There are many different air compressors, but the best air compressor for car tires is the smallest. Yes the best air compressor for car tires is small, lightweight and very portable. The best portable air compressor for car tires can be a simple hand held, cordless air compressor. Or the best air compressor for car tires can be a simple 12 volt rechargeable air compressor.

Keep an Air Compressor for Car Tires in the Trunk

When you need the best air compressor for car tires, you really need to have it in the trunk. If you have a roadside emergency, or stuck by the road at night, you really need a portable air supply. There is not much point having a garage air compressor to fill car tires, if you are not at home. Let’s face it, Murphy’s Law states that a flat tire is more likely to occur when you are away from home. Unless you pack the best air compressor for car tires with you wherever you travel in the car.

Best Air Compressor for Car Tires

With the latest and best air compressor for car tires, you can do exactly that. In fact, the best air compressor for car tires is a compact unit – why not have two? The best air compressor for car tires is relatively cheap to buy, why not pack one in each car! The best portable air compressor for car tires usually comes with a rechargeable socket adaptor to fit your car. It is a simple task to plug the rechargeable air compressor into the car socket and always keep it charged. Or you can just plug it into the car socket and turn it on whenever you need it. The best portable air compressor for car tires comes in many shapes and sizes.

Here is our list of the best air compressor for car reviews:

1. Kensun Car Air Compressor Portable Inflator Kit

The Kensun Air Compressor is one of the best air compressor for car tires because it is neat and compact. The Kensun air compressor is very easy to carry in the trunk of your car, so it is always handy. Although it does not come with a battery, it is a simple task to plug it in, using the 3 meter extension cord. The Kensun air compressor runs off the 12 volt battery supply of the car or truck. As long as the car or truck battery is operational, you have a guaranteed supply of compressed air.

The Kensun car air compressor is convenient to carry in the car

The Kensun air compressor comes in a handy protective carry case, which fits easily in the trunk. You need never even worry about packing it, as it can fit securely out of the way. Simply pack it away out of sight, but not out of mind! At least you know it is always in the car or truck just in case you should ever need it. So whenever the kids come running up with a flat bike tire, just go straight to the car! Not only is the Kensun the best air compressor for car tires. It is also useful for sports equipment, bicycles, balls, pool toys and more! It comes with a range of inflator nozzles, so it can be fitted to just about anything.

With a Kensun car air compressor, Dad can go from zero to hero in no time!

We always recommend the Kensun car air pump as the best air compressor for car tires. It is so easy to use, and quiet to operate. The Kensun air compressor even has an automatic shut off to prevent overheating and over pressure problems. It is simple for the kids to use also, which makes it easier for all those little emergencies that kids have. You know, when the football is flat, or when the bike tire is too low. With a Kensun car air compressor, they can pump up the flat tire by themselves!

Click here to see the price of the Kensun Car air compressor at Amazon.

2. VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor

Another choice for the best air compressor for car tires is the VIAIR 85P. VIAIR make some of the best car air pump units on the market, and have a range of models. You can choose from the VIAIR 85P right up to the larger VIAIR 300P, depending on your power requirements.

Let’s look at the features of the VIAIR 85P car air pump

The VIAIR 85P car air pump comes with a handy 3 meter extension cord. The cord simply plugs into the 12 volt socket which is the standard car outlet. All you need to do is connect the pressure hose to the car tire, or truck tire and turn it on. The VIAIR 85P is one of the smallest air compressor for cat tires, so it is not the quickest. But it will do the job and it has more than enough air pressure for inflating cart tires. In fact, the VIAIR 85P has enough capacity to inflate medium sized truck tires as well.

The VIAIR 85P is one of the best air compressor for car tires, as it comes with an LED light for those night time emergencies.

Click here to see the price of the VIAIR 85P car air compressor at Amazon.

3. Slime 40022 12 Volt car air pump

The Slime range of best air compressor for car tires are also highly renowned by operators. The Slime 40022 car air pump is a 12 volt digital tire inflator that plugs into the car 12 volt socket. Slime have thoughtfully provided a self contained LED light, for day and night time use. Not only that, the unit has a built in shut off valve to automatically stop the unit. This prevents over pressuring the air pump as well as the car tire to protect against accidental damage. The slime 40022 comes with a 4 meter extension cord, so you can reach anywhere around the car. The pressure gauge is also more accurate than most, so you always know when to stop inflating the tire.

