As you can have a flattened tire any time while traveling, getting a digital tire inflator is certainly the wisest decision. But when you have too many options to choose from, the selection process seems much harder. This is why we have created a complete buying guide to help you pick the perfect fit.
Benefits of a Digital Tire Inflator
- A digital tire inflator is portable, allowing you to carry it inside the trunk and get rid of flattened tires on the go.
- It is a one-time investment that eliminates the need to visit an auto shop or gas station repeatedly.
- The digital tire inflator shows accurate pressure value and ensures no excessive inflation of tires.
- As they come with different nozzles, you can use the inflator to inflate the tires of different vehicles.
Key Factors to Keep in Mind
Pressure
If you want a digital tire inflator compatible with SUVs, two-wheelers, inflatable pools, and even trucks, make sure it has a pressure value of 150 PSI to 200 PSI. But you can use a model with a maximum pressure of 70 PSI for pumping tires of two-wheelers and regular passenger cars only.
Inflation rate
The inflation rate of a digital inflator plays a significant role in its performance. The higher the value, the less time it takes to pump a tire. A high-quality model can easily reach from 0 PSI to 35 PSI within four to five minutes.
Power source
Digital tire inflators need some power source to operate. Top-notch models come with 12V as well as 110V socket plugs, so you can easily plug them into your car’s socket and an electrical outlet using a cord. You can also find some products equipped with only a 12V plug, making them ideal for traveling only.
Adjustability
Make sure to choose a digital tire inflator with adjustable buttons to preset the pressure value, usually 35 PSI. It will help you avoid overinflation.
Auto shut-off
Digital inflators are small devices that can overheat if they operate continuously for a long time. That’s why most manufacturers reinforce their products with an automatic shut-off feature. A quality inflator stops operating automatically when it achieves the preset value, reaches a temperature of around 200°F, or works for approx 15 minutes continuously.
LED screen
Most digital tire inflators feature a large-sized LED screen to help you take readings without any hassle. Ensure the screen has a backlit feature so that you can read the displayed value easily under the sun or in lowlight conditions.
Cost of a Digital Tire Inflator
Digital tire inflators come with a wide array of features, resulting in a varied price range, starting from $20.39 to $39.97. If your chosen model features a sleek design with a high inflation rate and pressure value, its price will be higher than its counterparts. Likewise, the product with two power sources costs higher than the one with a single power source.