Best Portable Air Compressor For Car 2020 | Top 5 Best Portable Tire Inflators Reviewed | Buying Guide

Tires tend to get flat at the most unfortunate times. Usually, when you’re running late for an important meeting or event, the tires will decide to show you there worth. In such cases, you can’t be running around looking for help, having the best portable air compressor for a car in the trunk will save the day.

We realize that most of you aren’t experts at tools and require some guidance. Regardless of your limited knowledge, you deserve the best and that is why today we have shortlisted the best portable air compressor for car and have included a buying guide that will instruct you too.

But first, what exactly is an air compressor?

Air compressors are used to thrust pressurized air. From car tires to sports equipment all require an air compressor to blow them up. In the case of a portable air compressor, this equipment is designed to be compact so that it can be carried around. For example, you might require to pump air in toys and mattresses at home. You can take out the air compressor from the car and utilize it at home. In short, these best portable air compressor for a car listed below will get the work done no matter what it is that you intend to inflate.

Top 5 Portable Air Compressors For Car

1. EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor

EP Auto DC Portable compressor is a better product with an acceptable price when compared to other air compressors. This product is very convenient to use as it will have a plug that is direct to the cigarette lighter socket of your vehicle. It can also be used as inflating tires to your cars, Bikes, Sedans, and even SUV. This product also provides a universal valve connector that can be used for basketball/ other balls, inflatable kayak, and swimming pool accessories. But this product cannot be used for truck tires, light truck tires, and heavyweight tires.

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 8.1 x 5.6 inches
• Battery Type: AAA Batteries.
• Maximum Voltage: 12 Volts.

2. Helteko Portable Air Compressor Pump

Helteko Portable Air Compressor Pump is comparatively a better product when compared to other products. This product uses durable ABS Plastic material and also stainless steel which allows you to use the tire inflator for a longer time. This product too got the auto shut off method where the device turns off automatically when the pump reaches the desired pressure.

It also got LCD Digital Display which is used to calculate the values in PSI, BAR, KPA, KG/CM^2. This product is also very durable and quick as it can inflate a mid-sized tire in 3-5 Minutes. This pump is light-weighted and not at all large- it can be carried to different places easily.

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.4 x 4.6 inches
• Power Source: 12 Volts.
• Continuous work time: 10 Minutes.
• Product Material: ABS Plastic & Heavy Duty Metal
• Warranty period: 18 Months

3. DEWALT DCC020IB 20V Max Inflator

This product is surely one of the best products when compared to all other products as it is relatively cheaper, easy to access and durable. This product have high-pressure inflation mode with auto-shutoff mode. This also got an LED light option that provides illumination for the product. This is also much more convenient as it has an accessory storage method.

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.7 x 2.2 inches
• Maximum Power Source: 20 Volts.

4. JETHAX Air Compressor Tire Inflator

This product is a different one when compared to other products it has slightly different features. The Jethax Air Compressor works so fast as it can inflate tires under 4minutes as it got fast inflating speed and strong power. This product has also got auto shut off mode just like all other products where the machine turns off automatically when the pressure reaches the desired unit. Also, it has an Emergency LED display as it can also help us to calculate the pressure in our required units.

This product also comes with 3 extra nozzles and 1 fuse of 10 feet power which makes the compressor reach all tires easily. This product is risk-free as it got a lifetime free policy with it.

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.8 x 3.6 inches
• Auto Shutoff mode
• Emergency LED Digital display.

5. Joyroom Portable Air Compressor

This product is a way cheaper compared to other products but it has got similar features of the others. The Joyroom Portable Air Compressor has 12 Volt of maximum power and it can be plugged directly to Cigarette Lighter Socket of your vehicle. This one is easy to access and use as it got the bright display to calculate the pressure in whatever unit you want.

Also, it got an auto shut off mode just like other products and also it contains a bright LED Flashlight which will make the work easy even in the dark and avoids any dangers while using the compressor.

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 3.5 x 6.2 inches
• Maximum power and Current: 12Volts, 10 A
• Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI

Buying Guide: Portable Air Compressor For Car

Keeping your car maintained will not only increase the lifespan of your vehicles but will also give you the confidence that in case of emergencies, your car isn’t going to give up on you. The fact that you have decided to be the proud owner of the best portable air compressor for car shows your commitment towards your car.

Thou we have listed quite a few items for you, but we decided to make this guide a step ahead. We will now list some features that you can look into while buying this tool. With there being so many different models available in the market with so many distinctive features, one can quickly get confused. To eliminate this confusion, we have assembled this buying guide.

We recommend that you take your time and read through it all. You can also use this buying guide to pinpoint the exact characteristics that you are looking for and then find a product that fulfills those. After all, getting a product that satisfies your requirements is the ultimate goal here.

