With some modern vehicles coming equipped with run flat tires and tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), a common misconception is that a portable tire inflator or air compressor is no longer a necessity. But that’s not the case because tires can lose air over time even if you don’t have a puncture. Owning your own tire inflator means you can conveniently and routinely check your tire pressure, making sure they’re in an optimal range. Underinflated or overinflated tires can have a myriad of adverse effects on your driving experience, potentially affecting your fuel economy and tire wear. Purchasing a tire inflator is a small investment in helping make sure your tires last as long as possible, saving you money in the long run.
Truth be told, there isn’t a whole lot differentiating the portable tire inflators or air compressors available on the market. But some are manufactured better than others, which makes them more reliable and likely to last a long time. If time is important to you, you’ll want to see which products inflate a tire quicker, while others have a maximum pressure limit. Lastly, you’ll want to pay attention to whether the product uses a 12-volt car outlet or a standard power outlet. It’s more convenient to purchase a 12-volt air compressor, this way you can keep it in your car and use it on the go. But keep in mind some of today’s vehicles are equipped with a standard power outlet, so we include a few recommendations for those as well. Here are our picks for the best portable tire inflators.
Updated September 16, 2019 with new products!