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Update January 2022 – This Review and Buying Guide has been updated to incorporate the latest tyre air compressors to ensure you’re up to date with the best offerings.
Properly and correctly inflated and maintained tyres are an essential part of your car and are integral to the way the car handles, brakes and steers. Aside from those key safety concerns, incorrectly inflated tyres can result in a huge increase in fuel consumption.
We take a look at the best portable and mini air compressors to keep your tyres performing at their best.
What Is The Best Air Compressor Tyre Inflator?
Are you struggling for time and would like a brief overview of our best picks? No problem.
1. AA 12V Digital Tyre Inflator AA5502
The AA 12v digitial tyre inflator boasts an impressive feature list and delivers great results. It’s extremely easy and convenient to use, featuring a 3m power cable and a 52cm air hose. The AA5502 displays PSI, BAR and KPA to a maximum of 120 PSI or 8.3 BAR or 827 KPA.
A real useful feature and nice touch is the inclusion of an LED lamp, this is great when inflating tyres or other items in low light conditions. Included in the package are a host of different adapters to enable the inflation of items such as airbeds, footballs, paddling pools, bicycle tyres etc.
The dimensions of the AA5502 are 197 x 67 x 159mm and it weighs a mere 800g which means it’s lightweight and easy to store, perfect for keeping in your car’s boot.
The key featues of the AA 12V digital tyre inflator AA5502 are;
- Easy to use
- Suitable for cars and motorbikes
- Maximum pressure of 120PSI
- LED light: Light, Flash and SOS functions
- 3m power cord
2. Ring 12v Preset Digital Air Compressor RAC 635
The highly acclaimed Ring 635 has won awards in 2014 and 2016 for the best buy tyre inflator. It’s easy to see why with impressive features such as it’s simple auto stop feature allows you to pre-set the pressure you need, and it will automatically stop inflating once that pressure is reached.
It also features an LED light with three settings (bright white to illuminate, flashing white for attention and flashing red for SOS), three piece valve set for bikes and balls, and case for tidy storage.
It produces a maximum pressure of 100 psi and it’s dimensions are 17.2 x 20 x 9.8 cm, weighing 1.06kg.
The key features of the Ring 12v Digital Air Compressor RAC 635 are;
- Multi Award Winning
- Maximum 100psi pressure
- Supplied in handy carry case
- Easy to use
- LED light included
3. P.I. Auto Store Tyre Pump – 240v Car Tyre Inflator (Mains) or 12V DC Tyre Compressor
The P.I Auto Store tyre pump is an impressive bit of kit. It boasts a new design which unlike similar designs, is installed with 2 motors, which gives an improvement in reliability and reduction in weight and size. Quieter motor technology can inflate a mid-sized tyre from 0-30 Psi in 4 minutes and inflate to a maximum of 100 Psi using the clear, accurate and reliable pressure display dial gauge.
It’s extremely verastile too, which the option to power it from either a 12 volt DC cigarette lighter outlet OR 240 V AC mains supply. Pumps tyres on all automotive vehicles including car , RV , SUV , ATV , motorcycle bike and also sports equipment and inflatables using the adapters provided. Presta valve adaptor for bicycles included.
The P.I Auto store tyre pump has been designed with longevity in mind and sports a rugged, compact heavy duty housing manufactured from tough thermoplastic with integrated large handle grip and rubber feet for stability. Premium quality braided air hose is fitted with tyre valve snap on quick connector. Storage and Carry case are included too for easy storage.
Amongst it’s many features, perhaps one of the most useful is it’s huge reach 11.8ft (3.6M) with 12V cable. The AC cable can be plugged into any AC extension lead (15A rated) to give even more reach. Storage for your cables and adapters is integrated into the housing.
The key features of the P.I Auto Store Tyre Pump are;
- Rugged and compact design
- Impressive dual motor system
- 240v or 12v option
- 3.6m 12v cable
- Maximum of 100psi
4. Ring Automotive RAC601 Digital Tyre Inflator
The Ring RAC601 digital tyre inflator boats some impressive features. It can inflate a 13” tyre from flat to 35PSI in under 4.5 minutes, making tyre care quick and easy. It’s accurate and easy to use, inflation is easy thanks to the Auto stop feature. Simply set the pressure you need, press start and the RAC601 Inflator will automatically stop at the correct pressure.
It’s versatile and adaptable with it’s multi use function which make it ideal for cars, motorcycles, bikes, caravans, lawn mowers etc. Included is a 2 piece adaptor set to use with balls and other inflatables. Powered directly from in-car 12V socket.
Designed for easy use, and simple to use, with long power cable and air hose to reach all around the vehicle, backlit digital screen to clearly show results and a choice of units: psi, KPA or bar.
The key features of the Ring Automotive RAC601 Digital tyre inflator are;
- 2.9m cable length
- LED light included
- Small and lightweight
- Easy to use
5. WindGallop Digital Car Tyre Inflator
Easy to use, with an impressive LCD display, the Windgallop digital tyre inflator delivers great results. It’s extremely easy to use – just plug this auto tyre inflator into the 12V power outlet in your car and attach the hose to the tyre you want to inflate.
There’s a clear digital display for the current PSI and also a mode switch to toggle between different units of measurement(bar, Kpa, psi, Kg/cm 2). It will automatically turn off when reaching the pressure value you preset.
The Windgallop features a 3000±100mm (10.1 Ft) power cord and 500±20mm (1.7 Ft) air hose long enough to reach each tyre comfortably. With a bright LED light, it can easily be used at night time in the dark. There’s also an SOS alert mode.
The key features of the Windgallop Digital Car Tyre Inflator are;
- Maximum pressure of 100psi
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to use
- LED light
- Includes 3 adapters
- Displays 4 different pressure units
6. Ring Automotive RTC300
The Ring automotive RTC300 can inflate a tyre in just 3.5 minutes, impresive stuff. It features a digital screen which measures pressures in PSI, BAR and kPA.
