Electric tire inflator for emergencies worth keeping in the car?
Posted by qsalesmanscornful@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 101 comments
hey all,
im thinking of getting one of those small electric tire inflators to just keep in my trunk in case of emergencies
i dont really know if theyre actually useful or just one of those things you buy and never use though
mainly just want something that can:
- handle a normal flat or low tire
- not take forever to inflate
- be reliable if i havent used it in a while
not looking for anything crazy expensive, just something solid for peace of mind
do you guys keep one in your car? has it actually saved you at some point or nah?
el-conquistador240@reddit
Yes and a small fire extinguisher
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
haha yeah true… maybe add a fire extinguisher too just in case
oceanView229@reddit
I think a battery jump starter of more use.
NothingLift@reddit
You can get jump starter compressor combos
FirehawkLS1@reddit
I have a combo. It's really nice to have. I've jumped a few cars since I had it. I jump started a guys Cummins without any issues and the compressor is pretty decent.
squirrel9000@reddit
Though they don't like cold and can't be left in the car in the situations where they are most likely needed.
Dredgeon@reddit
Batteries designed for this purpose work fine. My cheap one I picked up stayed charged all winter in my spare tire kit.
squirrel9000@reddit
Interesting. Mine has a thermal cutout and refuses to work below about -30, which is exactly when the main needs some help. Especially with Ford's big block heater recall which got my Focus. I'll look around a bit closer.
oceanView229@reddit
I live in New England and they work fine in cold weather. Have not had a problem. Have used mine a few times at work. One with a compressor is a bonus. I cannot remember last time I got an actual flat tire when I was out.
ozaudi@reddit
No battery like extreme temperatures.
However it's significantly simpler to warmup a lithium jump starter than a 12v cranking battery
squirrel9000@reddit
Yeah, or toss it in your backpack or whatever, which is what I do.
Maleficent_Call_9263@reddit
My battery jumper has an air compressor. It's slow though. I can't imagine any of the small ones are quick.
Anussauce@reddit
Have saved a few stranded strangers with this device.
FourCats44@reddit
I did have one it broke when I needed it 😂
It depends. If you have a puncture, an inflator is going to give very short-lived results (the air will leave straight back out the puncture hole).
It might give you long enough to limp very slowly to a garage around the corner - though you shouldn't drive on a flat as it is very dangerous.
I'd recommend keeping a tyre patch kit alongside it but it depends on your vehicle how feasible patching a hole is (can you do it without jacking the car for example).
FirehawkLS1@reddit
Tire patch kit definitely helps depending on where tire is punctured. On my old car I carry a spare fuel pump, spare starter, spare alternator too. I do preventative maintenance but older cars it doesn't hurt plus you always have a spare. Also mechanic tool set is in both of my cars along with coolant and oil jugs. Also jack stands and a decent jack.
HexedShadowWolf@reddit
I can't imagine what its like driving around with a store's entire automotive department in the trunk
FirehawkLS1@reddit
It's probably overkill but I do a lot of road trips. It's peace of mind. I have a bin in my trunk that keeps everything neatly together and secured.
KeeganY_SR-UVB76@reddit
Most old cars have the space for it under the floor.
Dry-Influence9@reddit
Let me highlight this for the ones in the back, driving on a flat tire is a nice way to convert a $15 patch job into a $200-300 tire replacement + $600-1000 wheel replacement.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
so basically just a temporary fix then? do you think it’s worth keeping if i also grab a patch kit?
Bibliophage007@reddit
A tire plug, if installed correctly, can last as long as the tire. That is, ream the hole, thread a plug through the 'needle' tool, coat liberally with rubber cement (fills gaps, lubricates for insertion, and then hardens with flexibility), and force into the hole. Once in, twist halfway, then pull the needle out. Trim the ends of the plug with a knife. (A cheap multi-tool can work if you keep it by the spare tire). You'll want an inflator pressure gauge as well.
You can't actually do a 'patch' without dismounting the tire - the flat patches have to be installed against the inside of the hole, with the air pressure helping to hold it in place. The plugs, you can install just with jacking up the car (although I usually take the wheel off of the car and do it free standing; it's easier to line up the tools)
IAteTonysLoMein@reddit
This was what the Volvo I had came with instead of a spare, but slightly worse - a tire inflator that plugged into the lighter socket, and a can of fix a flat.
FourCats44@reddit
As a temporary fix - along with a patch kit - definitely a worthwhile investment if you do a lot of driving.
