Portable Air Compressor Tire Inflator

Portable Air Compressor Tire Inflator Provides Air When You Need It!

 

Introduction

Portable air compressor tire inflator can inflate a standard car tire in seconds. Just plug it into the 12V power outlet in your car and attach stem to tire valve. Air gets pumped into the tire to bring it to its proper air pressure level. When the proper PSI pressure is reached, the unit will automatically shut-off. So, you don’t have to worry about over inflating the tire.

These tire inflators can come in handy when you are traveling and experience low tire pressure and you are not close to a gas station. To use the tire inflator you place the end of the inflator into the car’s cigarette lighter. Some models may require the engine be running to use the tire inflator.

In the US alone, there are over 220 million flat tires a year. That is one every 7 seconds. You will never know when you will become the next statistic. Having a portable tile inflator will come to your rescue.

You may be asking yourself which tire inflator I should have in the trunk. This article will provide you with some of the top rated tire inflators and you can choose which one is best for your situation. The models on our list will be rated 4 stars and above.

Now, if the job of inflating a tire should come during the night, look for inflators that come with an LED light to help light the way in these low lighting conditions.

Be sure to read the manufactures instructions so you know the amount of time the unit can run continuously. In most cases, they are limited between 6 to 10 minutes depending upon the model purchased. If you run the unit beyond the maximum time, it can burn out the inflator. This is what you want to avoid. Especially, if you are out in the boonies somewhere trying to put air in a flat tire at night.

The Benefits of a Tire Inflator

The main benefit of a tire inflator is to ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the correct pressure (PSI). You can go to the nearest gas station and drop in a few quarters into their air vending machine. Manufacturers of tires recommend that when you measure the tire pressure that it is done when they are cold or have been driven less than 4 miles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in their report DOT HS 811 086, dated April, 2009, they state “about 28% of all vehicles on our nation’s roadways run with at least one under-inflated tire.”

A portable tire inflator will come in handy to ensure all tires are properly inflated when you are on the go. This is great when you are not near a gas station. On the driver’s side of the door shows the proper PSI tire pressure for all tires. Use a tire gauge to measure the tire pressure. Any tire that is low, you can inflate using the portable tire inflator.

One of the most important benefits is they are a time saver and easy to use. You don’t have to bring the car to a car shop, gas station, or dealership for air. You have your own tire inflator wherever you go. These units are also safe to use.

The Importance of Proper Tire Inflation

Most drivers may not be aware of the issues they face with under inflated tires. Low tire pressure effects the braking distances and provides less responsive steering and handling. This may be dangerous if you need to avoid a collision or make a sudden emergency stop.

Low tire pressure can lead the sidewalls to flex excessively which generates heat. Moderate heat can accelerate tire tread wear, but excessive heat can lead to loss of tread segments and even blowouts.

You also get reduced fuel economy and they wear more rapidly. Which means you will be replacing the tires sooner than with properly inflated tires.

Tires that are over inflated are not as serious. They can withstand pressures that exceed the recommended amount for normal driving. However, if they are constantly over inflated they can cause tread wear in the center of the tread. Ultimately, they will need to be replaced sooner than if they were properly inflated.

As we mentioned before, the proper tire pressure is located on the driver’s side of the door. Be sure to note the proper tire pressure for all tires. Some models require more pressure on the rear tires than the front. Just take note of the difference.

What To Do In Extreme Cold Weather

The big question is will my tire inflator work in very cold temperatures? Yes, but limited as it may take longer to inflate to the proper pressure.

Note this: Tire pressure drops approximately 1 to 2 pounds per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit the temperature drops. If your car is outside, take notice of the tires before you go off to work or drop off kids at school.

The lowest PSI that you can drive on is 20 PSI. Anything under this is considered a flat tire.

In the winter, you may want to consider increasing the tire pressure by 3 – 5 PSI. This will increase tire stability and offset the reduction in responsiveness.

During the winter season, you should increase the times you check the tire pressure in the tires. It is easy to forget to do this and can experience a flat tire or a tire that has low tire pressure.