTEM Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor 150 PSI, Bike Pump, 12V Electric Air Pump for Car Tires and Bicycles w/LED Light, Digital Tire Pressure Gauge w/Auto Pump/Shut Off, Carrying Case (Red)
Best for Cars
AstroAI Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor Air Pump for Car Tires - Car Accessories, 12V DC Auto Tire Pump with Digital Pressure Gauge, 100PSI with Emergency LED Light for Car, Bicycle, Balloons
Most Versatile
GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator Heavy Duty Double Cylinders with Portable Bag, Metal 12V Air Compressor Pump 150PSI with Adapter for Car, Truck, SUV Tires, Dinghy, Air Bed etc
Best Overall
AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator Air Compressor 20V Rechargeable Battery Powered 160PSI Portable Handheld Air Pump with 12V Car Power Adapter Digital Pressure Gauge for Cars Motorcycles ACJY21LIDCYE
Title
Avid Power Tire Inflator
FORTEM Tire Inflator
AstroAI Tire Inflator
GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator
AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator
Type
Corded
Corded
Corded
Corded
Cordless
Pressure
125 PSI
150 PSI
100 PSI
150 PSI
160 PSI
Power Supply
12V DC/110V AC
12V DC
12V DC
12V DC
12V DC
Auto Shut Off
Where To Buy
View on Amazon
View on Amazon
View on Amazon
View on Amazon
View on Amazon
Editor's Choice
Preview
AVID POWER Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor, 12V DC / 110V AC Car Tire Pump, Air Mattress Pump with Inflation and Deflation Modes, Dual Powerful Motors, Digital Pressure Gauge
Title
Avid Power Tire Inflator
Type
Corded
Pressure
125 PSI
Power Supply
12V DC/110V AC
Auto Shut Off
Where To Buy
View on Amazon
Budget Choice
Preview
FORTEM Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor 150 PSI, Bike Pump, 12V Electric Air Pump for Car Tires and Bicycles w/LED Light, Digital Tire Pressure Gauge w/Auto Pump/Shut Off, Carrying Case (Red)
Title
FORTEM Tire Inflator
Type
Corded
Pressure
150 PSI
Power Supply
12V DC
Auto Shut Off
Where To Buy
View on Amazon
Best for Cars
Preview
AstroAI Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor Air Pump for Car Tires - Car Accessories, 12V DC Auto Tire Pump with Digital Pressure Gauge, 100PSI with Emergency LED Light for Car, Bicycle, Balloons
Title
AstroAI Tire Inflator
Type
Corded
Pressure
100 PSI
Power Supply
12V DC
Auto Shut Off
Where To Buy
View on Amazon
Most Versatile
Preview
GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator Heavy Duty Double Cylinders with Portable Bag, Metal 12V Air Compressor Pump 150PSI with Adapter for Car, Truck, SUV Tires, Dinghy, Air Bed etc
Title
GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator
Type
Corded
Pressure
150 PSI
Power Supply
12V DC
Auto Shut Off
Where To Buy
View on Amazon
Best Overall
Preview
AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator Air Compressor 20V Rechargeable Battery Powered 160PSI Portable Handheld Air Pump with 12V Car Power Adapter Digital Pressure Gauge for Cars Motorcycles ACJY21LIDCYE
Title
AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator
Type
Cordless
Pressure
160 PSI
Power Supply
12V DC
Auto Shut Off
Where To Buy
View on Amazon

Last update on 2023-03-04 at 13:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 1. AVID POWER 12V DC/110V Portable Tire Inflator

AVID POWER 12V DC/110V Portable Tire Inflator 

The AVID POWER Tire Inflator will save you the risk of unexpected tire deflation in an isolated area, or in the morning before going to work. It’s easy to use and does not require any physical effort.

You can either connect it to the 120 V household power supply or connect it directly to the 12V cigarette light socket of your vehicle (this second option is useful if you need to inflate your tire while driving).

With this device you can locate the pressure of your tire even at night, thanks to the pressure sensor, as well as the digital illuminated dial. The measured pressure displays in both BAR and PSI. So, you will be able to use the unit without converting it. It also has inflation power up to 125 PSI.

Why is this considered the best tire inflator for cars? Because of its great versatility. The Avid Power inflator is both durable and reliable, and can handle any tire sized for a bike, car, or midsized SUV.

