Best tire inflator versus Air pump for car
How to choose the best tire inflator or air pump for car tires
What is the difference between a car tire inflator versus an air pump for car? This is the question when it comes to choosing a tire inflator versus an air compressor for car tires. Well, as I understand the issue, there are some very powerful and portable air compressors for car tires. They can be used for a wide range of tasks, as well as inflating tires. On the other hand the best tire inflator is a specialist air pump for car tires. Of course a tire pump can also inflate motorbike tires, bicycle tires, and all sorts of inflatable toys, pool toys and camping equipment. Without a doubt, there are some differences between a tire inflator versus a car air pump. But essentially, if you need a tire inflator to pump tires or an air pump for car, then both can do the job!
Best Tire Inflator
It is true that you can also use a much larger air compressor for tire inflation also. But when it comes to portability, you can’t always pack a large air compressor in the trunk. That’s why a portable air pump for car tires is such a convenient device to keep handy as a tire inflator. The best portable tire inflator is generally a compact device that is small enough to keep in the trunk. This is the best reason to buy a 12 volt tire inflator with you at all times. In case you ever get a flat tire when you are away from home, it is a simple task to unpack the tire inflator and get up and running again.
Air pump for car tires – Powered by 12 volt battery
The best air pump for car tires is a portable unit designed for 12 volt power, the 12 volt air compressor. Because they are primarily designed to be portable, the average air pump for car tires is not very powerful. This should not come as a surprise as most units run from the cigarette lighter socket of your car. So do not expect a small tire inflator to have enough grunt to run power tools. The purpose of an air pump for car tires is to inflate tires! And for that purpose, they are generally very efficient. Most units have overload shut off protection, which means you can’t damage the unit or the tire. You can simply set the tire inflator running, and leave it for a couple of minutes. The best air pump for car tires will simply switch off when done. They generally come with a range of tire adaptors and fittings. You can inflate a range of car tires, light to medium truck tires, as well as sports and camping equipment.
Why choose the best tire inflator or air pump for car tires
We always recommend that you pack a tire inflator for back up in case your get a flat tire. But the best tire inflator can be used for more than just pumping flat tires. A portable tire inflator is also a handy tool for checking the tire pressure. If you regularly check your tire pressure, and keep the pressure topped up – you can extend the life of your car tires! So that is the big saving when you buy a car tire pump. When you have a car air pump close to hand, there is no excuse for not checking those tires frequently. Keep your tires pumped and keep you and your family safe while you drive!
Check the prices on our best portable tire inflator reviews. This is a cheap price to pay for the safety of your loved ones!
1. Campbell Hausfeld RP3200 12 volt tire inflator
First on our list of 12 volt tire inflator reviews is the Campbell Hausfeld RP3200 12 volt tire inflator. If you are familiar with the name Campbell Hausfeld, then that is no surprise here at Air Compressor Journal. Campbell Hausfeld is a renowned manufacturer of air compressors for a wide range of applications. So we are always impressed by Campbell Hausfeld products, because they know how to build the best air compressors.
Powered by 12 volt DC power supply, the Campbell Hausfeld tire inflator has a very impressive output of 150 psi. An operating pressure of 150 psi is more than adequate for car tires, truck tires, sports equipment and camping equipment. This means that the Campbell Hausfeld is a very capable car air pump. This unit is high on our list of best tire inflator reviews and you can buy one at a very affordable price.
What we like about the Campbell Hausfeld RP3200 12 volt tire inflator
It comes with a built in pressure gauge, a universal adaptor, cigarette lighter socket plug, and a range of adaptors. In terms of safety features, this portable air pump for car tires has a work light, and flashing hazard light. Weighing in at 3.5 pounds, the Campbell Hausfeld RP3200 is suitable for inflating all sorts of tires and sports equipment. Overall, this is a great choice for a car tyre pump, and comes at a very affordable price. Campbell Hausfeld are a highly respected manufacturer of air compressors over a wide range of applications. Now they have added another to their range, a high quality car tyre pump to store in the trunk!
Click here to see the price on the Campbell Hausfeld RP3200 12 volt tire inflator at Amazon.
2. Slime 40026 2X Heavy Duty Direct Drive Tire Inflator
The Heavy Duty Tire Inflator by Slime is a very impressive air pump for car tires. With a dual action cylinder, this one of the more efficient air pump for car tires. The innovative pumping action achieves twice the efficiency of other tire inflators, and can pump at twice the speed. With an inferior tire inflator, you have to set the inflator to work, and walk away for 10 minutes. But the Slime 2X Heavy Duty Tire Inflator can work at twice the speed of other inflators. The Slime Tire Inflator is a little heavier than other units on the market, weighing in at 9 pounds. But this is an acceptable compromise considering it can work at twice the speed. It is a must have tire inflator in case of emergencies, or just to have as a backup system.
