A portable car air compressor and inflator for tires is a compact and convenient tool that allows you to inflate your car tires on the go. These devices come in various sizes and capacities and are designed to be lightweight and easy to use. They typically run off a car’s 12V power outlet and come with a variety of accessories, such as air hoses, nozzles, and adapters, to fit different types of tires and inflate other inflatables.
Portable car air compressors and inflators are an essential tool for any car owner, providing a quick and easy solution for maintaining the correct tire pressure and avoiding flat tires while on the road.
What Size of Air Compressor Do You Actually Need?
The size of the air compressor you need depends on the tools you plan to use with it. Most air tools have a specific CFM (cubic feet per minute) and PSI (pounds per square inch) rating, which is the amount of air flow and pressure required to operate them effectively.
To determine the size of air compressor you need, you’ll need to add up the CFM requirements of all the tools you plan to use simultaneously and then add about 30% to that number to account for any additional air requirements.
What Is the Difference Between a Tire Inflator and Air Compressor?
Tire inflators and air compressors are both used to inflate tires, but they differ in their size, power, and features. A tire inflator is a compact and portable device designed for inflating car tires and other inflatables using a 12V power outlet or battery power.
An air compressor is a larger machine that can be used for a variety of tasks, including inflating tires, powering air tools, and powering pneumatic systems. Air compressors are typically more powerful and have a larger air storage capacity than tire inflators, but are also bulkier and more expensive.
5 Portable Car Air Compressor and Inflator for Tires
1. Viair 85P Portable Air Compressor
Key Features
Here are some features of the Viair 85P Portable Air Compressor:
- Portable: The compact size of the compressor makes it easy to store and transport.
- 12V power outlet: It can be powered by a 12V power outlet, making it suitable for use in cars, trucks, and SUVs.
- Maximum pressure: The compressor has a maximum pressure of 60 PSI, making it suitable for inflating tires up to 31 inches.
- LED work light: The built-in LED work light helps to illuminate the area around the tire valve, making it easier to inflate tires in low-light conditions.
- On/off switch: The on/off switch allows for easy operation and control of the compressor.
- 10-foot power cord: The 10-foot power cord provides ample length to reach all four tires of a vehicle.
- 3-piece inflation tip kit: The compressor comes with a 3-piece inflation tip kit, making it easy to inflate a variety of inflatables, including tires, sports equipment, and air mattresses.
- Thermal overload protection: The compressor is equipped with thermal overload protection, which automatically shuts off the compressor to prevent overheating.
Pros
- Portability: The compact size and lightweight design of the compressor make it easy to store and transport.
- Maximum pressure: The compressor has a maximum pressure of 60 PSI, making it suitable for inflating tires up to 31 inches.
- Power source: The compressor can be powered by a 12V power outlet, making it suitable for use in cars, trucks, and SUVs.
- LED work light: The built-in LED work light helps to illuminate the area around the tire valve, making it easier to inflate tires in low-light conditions.
- On/off switch: The on/off switch allows for easy operation and control of the compressor.
Cons
- Slow inflation: The compressor may take some time to inflate larger tires, which can be frustrating for some users.
- Loud operation: The compressor can be quite loud during operation, which may be a nuisance for some users.
- No automatic shut-off: The compressor does not have an automatic shut-off function, which means the user must monitor the pressure and manually turn off the compressor when the desired pressure is reached.
- Limited usage: The compressor may not be suitable for heavy-duty use, such as inflating large truck or trailer tires, due to its maximum pressure limit.
Rating and Reviews
Viair 85P Portable Air Compressor has an Amazon rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with over 3,000 customer reviews.
2. Kensun Portable Air Compressor
Key Features
Here are some features of the Kensun Portable Air Compressor:
- Portable: The compact and lightweight design of the compressor makes it easy to store and transport.
- AC/DC power source: The compressor can be powered by either an AC or DC power source, making it suitable for use at home or on the road.
- Maximum pressure: The compressor has a maximum pressure of 120 PSI, making it suitable for inflating a wide range of tires, including those for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.
- Digital pressure gauge: The built-in digital pressure gauge allows for precise inflation and monitoring of tire pressure.
- LED work light: The built-in LED work light helps to illuminate the area around the tire valve, making it easier to inflate tires in low-light conditions.
- On/off switch: The on/off switch allows for easy operation and control of the compressor.
- Multiple nozzle attachments: The compressor comes with multiple nozzle attachments, including a sports needle and inflatable nozzle, making it easy to inflate a variety of inflatables, including tires, sports equipment, and air mattresses.
- Overheat protection: The compressor is equipped with overheat protection, which automatically shuts off the compressor to prevent overheating.
- Automatic shut-off function: The compressor has an automatic shut-off function that turns off the compressor when the desired pressure is reached, helping to prevent over-inflation.
- 2-year warranty: The compressor comes with a 2-year warranty, providing added peace of mind to the user.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight, making it easy to store and transport.
- Can be powered by either AC or DC power sources, providing flexibility and convenience.
- Has a maximum pressure of 120 PSI, suitable for inflating a wide range of tires and inflatables.
- Built-in digital pressure gauge allows for precise inflation and monitoring of tire pressure.
- Built-in LED work light makes it easier to inflate tires in low-light conditions.
- Comes with multiple nozzle attachments, making it versatile and suitable for inflating a variety of items.
- Overheat protection and automatic shut-off function help to prevent damage to the compressor and over-inflation.
Cons
- May take longer to inflate larger tires due to its smaller size and lower maximum pressure compared to some other portable air compressors.
- Some users have reported issues with the accuracy of the digital pressure gauge.
- The noise level of the compressor may be higher than some other portable air compressors.
