But what they lack in size they make up for in convenience, easily stowing away in the trunk or cargo area of even compact cars. Randomly referred to as air compressors, tire inflators, and air pumps, the units reviewed here are all the portable variety, not to be confused with the larger, heavy-duty compressors found in garages and professional repair shops. Most use 12-volt power from the car’s power port, but some utilize a rechargeable battery, not unlike a cordless drill. Though air pumps are typically available at gas stations for a fee, a compact portable air compressor gives you the power to inflate your tires anytime, anywhere. Properly inflated tires are essential for the safety and performance of your vehicle, including optimum fuel economy. Most portable inflators work the same way: A hose with a clamping connection, an on/off switch, tire pressure readout and a light. We regularly use an older Viair inflator with the most basic features to inflate tires on 15-, 19- and 20-inch passenger car tires. Larger, thicker-sidewalled tires will require more air volume to inflate at the same pressure than a smaller tire. Choose your portable inflator’s performance based on the tires you regularly use. Not only will a portable inflator wear out prematurely, you’ll be waiting way too long to fill up the tire. If you’re inflating flat or very low tires on a regular basis (such as when off-roading), you’ll need an air compressor that’s much larger and built for heavy-duty use. It’s also helpful to understand this major caveat: Portable inflators are meant to inflate tires that are already inflated. Most use a 12-volt power outlet from your car, but others may require a direct connection to your car’s battery (this is helpful for newer cars without a 12-volt outlet). Portable tire inflators range in size and output (how quickly they inflate). If safety doesn’t concern you, how about preserving the life of your tires so you’re not buying new ones as often? What about saving gas? A portable tire inflator is your wallet’s best friend, and it just might save you from an accident or blowout due to an underinflated tire. But the general advice is absolutely correct: You should always monitor and keep your tires at the recommended pressure on a regular basis, especially during shifts in ambient temperature or if you’re driving a different car for the first time (like a rental). Read Less Read Moreīridgestone says checking tire pressure should be a “monthly ritual.” Of course it would say that. There are no half-measures with these heavy-duty tire inflators. These are dedicated tire inflators that can handle a truck or SUV that is either stranded in a remote location or has purposely “aired down” on the trail (more on that later). We are going to focus on the heavier-duty end of the spectrum, as the ultra-small compact units are a “band-aid” that will not solve for all uses. And there is a wide range of other variables to consider. Some are more powerful while others are more compact. There is a wide variety of portable tire inflators, which are small air compressors that run off a car’s 12-volt power outlet or the battery. Circumvent all of this by keeping a portable tire inflator in your trunk. It’s a frustrating thing to drop a quarter into one of those machines only to have it cut out when you are in the middle of inflating the fourth tire. ![]() You can inflate tires at most gas stations, but those pumps are not always accurate, functioning or free to use. New vehicles have tire pressure monitoring systems, though it’s always important to keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove box. Tire inflation determines how well your car grips, stops, and rides, but it also affects tire life and how much energy your car consumes. It’s something simple we largely overlook but is the most critical element for safety and efficiency. ![]() In every car, truck, or SUV that has ever been on the road, one thing is true-the only four parts of the vehicle to make contact with the road are the tires.
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