Pros
  • Suitable for both home and on-the-road refills
  • Includes two different hoses for inflating/deflating
  • Air pressure gauge is adjustable and has an automatic shut-off feature
  • Shows measurements in PSI, kPa, and BAR.
  • Free replacements for defective products
Cons
  • Not suitable for heavy-duty tires such as truck tires.
  • Slow to refill tires.
  • May lose accuracy over time.

Check Price on Amazon

2. Fortem 12V Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor

The FORTEM tire inflator is perfect for anyone looking to buy a lightweight portable air compressor. It’s powered by a 12V DC power outlet that fits any vehicle’s cigarette lighter, making it highly adaptable and useful while out on the road. The FORTEM is also suitable for smaller items, such as pool toys and bicycle tires, thanks to three additional nozzles that come with your purchase.

The 3-meter cable is convenient: its length will allow you to measure the pressure of your tires easily and to inflate them without necessarily having to move the main case. It can be moved easily because it is compact enough and weighs only about 2 pounds.

Even though it is not expensive, this Fortem device can inflate a tire in just 4.5 minutes with an airflow rate of 18-20L per minute, which will save you valuable time.

Pros
  • Features a super bright LED flashlight that automatically turns on in low-light conditions to keep you safe during roadside emergencies
  • Includes a 14 foot power cable that can reach all four tires if plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter
  • Has a built-in PSI sensor that automatically shuts off once your tires reach the desired pressure
  • Includes a one-year warranty
  • Incredibly lightweight, weighing only 1.9 lbs.
Cons
  • Only allows continuous use for up to 8 minutes
  • Not suitable for larger tires, such as SUV or truck tires
  • Only works with 12V DC current (car cigarette lighter)
Check Price on Amazon

3. AstroAI DC 12V Air Pump – Best Digital Tire Inflator for Automotive

The AstroAI tire inflator is another smart choice for anyone wanting a lightweight air compressor they can carry around in their car. It refills car tires from 0 to 35 PSI in just 5 minutes, with readings within 1.5% of the actual pressure, making it one of the fastest and most accurate air compressors.

This device comes with 3 extra nozzles for bicycles, basketballs, footballs, and air beds. It can also stretch up to 11 feet, allowing you to take it anywhere. In addition, it is programmable and has a preset function that will allow you to set the desired pressure. The machine will then inflate and stop automatically once the selected pressure is reached.

Pressure measurement and programming will be facilitated by the presence of a backlit digital display. You will be able to inflate your tires with high precision. Its valve connector hose is both flexible and sturdy enough to allow you to inflate your tires comfortably, while maintaining a reasonable service life.

Pros
  • Easy-to-use programmable PSI readings that function in PSI, kPa, BAR, and kg/cm
  • Automatic shut-off that disengages the air compressor once your tires reach the desired air pressure
  • Backlit LCD readouts that are easy to view in the dark
  • Includes 3 additional nozzles, an extra fuse, a valve extender, and a screw rotation attachment
  • Only weighs 2.2 lbs.
  • Comes with a 3-year warranty that can be extended by an additional year
Cons
  • Overheats after 10 to 15 minutes of continuous heat, requiring you to let it cool off
  • Not suitable for larger tires, such as SUV or Truck tires
  • Does not include a 110V AC wall charging convertor

Check Price on Amazon

4. GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator

If you drive a larger vehicle, you’ll need a more powerful air compressor, such as the GSPSCN Silver tire inflator. The GSPSCN Silver is powered by a 12V DC outlet that fits any standard car cigarette lighter, making it both portable and useful in a pinch. Thanks to direct drive double cylinders, it also can reach pressures up to 150 PSI, making it suitable for nearly any purpose.

Pros
  • Can inflate a standard car tire from 0 to 40 PSI in just 1.5 minutes.
  • Suitable for larger vehicle tires, such as SUV, truck, and RV tires.
  • Features rubber feet that stabilize the air compressor while it refills your tires, reducing both vibrations and noise.
  • Comes in a carrying bag with multiple nozzle sizes, a 3.5 m coiled hose, and battery clamps if needed
  • Built using 100% copper wiring for the ultimate efficiency
Cons
  • Does not include a 110V AC current adapter
  • Bulkier design is heavier than other options
  • Works best when connected to the car battery, not the cigarette lighter

 

Check Price on Amazon

5. AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator

If your vehicle doesn’t have a 12V DC cigarette lighter or the lighter isn’t working, you might question how you can use a portable inflator. The AstroAI Cordless tire inflator is the solution. This rechargeable inflator is both lightweight and handheld, allowing you to reach pressures as high as 160 PSI with 20 minutes of non-stop use. When it runs out of juice, recharge in just 1 hour.

