You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (2024)

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (1)

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Low tire pressure can be risky for anyone behind the wheel as well as passengers, so it’s important to frequently monitor your tires to ensure they have enough air. An air compressor for your car, or a portable tire inflator, is a useful tool to have on hand as it enables you to quickly add air to an under-inflated tire. It’s especially handy when temperatures shift and a tire’s pressure may fluctuate. To make sure you’re prepared as soon as you notice that low tire warning light, our experts recommend having these air compressors for your car's tires on hand, including portable air compressors, cordless tire inflators and more.

Our top picks

The engineers and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test auto gear from the best cars to the most durable windshield wipers, car waxes, car vacuums and more. To narrow down the best air compressors for cars out there, we partnered up with the auto experts at Car and Driver, who evaluated nearly a dozen portable tire inflators firsthand for their ease of use, performance, extra features and more. Below you’ll find the best portable tire inflators of 2024 for unexpected roadside emergencies as well as routine auto maintenance.

After our top picks, continue reading to learn more about what to look for when shopping for a portable air compressor for cars.

1

Best Overall Portable Tire Inflator

Avid Power Cordless Tire Inflator Air Compressor

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (11)

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (12)

1

Best Overall Portable Tire Inflator

Avid Power Cordless Tire Inflator Air Compressor

Now 22% Off

Pros
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (13)Great value
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (14)Two power options
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (15)Feature rich
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (16)Comfortable grip
Cons
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (17)Not suitable for large truck tires

If you have to keep one tool in your car, make it this portable, cordless tire inflator. Powering it up is no problem thanks to two options: You can use the detachable 20-volt battery or your car's 12-volt outlet. We like that it has a few handy extra features as well, like a digital display gauge for pressure readings, an auto shut-off setting once the desired pressure is reached, a USB port for charging devices and a built-in light so you can use it in low-light settings.

According to the auto pros at Car and Driver, this tire inflator reached desired pressure levels faster than other competitor models. Plus, the rubberized handles are comfortable to grip and the value is hard to beat. Just keep in mind that it's not suitable for larger truck tires, according to the manufacturer.

Size9.25 x 2.2 x 7.08"
Weight2.6 lbs.
Power source12V outlet, 20V Li-Ion battery
Inflation Time to 30psi3:45

2

Best Value Portable Tire Inflator

VacLife Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (18)

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (19)

2

Best Value Portable Tire Inflator

VacLife Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor

Now 29% Off

Pros
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (20)Lightweight, portable design
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (21)Affordable
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (22)Amazon's choice
Cons
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (23)Doesn't provide battery power option

This Amazon best seller has over 39,000 reviews with an average 4.5-star rating. Its lightweight, compact and super portable design makes it a great tire inflator to leave in the car at all times, and we like that it features an LED light as well as a digital display. On top of compatibility with most car and SUV tires, you can also use it to inflate bike tires, basketballs and motorcycle tires.

While it may not feature a battery option, the pros at Car and Driver like that the VacLife plugs into your car's 12-volt outlet (or a wall outlet with an adapter) and how a long, 12-foot cord makes it easy to reach all four tires. In their tests, they found that inflation times fell somewhere in the middle — not the fastest yet not the slowest — which may be a sacrifice you're willing to make for such an affordable price.

Size9.8 x 6.5 x 4.0"
Weight 2.1 lbs.
Power source 12V outlet, 120V AC outlet
Inflation Time to 30psi4:54

3

Best Easy to Use Portable Tire Inflator

AstroAI Handheld Cordless Air Compressor

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (24)

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (25)

3

Best Easy to Use Portable Tire Inflator

AstroAI Handheld Cordless Air Compressor

Now 38% Off

Pros
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (26)Two power options
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (27)Lightweight, easy-to-use design
Cons
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (28)Noisy

Much like our best overall pick, this air compressor has two power options so you can use it with a fast-charging battery or via your car's 12-volt outlet. Either route you choose, this cordless tire inflator is one of the easiest to operate thanks to its lightweight, portable design. The pros at Car and Driver explain that all you have to do is "set the desired PSI, clamp on the connector and pull the trigger." According to their tests, inflation times were faster than other units featured, albeit noisy. We also like that a carrying case is included, along with a second battery.

