The Best Portable Air Compressors
No matter how you feel about your daily commute, making sure you're safe in your vehicle is key. Keeping a portable air compressor under your seat or in your glove compartment is one of the steps you can take to be prepared for obstacles on the road. If you live in an extreme climate, making sure your tires are pumped up and always ready to go will extend the life of both your tires and your vehicle. A compressor will also make fast work of blowing up inflatable kayaks, tubes, air mattresses, and much more. From our research, the best portable air compressors are compact, sturdy, and come with a variety of attachments for different situations. Our first pick is the VacLife Portable Air Compressor, a small tool made to work hard. This portable air compressor is quiet and stays in place while in use. For an option that comes with a few more accessories, we've chosen the Gspscn Heavy Duty Tire Inflator. This air compressor comes with an extension hose, battery clamps, and so many other items to assist you. Keep reading to discover the best portable air compressor for your needs.
AstroAI Portable Air Compressor
With this portable air compressor from AstroAI, you’ll never run out of air again. Plug it into the cigarette lighter in your vehicle to turn on the digital LED display. Then, set your preferred tire pressure, connect the valve, and watch it go to work. As a bonus, this air compressor has a flashlight for late nights and extra nozzles of various sizes. Being prepared for the worst never looked better.
Pros:
- If you don’t have a cigarette lighter in your vehicle, you can buy a wall adaptor separately so you can still use this air compressor.
- Use the additional nozzles to blow up all kinds of things including balls, inflatable tubes, bicycle and motorcycle tires, and inflatable kayaks. Spend less time pumping up pool toys and outdoor equipment by hand and more time having fun.
Cons:
- The portable air compressor can only be used for 15 minutes at a time to avoid overheating.
EPAuto 12VDC Portable Air Compressor Pump
Quality for less
With a digital pressure display, interchangeable nozzles, a 12 VDC cigarette lighter plug, and a flashlight, this portable air compressor has it all. Set your desired pressure and watch as your item inflates, shutting off when it’s done to avoid overinflation. Keep this handy appliance in your vehicle to use in case of emergency or to blow up inner tubes for a trip to the beach.
Pros:
- The power cord is long enough to reach from your tires to the cigarette lighter in your car. The cord winds up neatly under the air compressor to make it easy to store in the included carry case.
- A valve stem adaptor is included to use when pumping up your tires. This means you can set the pressure, screw on the valve, and get other tasks done while you wait for your tires to inflate.
Cons:
- This portable air compressor isn’t powerful enough to inflate big truck tires.
VacLife Portable Air Compressor
Let it glow
Both practical and compact, this portable air compressor from VacLife is small enough to fit under your car seat or even in your glove compartment. While your lifestyle may not call for an air compressor most days of the week, it’s always nice to know you’re prepared for whatever you may meet on the road. The bright LED light cuts through the darkness to brighten up even the darkest of nights.
Pros:
- The multipurpose nozzle can also easily deflate anything that has too much air. This feature makes deflating larger items safer and more efficient.
- This portable air compressor may be small but its design is very sturdy. It stays put while inflating and is very quiet, both signs of a high-quality machine.
Cons:
- The air compressor doesn’t come with a storage bag or case.
Craftsman Air Compressor with Accessory Kit
Small air compressors have their time and place, but sometimes you just need something a little more heavy-duty. This traditional air compressor from Craftsman works as a portable option since it holds up to six gallons of air at once. This oil-free design is easy to maintain and quiet while in use, plus it even works smoothly in cold temperatures.
Pros:
- This air compressor can inflate up to 150 PSI and has a quick recovery time, so you won’t have to worry about it overheating. Fill up the tires on your van, truck, or recreational vehicle with ease.
- In addition to inflating tires, this air compressor can also be used for home renovation. Attach it to your brad nailer or pneumatic staple gun to save time on your next project.
Cons:
- This is less affordable than other air compressors on the market.
Gspscn Heavy Duty Tire Inflator with Portable Bag
Ready, set, inflate
Small and sturdy, this portable air compressor is always ready to help when you need it. This set comes with an extension hose that attaches to the main valve, extra adaptors and fuse, battery clamps, cables, and a carry case to keep it all together. The metal handle makes it easy to carry around this compressor and the pressure dial provides an accurate display every time. Designed for vehicles large and small, this portable air compressor has got you covered.
Pros:
- When you drive on the beach or go four-wheeling, it’s necessary to deflate your tires a little to work better on uneven surfaces. This air compressor can inflate and deflate tires quickly to save you time on the road.
- The air compressor can be plugged into your cigarette lighter or attached to your vehicle’s battery using the included adaptor and battery clamps. Some newer vehicles don’t have a cigarette lighter so this is a great alternative option.
Cons:
- It works more slowly than other air compressors to pump up large tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my tire pressure?
You should check at least once a month, depending on the temperatures in your area and how much you drive regularly. If you have been experiencing extreme high and low temperatures or you have been on several long road trips recently, you should do more regular checks.
How do I know what my tire pressure should be?
When you open your vehicle door, there should be a sticker on the inside of the door with the recommended tire pressure for your tires. The volume is measured in psi, or pounds per square inch. It will vary depending on the size and design of your vehicle. If you’ve made customizations to your vehicle and switched to a different tire size, please make sure you check with a professional for the updated tire pressure as it may differ from the original amount.
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