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| Image | Product | Rating | Price |
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Our Pick
1
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Qubo Smart Tyre Inflator for Cars & Bikes from Hero Group100% EFFICIENT |
10
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Best Seller
2
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AGARO Galaxy Cordless Tyre InflatorCORDLESS & EASY-TO-CARRY |
10
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3
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TUSA Digital Tyre Inflator for CarQUICK INFLATION & EASY USE |
9.5
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4
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AGARO Primo Digital Tyre Inflator with Emergency LightDIGITAL TYRE INFLATOR |
9
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5
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GoMechanic Digital Tyre Inflator for CarPowerful Performance |
9
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What to Look for in a Portable Tire Inflator
Type
Portable tire inflators come in many shapes and sizes, but they effectively break down into two distinct types: handheld devices and console units. The most important consideration when shopping for a tire inflator is what you’ll be using it for.
Handheld is the way to go for a tire inflator to keep in your car in case of emergencies. A handheld inflator should be easily stashable and simple to use. Shop for a handheld inflator that features a work light for nighttime situations, a digital gauge for accurate readings and auto-shutoff, a clamp-style valve connector, and a 12-volt plug to reliably power the device with your vehicle when you need it.
Console units are ideal for everyday household and recreational inflation. Consoles should be able to inflate almost anything, from car tires to sports balls to air mattresses for car camping to rafts, toys, and SUPs for fun recreation (inflatable kayak, anyone?). Most feature multiple power options, numerous inflation attachments, and more features you won’t find in a handheld. Somea re even incorporated into consoles with other tools, such as portable jump starters.
On the downside, consoles didn’t perform as well as handheld units in the one test we at the Gear Team were most concerned with: portable tire inflation. They all got the job done, but up and down the line the portable handheld units we tested were generally faster at tire inflation than the console compressors. Moreover, most console units can hardly be considered “portable.” Yes, you can pick them up, carry them around the house, and pack them in your vehicle for vacations. But keeping a console inflator in the car in case of emergencies? Out of the question, for most of us.
Power Source
No matter which portable car tire inflator you buy, look for one that features an alternate power source option. Battery-powered handhelds are portable and easy to use, but they should also have a backup 12-volt car plug, just in case. Your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet will always be adjacent to your tires and is a trusty power source—unless, of course, in addition to flat tyres your car has a dead battery.
Pro Tip: Battery-powered items stashed in cars are often and easily neglected. If you’re keeping any battery-powered device in your car, such as an inflator or jump starter, fully charge its battery every few months—say, every time you give your vehicle a detail job that includes vacuuming and interior cleaning.
Wall plugs are great for top-offs at home, but the car will have to be moved close to an electrical outlet, or you’ll need a very long extension cord. Or perhaps a portable generator or battery pack to plug into. Direct-to-battery power sources, such as on the Viair unit we tested, provide maximum power but can be unwieldy. More on that later.
Trusting our Top Picks
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