Pros
  • Functions using both a 12V DC cable and a 20V rechargeable battery, making it suitable for any situation
  • Powerful enough to refill 4 tires in a single charge
  • Suitable for bicycle, car, and SUV tires
  • Functions in kPa, BAR, and PSI.
  • Comes with a storage bag and additional nozzles
  • Automatic shut-off deactivates the compressor once your tires reached the desired pressure
Cons
  • Not suitable for RV or truck tires
  • Must be recharged before long car rides
  • Metal design makes it heavier than other portable options

 

Check Price on Amazon

How to Choose a Good Tire Inflator – Full Buyer’s Guide

A tire inflator is a tool that can be life-saving for drivers. It allows finding optimal pressure in the wheels, at any time of a trip. That’s why more people are interested in buying. Let’s see today how to buy the best tire inflator of better value for money.

Pressure

Our buying guide for the best car tire inflators does not propose to impose the purchase of this or that model. On the other hand, it aims to enlighten you on the essential qualities that you must look for in a product. The first thing that will need to get your attention is the pressure delivered by the device.

The maximum pressure is very variable depending on the brands and models. It can go up to 8 bars, and even sometimes culminate at 13 bars. Some tips may encourage you to choose the most powerful inflator on your list. It’s not completely meaningless, because you have to assure that the device can handle almost all types of tires.

The Volume of The Tank

Unless you opt for a portable compressor without a tank, you will have to pay attention to the size of the tank. It is proportional to the airflow of the device.

It depends on the performance and efficiency of the inflator. With a small flow, you can only take care of bicycles and small cars with tanks of 50, 100, 150, 200, and even 300 liters. A 100 or 150 l machine can reach 15 to 25 m³ / h of flow. They can be used for utility cars, recreational cars. For larger vehicles (trucks or caravans) you need an inflator of 200 liters or more, which exceeds 40m³ / h.

Functionalities

Here is one last criterion to consider before buying a new tire inflator: the functions. We need to look here for versatility.

Depending on its power and the presence of a suitable pressure regulator, you can use it for bicycle tires, but also for sports equipment such as balloons or inflatable toys.

Otherwise, the machine itself may have small bonuses. The presence of a screen can significantly facilitate its use and make the settings more accurate and straightforward. A compartment for storing accessories (adapters) is also practical. These additions may have a small impact on the price of the product. Do not forget to go through a price comparison to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Why Should You Have A Car Tire Inflator At Home?

A tire inflator is a valuable tool and responds to various needs. In the case of road travelers, having one will give you peace of mind when a tire is short of air.

During an excursion, you can easily inflate your air mattress within a few minutes, as well as the kayak, or anything that needs air.

The inflators are even used to disperse dust, leaves in the summer, or clean cars in inaccessible places; it also works to locate hidden perforations and leaks, so it is an indispensable instrument that belongs in the home.

Our Final Verdict

Our choice for the all-around best portable tire inflator is the AstroAI Cordless tire inflator. By combing both usability and portability, AstroAI has created a top-of-the-line product that will last for years. Charge it up and use it on the go or plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter and use it as much as you want.

The AstroAI cordless tire inflator is stabilized by rubber feet and, allowing it to inflate tires up to 160PSI in a matter of minutes. This sets it apart as one of the fastest and most powerful options available. Find it online today and keep your family safe while out on the road!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a tire inflator if the engine is off?

Avoid running tire inflators while the engine is on. Instead, put your car into accessory mode to power the inflator.

How much air should I put in my tires?

Most commercial cars require between 32 and 35 PSI.

How long can I drive will low tire pressure?

It’s inadvisable to drive for more than 50 miles with low tire pressure. The faster you drive, the worse your tires will become.

What affects tire pressure?

Temperature and weather both affect tire pressure. Cooler temperatures cause the air in your tires to compress, thus lowering your tire pressure.

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