IAteTonysLoMein@reddit
I had one in my car, which was perfect at the time, as I managed to get a nail in the same tire 4 different times. All but one caused a very slow leak. I also took a magnet to the driveway, but apparently by then I had managed to pick up all the old roofing nails...with my tire
Battle_Intense@reddit
40 psi on a slow leak will keep you above 15 psi for days...
TiFist@reddit
They're handy, but don't skimp too much on quality. Let them cool down as directed. Topping off air in one tire is no big deal, but running it for extended periods and it can overheat.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
how long do you usually run it before giving it a break?
Aggressive_Guest1758@reddit
The one I have says 15 mins continuous use followed by 5 min break. I use it for maintaining tire pressure so I don't have to wait for an air pump at the gas station and pay the fee. Its been stowed under my passenger seat for the past 5 years.
WoollyMammothwapo@reddit
thats why I got one too - I got a low tire pressure alarm and it was so easy to fill up the one, and check the other three in my own driveway.
I think it was about $50 and uses a usb cord to charge up,battery every so often.
Aggressive_Guest1758@reddit
Yeah they're very convenient, and now that I think about it, I've used it to fill up an air mattress while camping, 'pool floats' at my uncle's and sports equipment. Well worth the purchase.
Poundingthepita@reddit
What brand and model please.
Bibliophage007@reddit
The one I have I bought at wal-mart 25 years ago, and is a campbell hausfield. Still works fine, but I think that brand name has circulated around to various other companies since then - including Harbor Freight. Frankly, unless you burn it out, just about any of the cheap ones will work. Mine stays next to the emergency spare, with my tire plug kit, rubber cement, 20 foot jumper cables, and extension lug wrench.
Aggressive_Guest1758@reddit
I got ya in the morning
NetDork@reddit
I got one from ViaAir (sp?) many years ago and it still works so well that when I need to add air to my tires at home I don't bother getting my "real" compressor out of the garage.
Altruistic-Rip4364@reddit
I carry a battery pack (with a crappy compressor built in) fix a flat, and tire patch kit. I need to get a fire extinguisher. I always have basic hand tools and a couple flashlights. Winter includes blankets, hat and gloves. Always have a few old towels. No wonder my gas mileage sucks. lol.
AlabamaPanda777@reddit
I've burned through a few of the car plug in ones... Seemed they all worked once or twice then quit... I didn't know about the minutes on, minutes off part, but it's not like I ever wanted to fill 4 tires from flat or anything.
I got a Makita 18v one, uses the power tool batteries, and it's gone strong for a while. Used to have a tire that would leak weekly, that kept it going. And since we seem to need yearly top ups when the weather changes, it's nice to have. It's supposed to be 5 minutes off, 5 minutes on... Never needed to run it longer, though I don't have a truck.
I imagine whatever powertool brand you fancy also has their own, and it's also a slice above one that plugs into the car. They aren't cheap, though
oldfartjr@reddit
If you can find one, a 12 volt compressor that came with the Fiat 500s fits under the front seat, is fairly quick, and contains a small can of sealant.
UncleSlayton77@reddit
It depends on what type you get. One of those multi-use battery packs that have a tiny inflator, a 12V socket, a 120VAC outlet... are nice to have for lots of reasons, but NOT inflating a tire. Get a dedicated 12VDC air compressor with clips to wire directly to the car's battery. And a tire repair kit, fire extinguisher, tow strap, REAL first aid kit (not one that has just some Band-Aids and alcohol wipes), road flares, jet lighter, waterproof strike anywhere matches (plus other firr-starting tools), a space blanket, and a set of decent quality tools (not Harbor Freight specials). If you're in a cold climate in winter add a wool blanket and good sleeping bag. A CCW permit and the tool for it also if you can.
Expert-Masterpiece70@reddit
I've used them over the years when I pull out whatever is in there like a nail and plug it because it seals it from the inside
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
Ah ok, so you just patch and inflate, easy enough… does it hold well over long drives tho?
Bibliophage007@reddit
Prior to the 1980's, tire plugs were all that were used. Some were self-vulcanizing - you lit them on fire before sticking them into the tire. Even the fiber ones now work fine if you use rubber cement to make sure that the gaps are well filled. I've had only one plug that had to be redone in the last 25 years, and that second plug lasted until the car died.
cfbluvr@reddit
I have an enormous air compressor that I keep in the bed of my truck
But that’s because i offroad weekly and need to air down and up haha
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
do you ever run out of air doing that offroad stuff? Seems like it’d get used a lot
Bibliophage007@reddit
I suspect they have a gasoline powered air compressor, so they'd only run out of air if they ran out of gas.
cfbluvr@reddit
wdym run out of air
Bibliophage007@reddit
What I've had in my car for 25+ years is a small inflator, a tire plug kit (T-handle, not screwdriver style, and real rubber cement), and an extension/extendable lug wrench. One of the big 1/2' breaker bars from Harbor Freight will do it, plus buying a separate socket for it.