Size6.7 x 3.2 x 9.5"
Weight2.6 lbs.
Power sourceLI-Ion battery, 12V outlet, 120V AC outlet
Inflation Time to 30psi3:40

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4

Best Fast Portable Tire Inflator

Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Tire Inflator

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (29)

4

Best Fast Portable Tire Inflator

Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Tire Inflator

Pros
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (30)Super fast inflation times
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (31)Durable and powerful construction
Cons
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (32)Battery and charger sold separately

No time to waste? This powerful air compressor will get you back on the road in no time. In Car and Driver's tests, it blew other tire inflators out of the park with super speedy inflation times. However, its efficient performance goes hand-in-hand with the unit's larger, heavier construction which may be better suited for your garage. It also skips out on a few features like a built-in LED light, and the battery and charger are not included in the price.

Size7.0 x 14.7 x 8.3"
Weight8.7 lbs.
Power sourceLi-Ion battery
Inflation time to 30psi 1:04

5

Best Console Portable Tire Inflator

Black + Decker 20V MAX Cordless Tire Inflator

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (33)

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (34)

5

Best Console Portable Tire Inflator

Black + Decker 20V MAX Cordless Tire Inflator

Now 16% Off

Pros
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (35)Three power options
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (36)Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (37)Several attachments included
Cons
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (38)Battery not included

Owners of Black + Decker’s 20V MAX battery system will be pleased to learn that this multi-purpose tire inflator is compatible, and an excellent choice for inflating both tires and items around the house. It’s unique as it offers three power sources: A rechargeable Li-Ion battery and the possibility to be plugged into DC 12V sockets as well as wall outlets. According to auto experts at Car and Driver, this unit wasn’t the fastest inflator out there and the battery and charger must be purchased separately, but it includes multiple attachments and is not quite as bulky as other console units tested.

Size‎11.6 x 7.6 x 8.7"
Weight4.6 lbs.
Power sourceBattery, 12V outlet, 120V AC outlet
Inflation time to 30psi 4:16

6

Best Premium Portable Tire Inflator

Viair 88P Portable Compressor

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (39)

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (40)

6

Best Premium Portable Tire Inflator

Viair 88P Portable Compressor

Now 14% Off

Pros
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (41)Very quick inflation
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (42)Includes a variety of attachments
Cons
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (43)Only one power source

The Viair 88P is a reliable choice if you need to inflate a tire quickly, and it has an average 4.7 Amazon star rating to back it up. Though not a dealbreaker, it features an analog gauge instead of an easy-to-read digital one and it lacks a built-in light. Also keep in mind that it has only one power source, which requires connecting alligator clips to the car's battery. Nevertheless, this portable air compressor is a powerful tool to have and one that comes with a variety of attachments and accessories like a carrying case.

Size9.8 x 3.2 x 5.6"
Weight5.6 lbs.
Power source12V battery
Inflation Time to 30ps1:37

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7

Best Lightweight Portable Tire Inflator

Slime 12V Digital Tire Inflator

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (44)

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (45)

7

Best Lightweight Portable Tire Inflator

Slime 12V Digital Tire Inflator

Now 22% Off

Pros
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (46)Easy to use
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (47)Lightweight, portable design
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (48)Includes attachments and adapters
Cons
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (49)May feel flimsier than other inflators

Slime markets this tire inflator as "nothing fancy," but that doesn't mean it won't get the job done well. Though it feels flimsier than other tire inflators, its performance was comparable to other units when it came to inflation speeds and we like that it comes with a lengthy 10-foot cord that plugs into your car's 12-volt outlet. Plus, a bright LED light is included as well as various attachments. Though there's no other power source, this air compressor remains "efficient, easy to use and super-portable" according to Hearst Autos Gear Team.