What we like about the Slime 40026 Heavy Duty Tire Inflator
Obviously, the dual action cylinder car air pump is a major attraction of the Slime tire inflator. With this innovative dual action car air pump, it is capable of inflating tires at twice the speed of the competitors. It is a little heavier than other tire inflators, and it comes with everything you need to get the job done. It has a very solid and quality feel about it from the alligator clamps to the sturdy carry handle.
Built as a heavy duty truck tire inflator, the electric cord is longer than others. The air pressure line is a long elastic hose that coils very neatly and avoids those problems with tangles. And then there is the LED working light which is a very nice feature for working in the dark. It also comes with a comprehensive instruction manual, so you will never be left by the side of the road!
Click here to see the price of the Slime 40026 2X Heavy Duty Direct Drive Tire Inflator at Amazon.
3. Kensun AC/DC Portable Air Compressor Tire Inflator
Kensun have made a good reputation for building the best portable air pump for car tires. The Kensun tire inflator is set apart from the others with the ability to run off either AC power or DC power. You can use the Kensun car air pump from the home power supply, as well as from a car battery. This versatile portable tire inflator is designed to run off 110 Volt 60 Hertz power supply from any domestic power socket. It is equally happy running from a 12 Volt DC power supply such as car battery or truck battery. This unit is excellent for motorbikes as well as scooters, and can easily handle inflating smaller sized tires. The Kensun AC/DC portable tire inflator can pump up to 40 psi, which is enough for tire inflation. Don’t count on it for more air pressure than that, since it is not really designed for more. Weighing in at a very portable 4.7 pounds, the Kensun portable tire inflator is no effort to store in the trunk.
What we like about the Kensun AC/DC portable portable tire inflator
The Kensun tire inflator comes in a kit with all accessories that you need in case of tire troubles. This is an excellent portable air pump for car tires for car, bike, scooter, and even light trucks. It comes with a range of adapters that can be used to inflate toys, sports equipment and camping gear. The Kensun air pump for car tires is ideal for packing in the trunk in case of emergency. Beware not to overheat this tire inflator as it does not operate above 85 degrees. It will shut off automatically, but it will not be able to inflate tires until it has cooled down. The important thing is to keep a close watch on the tire pressure and the temperature. By keeping a watch on the air pressure, you will know when the tire inflator is nearing the shut off.
Click here to see the price of the Kensun AC/DC portable tire inflator at Amazon.
4. VIAIR 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor for car tires
Viair is another highly recommended choice of car air pump for tire inflation. The Viair 00088 88P is a 12 volt car air pump with a maximum operating pressure of 120 psi. This makes the Viair tire inflator a very capable unit for use on car tires, light trucks and SUV tires. Although it has a decent flowrate at low pressure, this tire inflator slows considerably at high pressure. This unit is still adequate for pumping tires, and can easily handle a wide range of sports gear. It is also very useful for inflating pneumatic tires for motorbikes, bicycles, and even scooter tires. Weighing in at less than 5 pounds, and stored in a neat and compact carry case, the Viair 00088 is always handy to store away in the trunk or back of the truck.
What we like about the VIAIR 00088 88P portable air compressor for car tires
The VIAIR 00088 88P is not as noisy as the typical tire inflator on the market. This portable air pump for car tires is quite fast, and has automatic shut off to prevent over pressurization. This unit does draw a lot of current from the battery, so the advice is to run the vehicle engine to ensure that the battery does not run flat. This is a bad thing! Especially when you are stuck by the side of the road with a flat tire and a flat battery! The simple way to avoid any problem is to run the engine whenever using car air pump. This will prevent the battery from running low on charge, and also keeps the tire inflator at full power.
Click here to see the price of the VIAIR 00088 88P portable air compressor for car tires at Amazon.
5. Slime 40022 12 Volt Digital Tire Inflator
Another great option for a car tire pump by the Slime company is the 40022 12 volt Digital Tire Inflator. This 12 volt tire inflator is a more affordable option than the heavy duty tire inflator that we reviewed earlier. The Slime digital tire inflator is simple to use, and always comes in handy when you get a flat tire. Slime design and build some of the best air pumps for car tires. It includes a power cord with 4 meters of total stretch, as well as an LED night light. The Slime tire inflator also has an automatic shut off to prevent overload or over pressure damage. The Slime tire inflator is designed to minimize current draw from the battery, to avoid rapid drain on the battery. We always recommend that you run the car engine whenever the tire inflator is working just to be safe.
What we like about the Slime 40022 12 Volt Digital Tire Inflator
The Slime air pressure gauge is always mush more accurate and reliable than other brands of car tire pump. This is important for when you are stuck by the side of the road. Or even when you are in a hurry, you need to know that the tire air pressure is correct. Driving around with the incorrect tire pressure can cause unnecessary wear on the tires, and it can be unsafe. We recommend the Slime 40022 12 volt digital tire inflator as a handy car tire pump. You can keep one in the trunk, or in the garage; why not buy a tire inflator for both! The Slime 40022 is a cheap tire inflator – why not buy two.
