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Keep Your Car Ready To Go With The Best Portable Tire Inflators

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Imagine you’re driving down the highway on a hot summer day with the kids whining in the back seat. You’re just trying to make it to your destination without any drama, but then all of a sudden, you hear a loud pop and are greeted by a flat tire. Now, unless you’ve got a spare one in the back and you know to change a tire, you’re in for a long wait. This is where a portable tire inflator comes in handy. 

A portable tire inflator is a small, handheld device that can quickly inflate a flat tire. Many portable tire inflators come with built-in pressure gauges, so you can easily check the pressure of all four tires at once. With the variety of portable tire inflators on the market, it might be difficult for you to choose the right one. We’ve listed the most advanced portable tire inflators of 2023 to help you select the finest pick.

Buying Guide: Portable Tire Inflators

Flat tires are a certainty of life. In fact, the US sees a tire go flat every seven seconds. Fortunately, you can get ahead of things by investing in a portable tire inflator. It might not be easy to find the right pick if you don’t know what to look for in an inflator. So, read on for our buying guide to help you make your decision. 

Things To Consider Before Buying a Portable Tire Inflator

Pressure

Most tires require a pressure between 18 and 36 pounds per square inch (PSI). You may not need such a broad range on your inflator if your car requires a certain PSI range. So, make sure you consider this pressure range before opting for an inflator. 

Preset modes

Another important feature to look for in a tire inflator is preset modes. Preset modes allow you to quickly and easily select the desired pressure for your tires without fiddling with manual settings.  For example, some models come with preset modes for high-speed, highway, and off-road driving. Others have modes for different types of tires, such as passenger car tires, light truck tires, and RV tires.  When shopping for a portable tire inflator, look for a model with multiple preset modes that meet your needs.

Additional Buying Tips

Rechargeable battery

Rechargeable batteries are becoming increasingly popular due to their many benefits over traditional disposable batteries. One of the biggest advantages of rechargeable batteries is they can be used multiple times, which saves money in the long run. Rechargeable batteries tend to have a longer lifespan than disposable batteries, so you won't have to replace them as often. Yet another benefit of rechargeable batteries is that they're much better for the environment since they can be easily recycled when they don’t hold a charge. Since they can be reused, there's less waste, and they don't contain the harmful chemicals disposable batteries do.

Digital display

When looking for a portable tire inflator, most people don't think about the digital display, but the digital display is a very important feature to consider. The digital display helps you to see the inflation process easily.  You can easily see how much air is pumped into the tire and stop when the desired pressure is reached. The digital display also helps you to monitor the pressure in the tires. You can ensure that the tires are inflated to the proper pressure for safety and fuel efficiency.

How To Maintain a Portable Tire Inflator

A portable tire inflator is a great tool in your car and can be a lifesaver if you get a flat tire. How do you keep your portable tire inflator in good shape, so it's always ready to use? Here are some tips.
  1. Keep it clean. Wipe down your portable tire inflator with a damp cloth after each use. This will help remove any dirt or grit that could damage the pump.
  2. Check the air hose. Make sure that the air hose is free of cracks or leaks. If you notice any damage, replace the hose immediately.
  3. Store it properly. Store it in a cool, dry place when you're not using your portable tire inflator. If possible, keep it in its original case or box to protect it from bumps and scratches.

How Much Does a Portable Tire Inflator Cost?

Is your car's tire pressure low, and you don't have time to go to the gas station? A portable tire inflator may be a good option for you. You can leave it in your trunk and use it whenever necessary. No more waiting in line or paying for air. Before you buy one, you may wonder how much a portable tire inflator costs.  Prices for these handy devices can range anywhere from $15 to $70, depending on the features. Some features impacting the inflator's cost are the battery type, presence of an automatic shut-off feature, digital LCD, and an air-cooling motor.  So, whether you want a bare-bones model or one with all the bells and whistles, there is a portable tire inflator to suit your needs. 

Top Picks

  • Best Overall: Fanttik Portable Tire Inflator
  • Most Lightweight Pick: Fbk Portable Tire Inflator
  • Easiest To Use: Astroai Portable Tire Inflator
  • Best Value: Slime Portable Tire Inflator
  • Most Reliable: Teromas Portable Tire Inflator

Reviews

Best Overall
None

Fanttik Portable Tire Inflator

Pros Cons
  • Comes with an auto-stop feature
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Has an LED light feature
  • It cannot deflate a tire
Most Lightweight Pick
None

Fbk Portable Tire Inflator

Pros Cons
  • Equipped with a reliable power cord
  • Comes with long-lasting LED lights
  • Has an automatic shutdown feature
  • It might not have a powerful battery
Easiest to Use
None

Astroai Portable Tire Inflator

Pros Cons
  • Equipped with a lithium battery
  • Comes with a back-lit LCD
  • Has an automatic shut-off feature
  • The carrying case might be low quality
Best Value
None

Slime Portable Tire Inflator

Pros Cons
  • Comes with a built-in dial gauge
  • Equipped with a 10-foot power cord
  • Features an air-cooled motor
  • Provides top value for money
  • Inflation time might be a bit long
Most Reliable
None

Teromas Portable Tire Inflator

Pros Cons
  • Equipped with programmable inflation
  • Has a convenient digital display
  • Comes in a portable and lightweight build
  • It does not have a start button

FAQs

How long does a portable tire inflator last?
A portable tire inflator will last anywhere from 3-5 years. It is important to check the inflator regularly for signs of wear and tear and to replace it if necessary.
How do I get a quality portable tire inflator?
Almost all portable tire inflators will come with a set of instructions. These will help you get the most out of your inflator and ensure that it lasts for a long time. Look for an inflator that comes with a warranty. This will protect you in case the inflator breaks or stops working properly. 
Why should I use a portable tire inflator?
A portable tire inflator is ideal for use in emergencies where a tire needs to be inflated quickly or for inflating tires driven on flat surfaces.