Size‎8.0 x 2.8 x 6.1"
Weight1.7 lbs.
Power source12V outlet
Inflation Time to 30 psi4:18

8

Best Compact Portable Tire Inflator

Teromas Tire Inflator

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (50)

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (51)

8

Best Compact Portable Tire Inflator

Teromas Tire Inflator

Now 30% Off

Pros
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (52)Affordable
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (53)Great for indoor and outdoor use
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (54)Quiet when in operation
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (55)Available in several colors
Cons
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (56)Not as sturdy as other picks

Car and Driver's team of auto experts was impressed by not only the great value of this tire inflator but also by its portability and quietness. It includes a digital display, LED light and three extra adaptors should you need to inflate other household items like bike tires or air mattresses. Best of all, it has two power options, making it ideal for indoor and roadside use — just plug it into your car's 12-volt outlet or into a wall plug. We also like that it's available in a multitude of colors, though testers point out that it wasn't the sturdiest among the bunch.

Size3.1 x 9.5 x 7.1"
Weight2.4 lbs.
Power source12V outlet, 120V AC outlet
Inflation Time to 30psi4:28

9

Best Versatile Portable Tire Inflator

Ryobi 18V ONE+ Dual Function Inflator/Deflator

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (57)

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (58)

9

Best Versatile Portable Tire Inflator

Ryobi 18V ONE+ Dual Function Inflator/Deflator

Now 26% Off

Pros
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (59)Both inflates and deflates
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (60)Works across Ryobi's ONE+ products
Cons
  • You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (61)Battery and charger not included in purchase

Both a tire inflator and deflator, we recommend this pick if you already use Ryobi's ONE+ power tools, vacuums and other household items as you can share the battery across devices. (FYI: It's not included with your purchase.) In Car and Driver's tests, inflation speeds were solid and the console was smaller and lighter than others — though auto pros do point out that they wish more than one power source was available. But even without an alternate source of power, you should have plenty of battery life to inflate several tires.

Size10.3 x 9.3 x 4.1"
Weight3.9 lbs.
Power sourceLi-Ion battery
Inflation Time to 30 psi4:17

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How we chose the best air compressors for cars and portable tire inflators

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (62)

For this story, the product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute relied on our decades of expertise in testing autos and auto equipment, from our favorite cars for parents like three-row SUVs to home EV chargers. While we haven’t yet tested each air compressor or tire inflator formally in our Lab, our analysts reviewed popular picks among online consumers for factors like price, design and more.

To learn even more about air compressors for cars, we partnered with fellow Hearst brand, Car and Driver, whose auto experts have tested portable tire inflators firsthand. To narrow down the best ones, their team evaluated factors such as each tire inflator’s ease of use, weight and portability, power (how fast the compressor was able to increase a tire’s pressure levels), corded vs. wireless design and the noise levels while in operation. They also factored in whether the compressor came with any extra features such as a light, digital display, carrying case or USB port.

What to look for when shopping for a portable tire inflator

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (63)

✔️ Type: There are two main types of tire inflators: Portable and handheld models vs. console units. Handheld devices are ideal to always keep in the car in case of emergencies as these tend to be lightweight and compact, while console units are better suited for the garage as they're heavier and larger but, on the bright side, can inflate almost anything from basketballs to air mattresses and tend to be more feature-rich.

✔️ Power: Consider whether you want a battery-powered tire inflator that can be recharged, or if you prefer one that plugs into your car’s 12-volt outlet (or both!). Some tire inflators are even able to be plugged into wall sockets to make it easier to use on items other than tires. Our experts recommend opting for a portable tire inflator with at least one other alternate source of power.

✔️ Extra features: Some extras to consider when shopping for a tire inflator include a built-in light to help you see in low light conditions, a digital display for pressure readings and a clamp-style valve attachment which tends to be easier to use than screw-on counterparts. Having a variety of attachments is also handy when inflating items other than tires.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (64)

Media and tech reviews analyst and writer Olivia Lipski oversees product testing and covers everything from consumer tech to autos, travel, home and more. She continues to stay on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helps readers make better buying decisions by testing and reviewing the best gadgets to hit the market. Not only does she regularly collaborate with the Good Housekeeping Auto Lab to evaluate some of the best family cars, but she reviews handy car accessories and equipment.

To select the picks featured above, she consulted our partners at Car and Driver and the Hearst Autos Gear Team, who have more than 206 years of automotive publishing experience. Hearst Autos combines the forces, talent and knowledge of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world: Autoweek, Car and Driver and Road & Track. The Hearst Autos Gear Team promises to deliver honest evaluations, hands-on tests and product reviews driven by decades of knowledge and experience.

