Ah! Flat tires, when are those going to end? Not too soon, sadly! Tires play an integral role in the functioning of our present day vehicles. So, until such times when flying cars can become a reality, we will have to deal with flat tires.

Flat tires are such a common occurrence and something that can be anticipated well before it happens, but who has the time to check their tire pressure every day, right?

Having a portable tire inflator, hence, provides the best solution. You can carry it with you everywhere you go without the fear of being stranded alone in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire.

Here, we have compiled a list of what we think are the Best Portable Car Tire Inflators available.

Before we dive in though if you are looking to improve your safety you may also be interested in a portable jump starter, having a dedicated jump starter can be very handy, so if this is something that would be of interest we would recommend checking out JumpStarterCentral and have a look at there article Best Car Jump Starters for Emergencies.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at how our tire inflators stack up.

Best Portable Car Tire Inflators

#1 ONTEL Air Hawk Automatic Cordless Tire Inflator.

Featuring an auto stop to prevent over filling and maintain correct pressure the ONTEL Air Hawkis perfect to use on tires, toys, sports equipment, bike tires, air mattresses and more. Best of all, air Hawk's compact design can easily be stored in a cabinet, a car, or even a drawer!

Key features:

• Automatic Cordless Tire Inflator.
• Digital LED Tire Gauge.
• Inflates in 90 Seconds or Less!
• Automatically Shuts Off When Inflated.
• Built-in LED Light.

Check Latest Price.

#2 VIAIR 45043 Automatic Portable Air Compressor.

Featuring a brand new I-Beam Sand Tray for improved stability and lighter weight. The 400P is a larger powerful portable tire inflator kit that can inflate up to a 35-inch tire from 0 to 30 PSI in less than 6 minutes.

Key features:

• Duty cycle of 33% at 100 PSI.
• Maximum of 150 PSI.
• CFM output is 2.3 CFM.
• Max Amp Draw stands at 30 Amps.
• Motor voltage of 12 Volts.
• Suitable for tire sizes up to 35” in diameter.

Check Latest Price.

#3 TireTek RX-I Digital Car Inflator.

Looking for a Reliable, Easy-to-Use Portable Tire Inflator? The TireTek RX-i could be it! With its ability to quickly inflate your car, truck, suv motorcycle and bike tires the TireTek RX-I Digital Car Inflator could be the tool that your garage is missing.

Key features:

• Fast Inflation.
• 4 Extra Adaptors.
• Auto Shut Off.
• Bright LED Light.
• Noise Eliminating Technology.
• Portable Carry Case.
• Long Cables.
• Additional Power Outlet.
• 12 Month Warranty.

Check Latest Price.

#4 JACO SmartPro 2.0 AC/DC Digital Tire Inflator.

Featuring industry-leading technology this is the second generation model of the award-winning SmartPro™ Digital Tire Inflator which is capable of running on 110-120V AC or 12V DC power - making it the best choice for fast & efficient air for your tires on the road, in the garage, or at your home.

Key features:

• Automatic AC/DC Tire Air Compressor.
• Lightning L2X Extension.
• "No Loss" Quick Release Connector.
• High accuracy built-in digital air gauge.
• 10 foot 12V DC power cord for easy access.
• 6 foot AC power cord (110V / 120V).
• Super fast air flow (30 L/min).
• SmartPressure Technology Auto Shut Off.

Check Latest Price.

Best Portable Car Tire Inflators Reviews

Please read on for a more in-depth review of our 4 selected Portable Car Tire Inflators.

ONTEL Air Hawk Automatic Cordless Tire Inflator.

The ONTEL Air Hawk Cordless Tire Inflator is hands-down one of the best tire inflator that I tested. This product is an excellent package in terms of functionality, its lightweight capability, and its excellent pricing as well.

There are so few air compressor products available in the market that offers such high-end practicality features at such a significantly lower price point.

• The 1800 mAh rechargeable lithium battery allows the ONTEL Air Hawk tire inflator to pump up your car/ motorcycle tires without the need of any power source in case of emergency situations.
• The LCD display at the rear end allows the user to read the level of inflation clearly.
• The LCD display also allows the user to pre-set the level of PSI and automatically switches off by itself.
• The heat-protection feature protects the inflator from getting too hot in case of excess use.
• The LED light feature allows the use of ONTEL Air Hawk inflator at low light conditions or at night.
• It comes with all standard set accessories.

Product Highlight

The main highlight of the ONTEL Air Hawk cordless tire inflator is its 1800 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Most of the tire compressor products require an external power source in order to function properly. While this is not a problem for most people as all present cars come with a 12v supply, however, having a cordless tire inflator provides a much better and more convenient solution. It can also go a long way to save your car’s battery consumption for other important things during an emergency as well. The good

There are ample of things that I liked about the ONTEL Air Hawk cordless tire inflator.