I've lost track of how many times that inflator and plug kit has gotten me back on the road.
ShookMyHeadAndSmiled@reddit
Mine died after years of use. My new one is even better. Car tires aren't the only thing they inflate.
Upstairs-Object-6683@reddit
I have a Campbell Hausfeld 12-volt air compressor that I bought at Walmart years ago. I carry it, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, a quart of motor oil and a small bottle of brake fluid.
The air compressor will keep you going if you have a slow leak. If you have a large leak it’s time for the jack and spare tire.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
so it’s mostly for slow leaks then? ever had it actually save you on the road?
Upstairs-Object-6683@reddit
I have used it several times at home when I came out and a tire was flat or very low. It kept the tire inflated until I could get the car to a garage I trusted. Sometimes that meant a slow leak somewhere, or the air had leaked through the stem and re-filling it took care of the problem. My two 12-v air compressors have saved me a lot of tire changes.
Most of the time if a tire goes flat at highway speed it’s a rapid leak and the tire is ruined. It’s then time for the spare. Space-saver spares are wretched tires so I hope I can get to my current tire shop ASAP.
akhimovy@reddit
Better with one that also serves as a jump pack. I have one, tried that functionality on my sister's car. Easy and quick to use. And after two jump starts the battery was down by 1/3 only.
The main issue is that these things can be of low quality. I didn't buy the cheapest, far from it, but I had to do two warranty replacements before I got a unit that doesn't self-destruct.
skibbin@reddit
I have one and use it to do my tire pressures monthly. I keep it in the car too and it has helped when I had a flat. I ran over a penknife close to my destination and when I parked up I could hear the air leaking from my tire. I was able to use the electric inflator to add enough air in to last the 5 mile drive home. I mostly do short drives and many punctures aren't instant.
Do-it-with-Adam@reddit
if you have any battery tools, check if they have a battery tire inflator.
I have a lot of 20v craftsmen tools and ended up buying their batter powered tire inflator. I already kept some of the batteries in my work truck so it made sense. i've had it for over a year and only used it on my truck once, but it seems like I have a coworker asking for an air check once every 2 weeks.
_Fucksquatch_@reddit
I bought a tire inflator/battery jumper combo from Costco for 100ish bucks. Damn tire pump blew up the first time I used it. If you're gonna get one, check reviews and don't cheap out.
SnooMachines5117@reddit
Maybe a bit bigger than what you’re asking for, but I like the makita portable inflator pumps I’ve bought- they run off the makita power tool batteries and actually pump pretty fast/have a long lifespan for what can be done on a single battery’s charge.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
never thought of that… do they fit all the battery types or just certain ones?
SnooMachines5117@reddit
Yeah, it’s team blue. You have to use team blue batteries.
Additional_Tea_5296@reddit
Might as well carry a decent hand pump, I've bought those inflaters and none of them work for long. I wouldn't want to rely on one for emergencies.
prettybeach2019@reddit
Need to charge it every.month even if you dont use it
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
ohh really? does it hold charge well over time?
3Green1974@reddit
It depends, do you have run flat tires or regular ones? If they’re run flats, you probably don’t have a spare. I do have run flats and don’t have a spare. Found that out the hard, and expensive, way. So if you don’t have a spare, the only person they may help is someone you stop to help. If you have regular tires, spare or no spare, it could be cheap insurance. If you pick up a nail, they could keep you on the road until you can get to a place to fix it.
And if you do get one, what does it matter if it takes a few minutes to inflate a tire versus a minute? You’re still able to get back on the road. Not that this is representative of all of them, but I bought a combo battery bank/jump starter/air pump to keep in my weekend car. I finally had a chance to use the pump 2 years after I got it and it worked fine. It wasn’t the fastest, but it did the job.
Consistent-Buyer7060@reddit
It depends on where you are. For me it isn’t since 99,9% of places I drive I can get help within an hour. I have had one flat tire in the last 30 years.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
But maybe it’s still nice to keep one just in case
FirehawkLS1@reddit
Absolutely worth it along with battery jump pack, and a fire extinguisher. I have all those in my antique car and my daily.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
that’s a full kit! Antique car and daily? Do you really need all three everywhere you go?
