Many of the newer vehicles on the market today come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), but that does not mean you should go without a portable tire inflator for your car.
Optimal tire pressure can prevent a lot of unwanted problems, and save you some money too. Even without a puncture, tires can lose air, which can lead to poor fuel economy, tire wear, and a host of other issues.
Purchasing a portable air compressor for your car can ensure you get the maximum life and performance from your tires while saving you money at the pump, on tires, and for potential repairs.
Portable Air Compressors for Cars – What’s The Difference?
Just to be honest here, when it comes to determining the best portable air compressor and tire inflators there is just not a whole lot of differences between many of the top-selling units.
Some will last longer because of higher manufacturing standards, some will inflate a tire faster than others, and some will run quieter than others. It is up to you to decide what features are most important to you and go from there. Portable Reviewed will only review and list top-selling items that have good reviews because there is no need to waste your time or ours. Let’s get to it, shall we?
Top 3 Portable Air Compressors for Cars (2019 Reviews)
Schafter Cordless Tire Inflator/Air Compressor (4.8/5 Stars)
This portable air compressor/tire inflator for cars gets amazing reviews. It is a cordless unit that packs great power by using a 12V 2000mAh Lithium-Ion battery that easily snaps on and off for convenient use.
This unit has a lot of great features. It also has attachments for inflating mattresses, beach toys, toys, balls, and other various inflatables.
Other features include:
- Auto shut off
- Inflates tires in 6 minutes or less (works on small and medium-size cars and SUV’s)
- Pistol-shaped grip for easy use
- Built-in LED light for safe nighttime use
- 100% warranty
Other Product Details:
- 3.9 lbs
- 150 Psi
- 10.6 x 6.1 x 3.1 inches
- Operating noise – <95dB
- Charing time – 4 hours
This portable unit comes with very high ratings and awesome customer reviews.
Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor (4.6/5 Stars)
The 88P model by VIAIR is a portable air compressor that is small in size, yet is capable of inflating tires up to 33″ by using a direct connection to the battery with 2 terminal clamps. You can easily check tire pressure by viewing the gage located on top of the unit.
This portable air compressor is a great choice for ATV’s, SUV’s, trucks, and sedans. It also comes with a 10-foot power cord, 16-foot air hose, LED/Power Indicator, and a 3-piece inflation tip kit.
Other Product Details:
- Item Weight – 4.5 lbs
- Dimensions – 6.8 x 6.2 x 10.8 inches
- 12 VOLT – 120PSI Max Working Pressure, the engine must be running during use
- 1.47CFM Free Flow @ 0 PSI.Max. Amp Draw: 20 Amps
- Portable air compressor powered via alligator clamps directly to the battery
The VIAIR 88P model is a great choice if you need a tire inflator and/or compressor you can take on the go.
JACO SmartPro 2.0 AC/DC Digital Tire Inflator (4.6/5 Stars)
The JACO SmartPro portable air compressor for cars provides you with a reliable air supply when you need it most, and comes with both AC/DC options.
This portable tire inflator is very easy to use, and comes with smart pressure technology, meaning you simply pre-set it to your target Psi and it will automatically shut off when it reaches the desired level.
This unit is perfect for any standard car, SUV, or truck and inflates up to 65 PSI & bike tires up to 100 Psi. Its built-in digital air gauge features a bright LCD display for convenient night time use.
Other Product Features:
- Precise accuracy of +/- 1 Psi
- 30 L/minute air flow rate with inflation progress bar
- Heavy-duty 24″ air hose with durable brass twist-connect nozzle
- 10-foot DC power cord
- 120V AC power cord for power outlets
- Safety LED light features – Off, Flashing SOS, and Flashlight settings
- 100% lifetime guarantee
Other Product Details:
- 4.3 lbs
- 30 minute run time at 35 Psi, 20 minutes at 80 Psi
This is another great choice for portable air supply.
Best Portable Air Compressor for Car – Closing Thoughts
Having a reliable air supply with you at all times can truly be a lifesaver. It is shocking to think of the number of people that venture out onto the roads with a tire inflator in the trunk, especially because of the affordability of these products.
They are all compact in size, you will never even know you have one. On the flip side, if you need one and don’t have one you will MOST CERTAINLY wish you did! Don’t get stuck on the road with no access to portable air again.
If you have any questions about any of the products on this page feel free to get in touch.
Hi,
I am from Phoenix, Arizona. I will try my best to tell you what type of air compressor is best for you. many types and brands air compressor are available in the market for tires but important is which type you required mostly. there are many types like that M240 Air Armor 30 Amp inflator, M1A1 Air Armor 15 AMP inflator, MV-89G Twin Cylinder 45 Amp inflator and more. Besides, Air Armor M240 Portable 12-Volt Air Compressor is easy-to-use and can handle all your air needs with ease. Get it from online and stay prepared on the road or off-road with Air Armor.
hello
thanks for your article
i have been looking for air-compressor for my car , i think i got from your best three.
I have a quick question for you. I heard vertical tank air compressors are better than horizontal tank compressors. Is that true? My cousin was telling me they can hold more air but that doesn’t make any sense to me. I appreciate the response.