First, the product is extremely lightweight weighing only about 4.07 pounds or 1.85 kg. If you compare this to any other “portable” tire inflators, you will automatically notice the difference. You can easily hold the inflator with a single hand without feeling like you’re holding a set of a dumbbell.

Secondly, even with its fairly medium price tag, the product comes with all the standard accessories set. The set includes a 12v power base, a Presta valve adapter, air hoses (2 different sizes), power adapter, a plastic wide and steel pin tip, battery pack, storage bag, car charger, and a Dunlop valve.

Thirdly, for a cordless tire adapter that runs on a lithium-ion battery, the ONTEL Air Hawk tire inflator executes its job with minimal time requirement. It can fully inflate a 14? tire in just about 6 minutes.

Lastly, the LED emergency light is a very convenient addition to the product. It may appear as a puny feature, but it does provide a much better solution for changing the tire at the low light condition. The LCD display is also located at a convenient location and provides a clear display as well. The bad

As much as the product has a multitude of features that I liked, there are some shortcomings.

Firstly, if you own a truck or any vehicle that can be considered as above average, the ONTEL Air Hawk tire inflator is not for you, as it cannot be used on trucks

Secondly, the product cannot be used continuously for more than 15 minutes

Thirdly, as it runs on rechargeable battery, you will need to keep it charged at all times after use which may not always be convenient.

Pros

• Good value for money.
• Excellently lightweight.
• Standard accessory set.
• Good inflation time.
• Clear LCD display and LED emergency light.

Cons

• Not suitable for trucks.
• Cannot be used continuously for a long duration.
• Needs constant charging.

Check Latest Price on ONTEL Air Hawk Automatic Cordless Tire Inflator.

VIAIR 45043 Automatic Portable Air Compressor.

The VIAIR 45043 air compressor is no doubt one of the best portable air pumps for tires. However, it’s pricing falls under premium air compressor category. It has all the high-end features that you would expect from a top quality tire inflator. So, if you can afford to spend some extra bucks with minimal hesitation, you should certainly opt to purchase this product. You do not make any compromises in terms of features and performance with this portable air compressor.

• The VIAIR 450p offers a heavy-duty performance. It can be used for inflating any tire size up to 42.”
• It is suitable for both off-road and on-road vehicles
• Its automatic tire filling feature works seamlessly and effortlessly. It only operates when the trigger is pulled.
• The VIAIR 450P is the only air compressor product that performs at optimal efficiency (100%) at 100PSI.
• The inflation gun provided on the compressor extremely is easy to use, and it works as a pressure gauge as well.
• The automatic pressure regulation of the air compressor is designed to maintain 145PSI pressure in its internal tank by cycling power to the motor
• It can inflate a 31” tire from 0-30 PSI in just under 4.05 minutes.

Product Highlight

The primary highlight of the VIAIR 450P would be its extremely efficient duty cycle capability of performing at 100% at 150 PSI. Most of the average portable air compressors have 25% at 100PSI duty cycle, which means they can not/ should not be used continuously for more than 10 minutes, and should be rested for about 30 minutes.

But, in the case of VIAIR 450P air compressor, due to its 100% duty cycle, the time for the operation is much higher, and the time required for pumping up the tire is significantly lesser as well. The good

The VIAIR automatic portable air compressor gave me adequate reasons to like what it offered despite its price tag.

Firstly, the VIAIR 450P is compatible with almost all tire sizes (up to 42”). So you don’t have to worry about those large truck tires. It is also suitable for both on-road and off-road tires, so in terms of compatibility, the VIAIR 450P ticks all the boxes.

Secondly, the 100% duty cycle at 1OOPSI just cannot be ignored. It adds significant time duration for continuous use up to 150P without any rest. This allows it to inflate multiple tires at once without having to turn off (rest) the air compressor in between.

Thirdly, the automatic turn-off feature provides a superior power-saving and a much more efficient working mechanism. It automatically senses the inactivity time duration of the compressor even if it is turned ON and powers down to save power consumption and its active working duration cycle as well.

Fourthly, the time required for filling the tires of different sizes is extremely quick. For a 31”x 10.5” tire, the unit takes only about 4.05 minutes to inflate it from 0-30 PSI, and for 15-30PSI it only takes 2.10 min. For a 37”x 12.5” tire, it takes about 7.56 min. for 0-30 PSI and 4.09 min. for 15-30 PSI.

Lastly, the addition of gas-station-style inflation gun provides a much needed easy control for the inflation process. All you need is to squeeze the handle to start pumping air into the tire. It also works as a pressure gauge to monitor the tire’s PSI as you inflate it. The bad

The VIAIR 450P’s weight is more on the heavy side, with a total weight of 12.73 pounds (5.7kg). So, its portability factor is somewhat limited

Even though it comes with all the optimal functionality features, its pricing may still be out-of-reach for most average people.

