An air compressor is one tool that you might need to have in your trunk. A deflated car tire is one of the most common problems of cars and given how easy it is to solve such a problem, having an air compressor around is highly recommended. Several factors influence the decision-making process when purchasing an air compressor, all of which aim to deal with a deflated tire and give it optimum pressure levels. Below is the list of the best portable air compressor for car tires which you can consider buying.
The Best Portable Air Compressor for Car Tires
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1. LifeLine AAA Air Compressor
As is implied, the AAA in LifeLine’s air compressor is an indicator of quality, and after a full review, it is fully justified. Manufactured by a company that has been in the business for over a century, producing the highest quality products, you are almost immediately assured of the compressor’s quality. The compressor’s inflations rate ranges from 0-35 pounds per square inch (PSI) in just 8 minutes. That makes it suitable to inflate the average car’s tire size, or in more technical terms, R15’s. The compressor’s suitability is further increased by the 3 different nozzles which make it adaptable for any tire.
It also comes with a pressure gauge, fitted right at the center, making it easy to read and regulate the amount of pressure inflated into a tire. Finally, the entire piece connects to a car’s cigarette lighter with the standard size plug at the end of a connected cord, making it suitable to recharge on any car while on the go.
Pros
- The 2-pound piece makes it portable
- Easy to read and use
- Compatible for all cars and a wide range of tires
Cons
- Inflation rate slower than usual
Summary
There is no doubt that the AAA compressor offers a variety of features, all contributing to the portability and usefulness of the compressor for just about any car.
2. Slime 40022 Digital Tire Inflator
This digital tire has more to offer than just a sleek design with features embedded in an elegant way that complements its exterior design and makes it easy to use, especially for the many who turn to air inflators as a simple way to solving their problems. The 12-volt inflator’s most prominent features are the large buttons that make locating and using the different features, such as the on/off button that makes inflating a tire easy to control, as well as a screen which indicates the different functions that are being used.
The inflator can inflate a tire in just 6 minutes at a maximum pressure of 35 PSI. It also comes with a large LED light making it easy to use at night or in dark locations.
Pros
- An automatic function that shuts off after a predetermined set rate
- Cigarette lighter plug makes it suitable to connect to any car
- Easy to use and portable
Cons
- A little loud
Summary
For those looking for convenience, the Slimes Digital Tire Inflator is the sure way to go.
3. Viair 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor
Unlike the above-listed compressors, the Viair 00073 operates at 1.06 CFM’s, rather than at a fixed maximum inflation rate. To help control the amount being pumped into the tire, the compressor is fitted with a pressure gauge that indicates the pressure of a tire, helping users decide when to turn the 12V machine off.
The compressor is fitted with a long 15-foot power cord which allows you to connect to a tire from a convenient place where the fitted plug is connected to a 15A power port. The 5.9ib compressor comes with a carry bag to make it as portable as it is functional.
Pros
- The long cord allows flexibility
- Inflates tires of sizes up to R18
- Fast pumping rate
Cons
- Not as sturdy as it looks
- Needs engine to be on to work
Summary
Perhaps more ideal for those looking for something powerful rather than compact, the Viair 00073 still offers convenience by pumping air at a rapid rate, making it a suitable air compressor for those on the go.
4. VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor
From a known and trusted company, it is natural to expect the best from the Viair’s 85P, and after a thorough review, and use, it doesn’t disappoint. At a 60PSI inflation rate, and able to inflate 31” tires, that sort of potency makes it easy to see why the inflator is rated so highly is that those numbers imply some of the fastest inflation rates available.
Control of this rapid inflation is helped by the gauge featured on the 5ib piece. To add portability to power, the compressor is connected to a car’s cigarette lighter through its standard-size auxiliary power outlet. The power cord measures a full 10’ while the air hose is 3’ long.
Pros
- Rapid inflation rate
- Suitable for R18 tires
- 85P/12V connection option
Cons
- Pressure gauge only works when compressor off
Summary
If you need to get the job of inflating a tire done in no time, and you only have the very vehicle you are driving as a power source, then the Viair 85P compressor is a great option for getting the job done.
5. JACO SmartPro Digital Air Compressor
Click a button or two, take a sip of water, and watch your deflated tire come to life without the hassle of having to worry about inflating too much due to the pre-set pressure technology features. Depending on tire sizes, the compressor has the capacity to inflate at a rate starting from 45PSI going all the way to a maximum 100PSI, for larger auto tires and smaller types such as those for bikes.