The flexible air hose with easy access storage compartment has been specifically designed to reduce kinks, always a bonus. With a large on/off button, the RTC300 is extremely user friendly and easy to use. One press to start the operation, one press to stop it.
The key features of the Ring Automotive RTC300 are;
- Integrated Storage
- Easy to use
- Backlit digital screen
- Storage area for valve cap
7. OneAmg Tyre Inflator Air Compressor
The OneAmg tyre inflator comes with a 9.18ft (2.8 meters) long power cord and inflatable adapters (3 additional nozzles), convenient connecting to front and rear wheels. It’s extremely versatile and is suitable for use on cars, some small trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, inflatable boats, sports balls, air mattress and other inflatables.
It can inflate a tyre in 3-5 minutes depending on size. Featuring an impressive LED light, it allows you to work with it in the darkness to avoid any potential dangers during operation.
It has an auto off features which will automatically turn the unit off when the tire inflator reaches the desired pressure.
The key features of the OneAmg Tyre Inflator Air Compressor are;
- Multi Purpose use
- Easy to store
- 3.3m cord length
- LED light
- Auto shut off
- Easy to use
- Impressive maximum pressure of 150psi
8. VonHaus 12v Car Tyre Inflator with Digital Pressure Gauge
Powered a rechargeable 12V 1500mAh Lithium Ion battery, the VonHaus 12v car tyre inflator is a serious bit of kit. The rechargeable battery easily snaps on and off to allow for recharging and ease of use. Included in the package is a car adapter to use in the car when your inflator battery is running low.
It has an LCD digital pressure gauge display with pre-set and auto-stop features which allows you to set your desired pressure and will automatically stop when that pressure has been reached.
A powerful built in LED light is extremely useful for when inflating in the dark.
Impressively, the VonHaur tyre inflator comes with a 2 year manufacturer warranty for added peace of mind.
The key features of the VonHaus 12v Car Tyre Inflator are;
- Easy to hold and handle
- Rechargeable battery for extreme convenience and ease of use
- Bright LED light
- Automatic shut off
- Impressive 2 year manufacturer warranty
9. Oasser Air Compressor Tyre Inflator
The Oasser air compressor tyre inflator features an impressive 2200mAh lithium battery. Suppled with a USB charging cable, it takes approximately 4 hours to fully charge the battery.
It also features a 1.5 inches digital LCD display showing target pressure; 4 switchable units: PSI / KPA / BAR/ KG/CM²; and it’ll automatically stop working when desired (preset) pressure is reached.
An LED light provides the ability to work in the dark with the inflator.
The key features of the Oasser air compressor tyre inflator are;
- 2200mAh lithium battery
- USB charging with cable included
- Max pressure of 120psi
- LED light
- Constructed with a strong, aluminium case
10. Sunvook Tyre Inflator
The Sunvook tyre inflator sports an impressive large touchscreen. Simply plug it into the 12V power outlet in your car and attach the hose to the tyre you want to inflate. There’s a clear digital display for the current PSI and also a mode button to toggle between different units of measurement(bar, Kpa, psi, Kg/cm 2). Auto stop technology will automatically turn off when reaching the pressure value you preset.
It has a 3000mm (9.85 Ft) power cord and 600mm (1.97 Ft) air hose long enough to reach each tyre comfortably.
The key features of the Sunvook tyre inflator are;
- Large touchscreen display
- LED light
- Multi purpose
- Compact design
- Easy to use
- Maximum pressure of 150psi
How Do Tyre Inflators Work?
Most tyre inflators are 12v and powered your car’s cigarette / 12v socket. They are small and compact in comparison to a full size air compressor, allowing them to be kept in the boot of your car and used in the event of an emergency.
Tyre inflators will vary in quality and specifications, some will be more powerful than others, some will inflate tyres much faster etc. The power of a tyre inflator is measured how much PSI (Pound per square inch)it can produce. Some inflators may produce a maximum of 80psi, some may produce up to 120psi.
Inside a tyre inflator is an air compressor, powered the 12v power source from your car. The air compressor generates the air which is pumped into your tyre at high pressure.
What Are The Benefits Of An Air Compressor / Tyre Inflator?
Save Money on Fuel – A tyre inflator allows you to keep your tyres set at the correct pressures at all times. If your car tyres are under inflated, this will case a significant increase in fuel consumption as the car is having to work harder to pull the car along.
Save Money on New Tyres and Tyres Last Longer – Incorrectly inflated tyres, whether it be over inflated or under inflated, car massively reduce the lifespan of the tyre. Incorrect inflation will lead to uneven tyre wear and could result in tyres having to be replaced much sooner than expected. Keeping your tyres at the correct pressure via the use of a tyre inflator will ensure that the tyres last as long as possible, saving you cash in the process.
Safety on The Road – Safety whilst driving on the road is of paramount importance and car tyres are integral to that. Incorrectly inflated tyres can be extremely dangerous as they severely impact on steering, braking, accelerating etc.
MOT Test – Your car could fail an MOT test if any of your tyres are under inflated, or have signs of uneven wear due to incorrect inflation.
How Do I Find The Correct Tyre Pressures For My Car?
You can find the correct tyre pressures for your car in either the owner’s manual, an information sticker on the driver or passenger door or inside the fuel filler cap. All car manufacturers place their tyre pressure stickers in different locations but generally speaking, it’ll be in one the aforementioned places.
Pay close attention to the information on the sticker and make sure you’re choosing the correct pressures. All cars will show a few different options for pressures which is dependant on the wheels that the car came with from the factory and also how many passengers and luggage you have on board.
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