There is no mechanism to keep the inflation gun in the squeezed (ON) position, so you have to keep squeezing it manually

Pros

• Compatible with tire size up to 42.”
• Performs at 100% duty cycle @145PSI.
• Automatic turn-off mechanism.
• Quick inflation time.
• Easy-to-use inflation gun with a built-in pressure gauge.

Cons

• Bulky.
• Expensive.
• Manual inflation gun functionality.

Check Latest Price on VIAIR 45043 Automatic Portable Air Compressor.

TireTek RX-I Digital Car Inflator.

The TireTek RX-i is on this list particularly for those people who are on a tight budget. The TireTek RX- i is the lowest priced and one of the best air compressors for tires at its price segment. With such a low price tag, it does what it’s supposed to do with minimal inconveniences. Yes, it does not come with all the fancy features that you would expect from a high-end compressor, but its performance justifies its budget pricing.

• Its output of 30LPM can inflate an average-sized car tire within 3 minutes.
• The built quality is of reinforced nylon construction which provides excellent impact resistance and also minimizes heat output
• The extra-long 11 ½ feet extension hose can reach/ extend up to 22 ft for convenient usage
• The LCD display provides a clear and bold pressure display in KPA, KG/cm, BAR or PSI units.
• The rubberized feet promotes superior stability and also reduces noise output by a significant amount.
• The storage case comes with all the standard set accessories like the narrow and wide adapter, ball pin and Presta valve adapter, a spare 15A fuse, and an 11 ½ extension hose
• The automatic shut-off mechanism powers down the unit after the desired PSI level is achieved
• The locking chuck or screwing connection mechanism provides a more secure connection

Product Highlight

Despite its budget price segment, the TireTek RX-i provides a more practical solution than most of the higher-end air compressor products. Minute details such as using the screw on valve provide a more secure and traditional approach. What impressed me the most though, was its inflating time. It may not be quickest, but for the limited bucks that you invest on it, it delivers and fills up your tires at a much lesser time than you would expect. The good

Firstly, the price to performance ratio on the unit is excellent. You get more than what you pay for at its budget pricing.

Secondly, the built quality is sturdy and convincingly durable. The plastics do not feel cheap, and it can withstand some falls with exceptional resistance. The noise-canceling feature also works decently.

Thirdly, the 30 LPM output on the unit is fairly quick and can inflate an average car tire within a decent time. As long as you don’t use it on a heavy-duty vehicle, you will not face any problem.

Fourthly, the 11 ½ feet hose extension is an extremely useful and convenient addition to the unit. It extends up to 22” which is more than sufficient for any type of emergency situations.

Both the LED and the LCD display on the TireTek RX-i are more prominent than most air compressors, which provide clear pressure level indication and also secondary lighting for low-light conditions. The bad

The pressure gauge on the unit seems to show inaccurate pressure levels by a factor of 2-5 PSI, and even more than that in some cases.

Even though the product description claims to be suitable for all tire sizes (trucks as well), usage on larger tires heats up the unit or under-inflates the tire.

Pros

• Good performance to price ratio.
• Sturdy and durable construction.
• Good inflation time.
• 11 ½ feet extension hose.
• Big LED and LCD display.

Cons

• Inaccurate pressure gauge.
• Inconsistent performance on large trucks.

Check Latest Price on TireTek RX-I Digital Car Inflator.

JACO SmartPro 2.0 AC/DC Digital Tire Inflator.

The JACO smartPro 2.0 inflator may be the last product on the list, but it is definitely not the last impressive unit at any means. If anything, it’s adverse of it. The SmartPro 2.0 finds its spot due to its ease of use and overall a very practical air compressor.

• The JACO SmartPro is compatible with both AC and DC power source, which is a first in its class feature.
• The unit can work continuously for a significantly longer duration than its other competitors.
• The 30LPM output is quick and inflates an average car tire in under 3 minutes
• It is suitable for use on standard car tires, SUV and Truck tires as well.
• The Smart pressure technology allows you to preset the value of PSI and automatically shuts off when it is achieved.
• The LCD display features a bright blue display to enable viewing the parameters even at night.
• The LED light works as a flashlight and SOS functionality as well.

Product Highlight

The JACO SmartPro 2.0’s capability to work with both AC and DC power supply makes it a standout feature from all the other air compressors in the market. You can plug it into an AC power supply socket if you are inflating the tire in your house garage or use your car’s 12V supply if you are out on the road. All you need is to switch between the AC And DC supply mode from the control switch. The good

The JACO 2.0 air compressor’s extreme ease-of-use process is the most impressive feature that I liked. It takes minimal effort, and the need to keep the inflation gun squeezed in order to pump air is eliminated. The compressor works with a simple witch ON/OFF functionality.