Click here to see the price of the Slime 40022 12 Volt Digital Tire Inflator at Amazon.
6. VIAIR 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor for car tires
Whenever you need a heavy duty car air pump, it is reassuring to know that the Viair 00073 can handle the job. No matter whether you need a tire inflator for car tires, truck tires, SUV tires or bike tires, the Viair has the power to deliver. With a maximum operating pressure of 100psi, this portable tire inflator has more than enough grunt to save your day. Powerful enough to pump heavy duty truck tires and SUV vehicles, it simply plugs into the cigarette lighter socket. Because it is a heavy duty tire inflator, the instructions suggest to run the engine to prevent battery drainage. But this is simply good common sense, as 10 minutes of running a car air pump can drain any battery.
What we like about the VIAIR 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor for car tires
The best part about running the Viair heavy duty tire inflator is that it will shut off by itself. So you can simply and easily set the air pressure limit, and wait while it does the hard work. It is a high quality and portable tire inflator, weighing in at 5.8 pounds. It comes with all the accessories you need for tires, balls, pool toys and camping gear. The extension cord is longer than most, and allows a total length of 5 meters. The Viair heavy duty tire inflator is nice and quiet to run, so it won’t annoy the neighbors.
Click here to see the price of the VIAIR 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor for car tires.
7. Goodyear i8000 120 Volt Direct Drive Tire Inflator
Goodyear have developed the best air pump for car tires that runs off a dedicated 120 volt power supply. Perfect to hang on the wall in your garage or shed, this tire inflator is always close to hand. The Goodyear i8000 tire inflator is perfect for checking on your tire pressure whenever you are parked in the garage. Also good for a quick top up and pressure check for all the bike tires, and bicycle tires. The Goodyear i8000 has a good reputation for accurate pressure readings, which is very reassuring. It is always good to know that your car tires are at the correct pressure. Correct air pressure is paramount for road safety and to prolong the life of your car tires. The Goodyear i8000 portable tire inflator is also good for a variety of other jobs around the house. When the air pressure is accurate there is no risk of over inflating sports equipment or even pool toys.
What we like about the Goodyear i8000 120 Volt Direct Drive Tire Inflator
The Goodyear i8000 is made from high quality components for excellent reliability. Goodyear claims that this tire inflator is designed with Whisper soft technology. The Goodyear i8000 is claimed to a very quiet tire inflator. So if you prefer a quiet air pump for car tires, then this is the way to go!
Click here to see the price of the Goodyear i8000 120 Volt Direct Drive Tire Inflator at Amazon.
8. Lifeline AAA 300 psi 12 volt tire inflator
The Lifeline 12 volt tire inflator makes some pretty lofty claims. I have not tried one of the these small sized air pumps for car pumps for myself. Since it is a very small tire inflator, it weighs only 2 pounds. This means it is the best portable tire inflator in terms of size and weight. However, I doubt that it is capable of reaching the lofty claims of 300 psi. Still, it is not the maximum pressure that matters, rather it is the time taken to pump car tires that matters. The Lifeline 12 volt tire inflator can pump a standard car tire in less than 10 minutes. It may take a little longer for high volume truck tires and SUV tires. It draws roughly 10 amps at full power, which is a moderate current draw on the 12 volt battery.
What we like about the Lifeline AAA 300 psi 12 volt tire inflator
Without a doubt, this ultra portable tire inflator is a lifeline! The Lifeline 12 volt tire inflator is high on our list of air pump for car tires because it is the smallest and lightest tire inflator on the market. The Lifeline tire inflator can be a little slower and noisier than other models. But this is more than offset by the affordable price, and lightweight package. Perfect for topping up the pressure on car tires, SUV tires and all sorts of sports gear and camping gear. The Lifeline AAA 12 volt tire inflator is a great choice to carry as a backup air pump for car tires.
Click here to see the price of the Lifeline AAA 300 psi 12 volt tire inflator at Amazon.
Summary – Best tire inflator versus Air pump for car
At the end of the day, all of our list of tire inflator reviews are well designed car tire pumps. There is not much to set them apart. But the essential part is to have a back up in case you have a tire problem. We can’t over state how important it is to carry a portable tire inflator in case of a flat tire. A tire inflator is obviously a good idea to pump up a flat tire. An accurate tire inflator is also the best way to ensure your car tires are always at the correct running pressure.
Keep Safety in Mind!
This is important to keep you and your family safe whilst driving in the car. But having the correct tire pressure is also the best way to reduce the wear and tear on the tires. This means you always get the full distance out of your tires, and you pay less for tire replacement. Now that is a pretty good way to save money with – buy the best tire inflator for your car today!