Testing for this story was conducted by Deputy Commerce Editor at Car and Driver Jon Langston. An avid motorcyclist and gear collector, his work has appeared in Men’s Journal, Cycle World, The Drive, Rider, Iron & Air, Motorcyclist and more. Collin Morgan, an Associate Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, collaborated with Langston to test the best portable tire inflators. He's a former Rust Belt mechanic and gadget enthusiast who presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors.

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (65)

Olivia Lipski

Media & Tech Reviews Analyst

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

You Should Keep This Tire Inflator in Your Car At All Times (2024)

FAQs

Should you keep a tire inflator in your car? ›

This is entirely preventable by inflating a low or flat tire before you have drive on it, which is why you should always keep a portable tire inflator in every car you own.

How often should you inflate car tires? ›

Still, the recommendation for checking tire pressure is still once a month. A good rule of thumb to remember is that your tires lose about one PSI every month after you fill them, so checking every month can help you to ensure that they are always inflated to the proper pressure.

Is it safe to keep an air compressor in your car? ›

A portable air compressor is a great item in your repertoire of automotive maintenance tools and equipment. You should buy a portable tire compressor because it's so small that you can keep it in your vehicle all the time. After all, you never know when you might need it!

Should the engine be on or off when the tire inflator is on? ›

DO NOT run vehicle while inflator is operating. Engine must be turned OFF.

How often should tire inflator be checked? ›

Check the pressure every two to four weeks, and always before setting off on longer journeys or if you're carrying additional loads. Cold tires. You'll get a more accurate reading if you check the pressure when the tires are cold, before the outside temperature rises and the tires are exposed to direct sunlight.

Should you keep spare tire inflated? ›

A Spare Tire is no Spare Without Enough Air

Tire Rack recommends that all drivers check and adjust cold tire inflation pressures of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month or before taking any extended highway trips.

Should I leave my air compressor on all the time? ›

Every time you operate your air compressor, the atmospheric air that fills your compressor tank contains a certain percentage of water vapor, and if left alone, this water vapor can accumulate and damage the internal structure of your air compressor.

Can I run my car while using a tire inflator? ›

Our instructions recommend that the engine remains off while operating a Slime Tire Inflator. This is a safety precaution to prevent accidents. Some vehicles require that the ignition be in the “accessories” or “on” position to power the DC plug.

How long can you keep an air compressor? ›

Generally speaking, the average air compressor can last anywhere from five to twenty years with proper maintenance. Factors such as compressed air temperature, humidity, and usage affect how long an industrial air compressor lasts.

Can a tire inflator drain a car battery? ›

A: The car needs to be running or else it may drain your 12v battery. The only exception to this would be electric cars and hybrids as their batteries will likely be large enough to power this pump for an extended time.

What is the tire inflator warning? ›

When your TPMS warning light comes on, please exercise caution. This means that one or more of your tires may be at least 25% below recommended inflation pressure. *Checking tire pressure before you've driven on them, when the tire is "cold," is always the best way to get the most accurate reading.

Is it safe to use TYRE inflator in car? ›

In reality, almost all car tyre inflators have the auto cut-off option. So, that means an inflator will stop pumping the air automatically into your tyre as soon as the desired tyre pressure gets achieved. That makes your car tyre inflator safe for all to use.

Do portable tire inflators drain the battery? ›

Directly using a tire inflator can draw power from the car battery. To avoid draining the battery, especially with extensive use, keep the engine running while using the inflator.

Is it safe to use tyre inflator in car? ›

In reality, almost all car tyre inflators have the auto cut-off option. So, that means an inflator will stop pumping the air automatically into your tyre as soon as the desired tyre pressure gets achieved. That makes your car tyre inflator safe for all to use.

Should I let air out of my tires to store them? ›

Ensure the bag (and tire) is free of moisture, then remove as much air as possible from the bag (use your vacuum cleaner!) and tape it shut. This airtight environment will reduce evaporation of oils from the rubber compounds. Specific tire storage caddies or tire totes are also available.

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