Secondly, the whole unit is lightweight as compared to other air compressors in its segment. The product also features a convenient handle-like construction to enable quick and easy handling while using it.

Thirdly, the function of using a twist-connect nozzle is a much-welcomed feature. It provides a more secure connection, and you don’t have to babysit the tire while the compressor inflates it as well.

Fourthly, the dual functionality of using either DC or AC power supply is extremely easy. You only need to turn ON one of them using a switch mechanism that is provided, and plug it into the suitable power source.

The 30 LPM output may not be the quickest, but it executes its job at a convincing time. The JACO 2.0 air compressor can also run continuously for a good time compared to other similar products. It can run at 80PSI for 20 min. and at 35PSI for 30 min. The bad

The digital pressure gauge performs inconsistently, and it mostly shows inaccurate pressure reading by a factor of about 3 lbs.

Secondly, the AC power function doesn’t work as smoothly as the DC power source, so you may have to depend primarily on the DC source.

Pros

• Extremely easy-to-use.
• Lightweight.
• Twist-connect nozzle design.
• Simple ON/ OFF switch system for inflation.
• Fast air filling.

Cons

• Inconsistent pressure reading.
• Average AC power supply performance.

Check Latest Price on JACO SmartPro 2.0 AC/DC Digital Tire Inflator.

Buying Guide for Portable Tire Inflators

Before you jump to buy the first product that claims to fill up your flat tire, you need to take a moment to consider some important features. Considering all the necessary features allows you to make a smart purchase and buy the best tire inflator possible. A wrong air compressor product only contributes to your frustration.

The maximum pressure level

The maximum pressure is the optimal level up to which the compressor can operate at. So, the more the pressure level, the better the product will perform. This is especially true if you’re looking to buy an air compressor for a large vehicle (SUV or Trucks)

The Duty Cycle

The duty cycle of the air compressor determines how long you can operate it continuously without shutting it down in between. The more the duty cycle percentage, the more “active usage duration” the air compressor will give. So, look for compressors with a high percentage of the duty cycle.

Automatic mechanism

As long as you don’t mind keeping a watch over the entire process of inflating the tire, it is always best to consider buying a compressor that comes with an automatic shut-off feature. You can pre-set the PSI level, and the inflator will automatically shut down after the required level is achieved.

Portability and lightweight

Since the point of buying an external tire, inflator is to carry it around with on your trips for emergency purposes; it is important for the product to be as much lightweight and portable as well. A bulky tire inflator may not always be convenient.

Inflation time

Make sure to check the inflation time that the product claims to achieve. Usually, the inflation time differs as per different tire sizes, so make sure you know your car’s tire size to make an accurate assumption while looking for the tire inflator as well.

Pricing

There are ample of choices when it comes to tire inflator products, so you will not have any problem finding the right product at your price-point. Just make sure you don’t buy a cheap product or end up paying too much for an average product

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions that people who are thinking about portable tire inflators are asking.

Q: Do I need to keep the engine running while using an air compressor?

A: Yes, for optimal performance, you should keep your engine running as the compressor needs power from your car’s 12V cigarette socket.

Q: Can I use the air compressor from an AC source?

A: NO, except for some specific products that support AC supply power input, you should NOT connect it to an AC wall power outlet.

Q: Is it normal for tire inflators to become hot?

A: Yes, in most cases if you use it continuously for a prolonged duration, some amount of heat output is normal. But, always shut it down after the prescribed given time to avoid any critical damage.

Q: How noisy is a tire inflator?

A: Normally, the noise of the compressor is identical or a little louder than a car at an idle state (varies with different products)

Final Verdict

Based on all the products that I have reviewed and listed I would say that the VIAIR 45043 Automatic Portable Air Compressor is the best portable air pump for tires. It offers all the best-in-class features, and the 100% Duty Cycle adds so much additional convenience.

Check Latest Price on VIAIR 45043 Automatic Portable Air Compressor.

However, everybody may not get-on-board with its above-average price tag.

In such a case, the ONTEL Air Hawk Cordless Tire Inflator provides a cheaper solution. It is one of the best air compressors for tires that comes with almost all the required features without burning a hole in your pocket.

Check Latest Price on ONTEL Air Hawk Automatic Cordless Tire Inflator.

More Resources

We hope you found our article helpful, if you would like to read some more of our articles then we think these below may be interesting for you.

• What is an Air Compressor.
• Best Air Compressor Under $200.
• Best Air Compressor for Home Use.
• Best 12 volt Air Compressor for Truck Tires.
• Top 7 Best Portable Air Tanks.