Best portable tire inflators in 2021 – Roadshow [CNET]

If I happen to find myself somewhere with a low or flat tire, a portable tire inflator is a bit of insurance that can help get me back on the road quickly and safely without depending on help to arrive. I hate waiting for road assistance when I can fix a problem myself, so long as I have the right tools. 

To give you or a loved one a helping hand when dealing with emergency tire issues, I’ve assembled a list of Roadshow’s favorite portable tire inflators. These recommendations for the best portable tire inflator options are based on user ratings on popular shopping sites and, most importantly, hands-on experience. Stay tuned after our recommendations for some tips on what to look for in a tire inflator before throwing down your hard-earned money.

Why should you buy a portable tire inflator?

A portable air compressor pump is a vital piece of equipment drivers should carry in their vehicles. Driving on improperly inflated tires and with low tire pressure can result in poor fuel economy and uneven tire wear. Further, tires can lose air slowly, even without a puncture. If you do have a car tire puncture and fix it with a plug kit, you’ll need a tire inflator to get back on the road again.

If you carry a portable tire inflator, you won’t have to wait for roadside assistance or limp into your local dealer or service center. And when was the last time the air compressor at the gas station either A) worked or B) you had quarters to actually start the damn thing?

What should I look for in a portable tire inflator?

There are a few key features you should look for before you purchase a portable air compressor pump. Be sure that the air hose is long enough to reach all four tires. If you drive a compact car, it probably won’t be a problem but if you’re rocking a mondo GMC Yukon XL you’ll need more hose. 

You should also look at air pressure. The bigger tires you have, the more pressure you’ll want. Some pump units will turn off automatically once it reaches a set psi, helpful if you don’t want to stand around monitoring the gauge or accidentally have overinflated tires.

Most portable air compressors are powered by your car’s 12-volt power source. You can also purchase a cordless inflator, but may have to purchase the battery and charging unit separately. Some heavy-duty air compressors attach directly to your car’s battery because they require more juice than a cigarette lighter socket cant provide.

A pivotal part of an emergency car kit

Without question having a portable tire inflator as part of your just-in-case bag of goodies is an excellent idea that won’t break the bank — unless you spring for something like the ARB unit above. But in addition, having a LED flashlight, tire pressure gauge, portable jump-starter and first-aid kit would set you up real well to handle most roadside emergencies and prevent you from being left stranded out in the cold.

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