One of the drawbacks with the Sime 40022 car air compressor is that it is very noisy. For my money, that is not really a problem, because it is a fast tire inflator. And that is more important, to pump up the car tire as quickly as possible and get moving again!

Click here to see the price of the Slime 40022 12 Volt car air pump at Amazon.

4. VIAIR 90P Portable Air Compressor for car tires

If you need a little more power than the VIAIR 85P, then you might want to consider the VIAIR 90P. Despite the small size of this unit, it is one of the best air compressor for car tires. With an incredible operating air pressure of 120 psi, this is certainly a useful car air pump. It runs from a standard 12 volt car socket, so it is always ready to pump tires.

The VIAIR 90P is also a versatile car air compressor, which fits neatly in the trunk of any car. But it is still safe to pump up pool toys and soccer balls, so there are no problems there! The VIAIR 90P is one of the best air compressor for car tires, and very affordable. In fact, why not buy one for each car, as it is safer to have one handy at all times.

Click here to see the price of the VIAIR 90P car air pump at Amazon.

5. Campbell Hausfeld RP3200 12-Volt Inflator

The Campbell Hausfeld car air compressor is made by one of our most reputable air compressor brands. Specialists in the air compressor field, Campbell Hausfeld also make one of the best air compressors for car tires. The Campbell Hausfeld RP3200 is a 12 volt tire inflator with an incredible top range of 150 psi. The RP3200 makes easy work of bike tires, sports equipment and pool toys. It kit comes with a range of 3 different inflator nozzles, so it can do anything. The work light is a welcome touch, which makes it easy to use at night. Campbell Hausfeld have even included a flashing hazard light to keep you safe on the road.

Campbell Hausfeld car air compressor

With a storage bag and a weight of just 3.5 pounds, Campbell Hausfeld have thought of everything. It is a very affordable price, so there is nothing stopping you from buying one for the trunk. Why not buy a second unit for the spare car? Some users report the air compressor to be slow and noisy. I guess the final decision is up to you, but if it is only for emergencies, then this is a dependable brad car air compressor.

Click here to see the price on the The Campbell Hausfeld RP3200 car air compressor.

6. VIAIR 300P Portable Car Air Compressor

If you need to take another step up from the VIAIR 90P, then the VIAIR 300P is the perfect choice. Designed to inflate car tires as well as truck tires. The VIAIR 300P car air compressor can handle tire inflation up to 33 inch tires. Although the VIAIR 300P is designed as compact portable air compressor, it takes on the much larger air compressors. If you need the best air compressor for car tires, then the VIAIR 300P is a cost effective alternative.

Powerful air compressor for car tires

In fact, the VIAIR car air pump can perform the same role as a full blown air compressor. But obviously it won’t have the same air supply delivery rate, or storage tank capacity. It is not really designed to run air powered tools or other devices. But it can inflate tires! The VIAIR 300P can inflate a tire from 15 psi to 30 psi in just 2 minutes. This is an excellent way to inflate a tire and get moving again – fast!

Disadvantages of the VIAIR 300P car air pump

The only trap with this powerful car air compressor is the current draw. Under high work load, the car battery may struggle to deliver the power required by the car air compressor. Be sure to turn on the car engine, to make sure that the battery is kept fully charged. Even under peak load conditions, the best air compressor for car tires needs to operate at its optimal rate.

Don’t blow a fuse!

The other problem that peak current load can cause is to blow a fuse. The VIAIR car air pump can draw up to 14 or more amps from the 12 volt battery. This means you need to make sure that the car power supply has a 15 amp rating. If not, even the best air compressor for car tires could blow the fuse. Don’t panic if this happens by accident, you just need to swap the blown fuse for a 15 amp fuse!

Click here to see the price of the VIAIR 300P car air pump at Amazon.

Summary – Best air compressor for car tires

The point we want to make here at the air compressor journal is that the best air compressor for car tires should not be treated as an optional device or a nice to have. In fact, the best portable air compressor for car tires should be considered a must have safety device. Driving on partially inflated car tires can be a safety risk. If this happens for extended periods of time, it can damage the tire, leading to a blow out. So don’t over look the importance of buying a car air pump. In fact, why not buy a car air pump for all of your cars, just to stay safe! When you have a car air pump near to hand, it is a simple task to inflate the tire and get back on the road safely.

We have also provided a list of the best 12 volt tire inflators in a previous review. Feel free to browse more information on the best 12 volt tire inflator reviews.