Rating and Reviews
The Kensun Portable Air Compressor has an Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on over 5,000 customer ratings.
3. EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor
Key Features
Here are some features of the EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor:
- Can be powered by a 12V DC cigarette lighter socket, making it easy to use in your car or other vehicles.
- Has a maximum pressure of 100 PSI, suitable for inflating car, SUV, and truck tires, as well as other inflatables.
- Comes with multiple nozzle attachments, including a needle for inflating sports balls and a cone for inflating air mattresses and other inflatables.
- Features an easy-to-read digital display with a backlit screen for use in low-light conditions.
- Includes an auto shut-off function that stops inflation once the desired pressure is reached, helping to prevent over-inflation.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store and transport.
- Built-in LED flashlight helps to provide illumination when inflating tires in low-light conditions.
- 9-foot power cord and 2-foot air hose provide plenty of reach for inflating tires and other items.
Note: Some features may vary depending on the specific model/version of the EPAuto portable air compressor.
Pros
- Easy to use with a 12V DC cigarette lighter socket, making it convenient for use on the go.
- Multiple nozzle attachments make it versatile for inflating a variety of items.
- Digital display with auto shut-off function makes it easy to achieve the desired pressure and prevents over-inflation.
- Built-in LED flashlight adds convenience in low-light conditions.
- Long power cord and air hose provide ample reach.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the digital display can be difficult to read in bright sunlight.
- A few users have reported issues with the power cord or air hose, such as it being too short or not staying securely attached.
- A few users have reported that the unit can become hot during extended use, which may be a safety concern if not handled properly.
- The noise level can be somewhat loud, which may be a drawback if you plan to use it in quiet areas.
Rating and Reviews
The EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor has an Amazon rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with over 23,000 customer ratings.
4. Avid Power Tire Inflator Air Compressor
Key Features
Here are some features of the Avid Power Tire Inflator Air Compressor:
- Compact and Portable: The Avid Power Tire Inflator Air Compressor is designed to be compact and portable, making it easy to carry around in your car or store in your garage.
- Fast Inflation: This air compressor can inflate a tire from 0 to 35 PSI in just a few minutes, making it a great time-saver.
- LED Light: The built-in LED light can be used as a flashlight or as an emergency warning light, providing additional safety and convenience.
- Digital Display: The digital display is easy to read and shows the current pressure, allowing you to set and monitor the desired pressure.
- Auto Shut-off: The compressor automatically shuts off once the desired pressure is reached, preventing over-inflation and ensuring safety.
- Multiple Nozzle Attachments: The Avid Power Tire Inflator Air Compressor comes with multiple nozzle attachments, making it suitable for inflating a wide range of items, such as car tires, bike tires, sports balls, and more.
- Long Power Cord and Hose: The long power cord and hose provide ample reach and allow you to easily access all four tires without having to move the compressor.
Pros
- Compact and portable, easy to carry and store.
- Fast inflation speed, saving you time.
- Built-in LED light provides additional safety and convenience.
- Digital display allows for easy monitoring and setting of desired pressure.
- Auto shut-off feature prevents over-inflation and ensures safety.
- Comes with multiple nozzle attachments for versatile use.
- Long power cord and hose for easy access to all four tires.
Cons
- May be a bit noisy during operation.
- Some users have reported that the digital display is not always accurate.
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty use, such as inflating large truck tires.
- Some users have reported issues with the build quality and durability of the compressor.
Rating and Reviews
The Avid Power Tire Inflator Air Compressor has an Amazon rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on over 10,000 customer ratings.
5. GSPSCN Portable Digital Car Tire Inflator
Key Features
Here are some features of the GSPSCN Portable Digital Car Tire Inflator:
- High-quality construction: Made with durable materials and a sturdy metal body for long-lasting use.
- Digital display: The easy-to-read LCD display shows the pressure in PSI, KPA, BAR, and KG/CM2.
- Fast inflation: Capable of inflating a standard car tire from 0 to 35 PSI in just a few minutes.
- Multiple nozzle attachments: Comes with three different nozzle attachments for inflating a variety of objects, including car tires, bike tires, sports equipment, and inflatable toys.
- LED lighting: Built-in LED light provides additional illumination and safety during nighttime use.
- Automatic shut-off: The inflator automatically shuts off once the desired pressure is reached, preventing over-inflation.
- Long power cord and air hose: The 10-foot power cord and 2.5-foot air hose provide ample reach for all four tires.
- Portable design: Compact and lightweight, the inflator is easy to carry and store in your car or garage.
Overall, the GSPSCN Portable Digital Car Tire Inflator is a versatile and reliable tool for inflating tires and other objects on the go.
Pros
- Fast and accurate inflation: The inflator can inflate a standard car tire from 0 to 35 PSI in just a few minutes, and the digital display ensures accurate pressure readings.
- Multiple nozzle attachments: The inflator comes with three different nozzle attachments, making it suitable for inflating a variety of objects, from car tires to sports equipment and inflatable toys.
- Automatic shut-off: The inflator automatically shuts off once the desired pressure is reached, preventing over-inflation and saving you time.
- LED lighting: The built-in LED light provides additional illumination and safety during nighttime use.
- Long power cord and air hose: The 10-foot power cord and 2.5-foot air hose provide ample reach for all four tires.
- Portable design: The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store in your car or garage, and the carrying case makes it easy to transport.
Cons
- Noisy operation: Some users have reported that the inflator is loud when in use.
- Limited power source: The inflator requires a 12-volt DC power source, which may limit its use in some situations.
- Limited warranty: The product comes with a 1-year limited warranty, which may not be sufficient for some users.
Rating and Reviews
The GSPSCN Portable Digital Car Tire Inflator has an Amazon rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, based on over 4,000 customer reviews.