Using the screen to monitor your settings and the inflation process, work can begin from a convenient distance away, thanks to the 24” air hose, all while fitted to the car’s cigarette lighter through its 10” power cord. It also comes with an LED light that works both to facilitate work in dark environments and as an SOS light.
Pros
- Fast 25L per minute inflation rate
- Air hose adapters make it suitable for any tire
- Easy to use
- Light and portable
Cons
- Overheats after 30 minutes of continuous use
Summary
It is very hard to complain about the high-tech SmartPro Digital Air Compressor, and if you are looking for something that will simply make your life easier when it comes to inflating a tire, there are few better options than this.
6. GOOLOO Mini Air Compressor Pump
There are two attributes to the GOOLOO compressor that make it one of a kind. The first is in its sheer power, and with a 300PSI inflation rate, it is hard to argue with that. This allows users to quickly and easily inflate car tires, RV tires, truck tires, and thanks to the 3 nozzle adaptors it comes fitted with, even bicycle tires, which leads us to the second attractive attribute.
Versatility is not something that is immediately lacking and that is immediately apparent from the 1.6ib inflator’s compact size, measure a mere 7.6” in length, 3.3” in width, and 5” in height. After connecting the pump to a car’s cigarette lighter, you are allowed 10’ of flexibility thanks to the power cord, allowing you to operate the device on any tire with ease.
Pros
- Durable
- 12V/10A output
- Versatile and adaptable
Cons
- Loud
Summary
With only a single flaw, you can easily forgive the noise generated by this powerful and compact compressor, sure to serve anyone’s needs. The high standards put into the making of this product from the renowned company make it an easy pick for the list.
7. EPAuto Auto Air Compressor Pump
With a product that has an inflation capacity of 100 PSI, certain safety measurements are needed to prevent over-inflation, and that comes in the form of an auto-shutoff function featured in the compressor. This function is made easy with the digital display that shows you different settings being made, as well as other useful data in a way that is easy to read.
You can inflate tires at any time and in any place thanks to the LED flashlight at the front of the compressor. The entire pump is connected to a cigarette lighter, suitable for any car, through its 9’ power cord. Add that to the 20’ air hose length and you are afforded all the flexibility needed to reach all four tires of a standard-size family car.
Pros
- Convenient and easy to use
- Affordable
- Adaptable for different tires
Cons
- Slow inflation rate
Summary
This product does much to show why having a portable air compressor around is a must-have and it does the job in as simple a way as possible, giving you the assurance you need, while also making life easy. Worth the buy.
8. TireTek Compact-Pro Portable Tire Inflator Pump
The TireTek inflator may have an attractive design, but it has a lot more than appearances to offer, as will be closely analyzed. This quality comes with a powerful inflation rate, reaching up to 100 PSI, which gives the otherwise playful look a very serious impression. Adding to what is clearly a product of the highest quality is its 40L per minute pumping rate.
For convenience, the inflator has a 100’ power cord to offer, connecting to a car’s cigarette lighter at the end, as well as three additional nozzles that make it suitable for any tire, whether it be that of a bike, an SUV, RV, or a truck. Apart from the bonus LED light feature found on some compressors, this particular make also has noise-reducing technology, giving it an extra edge.
Pros
- Portable
- Powerful 140W/15AMP 12V output
- Versatile and easy to use
- Quiet
Cons
- Fragile rubber cord
Summary
Carrying this tire inflator around can never be a bad thing as it does all that is required from it and then a little bit more. Quality, versatility, and convenience are all characteristics that best describe why that is so, and even when not needed, it doesn’t look too bad thanks to its clever design.
Conclusion for The Best Portable Air Compressor for Car Tires
Just how much a portable air compressor makes life easier is clear to see from the eight examples listed above, and thanks to the many features, you need not be too well versed in all the technicalities of tire pressure to aptly handle the situation on your own. Over the course of time, by following the simple instructions given, you are bound to pick up a thing or two until you are completely familiarized with the subject matter.
In the meantime, however, the list above serves as the first in what proves to be a sequence of events that are meant to make life easier for prospective buyers. While not neglecting any useful information, the simple features and analysis should help you make the right choice in choosing what proves to be an essential tool, time and again, for all car owners.