We have listed the features in order of operation so that its easier for you:

Air pressure

When talking about air compressors the maximum air pressure it can provide should be the first thing to look into. 

Maximum air pressure is directly related to the variety of tires that can be inflated. As you are purchasing an air compressor for your car so it is better that you double-check if the compressor will work with your car tires. If you buy a compressor impulsively without checking the maximum air pressure, it can offer and later find out that the compressor you purchased doesn’t provide the air pressure you needed then all your money and effort will be wasted. 

Maximum air pressure is measured in PSI. The maximum air pressure that portable air compressors usually provide is 120 PSI or more. Relatively speaking this amount is more than enough and will inflate any tire be it cars, trucks,s or bicycles. (The air pressure recommended for car tires is usually between 32-40 PSI)

So, remember to check the product description for the PSI level before purchasing. 

Overheating 

Right after looking at the power of the portable air compressor, we will be checking its strength. What usually happens is that portable air compressors heat up quickly. 

While manufacturers do mention the PSI, which is the maximum level of pumping the device can reach, they overlook the total time duration the air compressor can operate. With the size of portable air compressors being compact they can melt or burn on heating up, so we need to avoid that at all costs. 

Some portable air compressors come with a protection technology that stops the air compressor when it detects overheating. While some cheap models keep shutting off while operating to cool down. So for a week portable air compressor, it will take time to reach the maximum air pressure as it will be shutting down after every few minutes. 

So, you must consider this point and have a look at how long the tool can work without overheating and burning. As the recommended pressure for car tires is 32 till 40 PSI so opting for a portable air compressor with high air pressure and the low running time isn’t the right call. 

Airflow 

Another essential factor that you have to check out is the time it would take for the tire to be fully inflated. The principle here is simple: the faster your tire is inflated, the quicker you can hit the road. The goal here is to spend the least amount of time inflating the tire. 

If you opt for any of the best portable air compressors for a car listed above you will notice that as they are solely intended to be used on car tires, they offer faster pumping. With the airflow being sufficient the tires will be inflated in no time. 

As the efficiency of the tools matters so make sure to check the inflation time. Plus, it will save you time, and as we all know time is money so it’s worth saving.

Connection 

As mentioned before there are many kinds of portable air compressors available in the market. What you have to do here is select one that works best for you. 

The connection that we will be looking at is the power outlet. Some models have a connection that needs to be plugged into the car’s cigarette lighter while other portable air compressors require hooking up with the battery of the car. 

Keeping in mind your preference and then select the spec. As both power connections work fine so here the final decision should be made based on what you find easier. 

Length of Cord 

After you have established a connection with the battery of the car or the cigarette lighter then you will have to extend the cord towards each tire. If this cord, which is attached to the portable air compressor, falls short you might have to purchase a hose. 

So instead of worrying about extensions later on its better that you check if the cord is included in the kit and that is it of decent length. 

We recommend getting a cord of about 10 feet. 10 feet is ample length and you will be able to reach the tires easily. 

Usage and design

As we recommended earlier that you have to select a compressor which satisfies your requirements. So, you must consider the ease of a portable air compressor offers. For this, we will be looking at the design of the equipment. 

You need to check if the design of the air compressor makes it truly portable, is it attractive and is it comfortable to carry around.

Taking the dimensions into consideration see if you can store the air compressor conveniently. As you will storing the air compressor in the trunk of the car so you need a compressor that will not only fit in the truck but will also leave space for other things you might carry in the future. Remember that you will also have to store the cord in the trunk so take that under consideration when managing space. 

Next up you will have to check how much the air compressor weights. If it’s lightweight then it will be convenient for you to carry it around and carry it to the respective tire. We recommend that you get a portable air compressor that weighs less than 30 pounds. 

Noise 

You might have noticed that air compressors tend to make quite a noise while operating. This can be annoying for some of you so make sure to check this feature beforehand to eliminate any discomfort that it might cause you.  

Even we don’t want you to do deaf while inflating a flat tire so we did some research and found out that if the compressor produces 40 dB noise then it wouldn’t bother you. On the other hand, if the noise produced exceeds 90 dB then you are in a pickle. 

 Thou it is obvious that the compressor will make some noise but the best thing about portable air compressors is that they hardly cause any noise pollution. 

Multi-functional 

The final question that you need to ask yourself before purchasing a portable air compressor is: Can it be used for other inflating purposes?

Majority of the best portable air compressor for car mentioned above are multi-functional. So, you can pump your bicycle tires, pools, sport ball, mattresses and much more. 

So, get buying before these products run out of stock.