BoisterousBanquet@reddit
They're great, I carry one. Take a cue from the off-road guys who use them all the time and don't want to sit on the side of the trail for half an hour before they can get back on the highway - get one that hooks directly to the battery. Harbor Freight has a decent one that flows like 3 CFM under the Maddox brand. I have a Viair one that's similar. It can fill an SUV/light truck tire from basically flat to set pressure in like 2 minutes. The little battery powered or 12v adapter powered ones aren't really worth it.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
2 mins flat for an SUV? That’s crazy fast! So those little 12v ones are really kinda meh?
macman7500@reddit
Tire inflator is good but don't buy a super cheap one
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
Yeah true, got any recommendations for a decent mid-range one? Just wanna avoid the junk
Bagomostlywater@reddit
Yes it’s worth it. I carry tire plugs and an inflator and the last 3 of 4 flats I was able to repair the flat without even removing the tire and kept on going. Way faster and less work than changing to a spare. One flat was a side wall hole and couldn’t be repaired.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
that’s awesome! So you never had a problem using the plugs with the inflator?
Bagomostlywater@reddit
No but sometimes I have trouble removing the nail/screw so I also carry pliers. But yeah it’s awesome to be able to fix the tire in 5 minutes.
AgreeableCommission7@reddit
I used one regularly as its a constant struggle to find a working air station and it has eliminated that. Just remember you get what you pay for so dont go cheap.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
did you notice a big difference between cheap vs better ones?
RemoteVersion838@reddit
It can be useful for home use more than anything but I still keep one in the car when I take a trip.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
yeah gotcha, do they last long in the trunk if unused?
RemoteVersion838@reddit
no reason for them to go bad, they don't have batteries.
Tron_35@reddit
I do, got one from Costco. Ive never needed it, but my freind also keeps one in his car and he did kind of need it a few months ago. His tire went flat, it was cold, so we assumed it was just because of the cold, everyone had low tire pressure that day, so he gets his inflator and tops it off, good as new, except it wasn't because of the cold, turns out he actually had a leak. So it kinda came in handy but also not for that situation.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
that’s kinda funny… did your friend learn to check for leaks first or just wing it? 😅
Tron_35@reddit
Just winged it. He's not really a car guy.
Fi2eak@reddit
I have one that's also a jump pack and can also be used as portable power supply. I've used it mostly as a power supply to charge stuff during picnics, but I like option to be able to jump a car or inflate a tire when needed.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
so it’s more like a multipurpose thing??
FirehawkLS1@reddit
Yes it can be.
Expert-Masterpiece70@reddit
Wise investment, I also keep 2 cans of Fix-a-Flat and a Plug Kit.
Expert-Masterpiece70@reddit
Also a Fire Extinguisher and a Jump Pack and Jumper Cables too. My insurance company gave me a checklist which was very helpful
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
that’s like fully loaded
Expert-Masterpiece70@reddit
I was a volunteer fireman and emt so it's standard protocol. Also a full med kit, lights and flares, etc
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
Ok cool, do u actually use the fix-a-flat or just keep it in case? I wonder if it makes a big difference
Pitiful_Hedgehog6343@reddit
I have a patch kit, inflator, can of fix-a-flat, plus emergency kit with flares, rain poncho, traffic triangle, etc.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
ever had to actually use all that stuff or just feels safer knowing it’s there?
AlphaDisconnect@reddit
All in one jump pack, inflator, usb charge, bonus 120v plug. Covers pretty much everything. Tire patch kit.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
lead acid holds up ok if it sits unused for a while?
Chair_luger@reddit
Most cars have tire pressure monitoring systems now which will alert you when you have a slow leak so that you have time to get to a gas station or tire store to get it fixed before it is flat.
I also have a spare tire in both of our cars.
I don't carry a compressor in my car because I do not see any likely use for it.
Be aware that many of the cheap small ones may only have a run time of about 10 to 15 minutes before you need to stop and let it cool down. That makes them pretty useless for inflating a car tire which was very low.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
so basically just good for topping off but not full flat?
Infinite-Past7640@reddit
My gf just got a Hyundai Tucson hybrid. No spare tire, electric pump and that can of sht that fills your tire with that yellow gunk.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
does that actually work tho? I feel like I’d panic if I had to use it lol
stepstool84@reddit
If i had one, it would be the Milwaukee one or one from Vevor. I normally keep a cordless impact and bottle jack as well in my car, just in case.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
curious, have you actually needed to use the impact in real situations yet or just keep it for peace of mind?
UwU_Incognitus@reddit
I have heard mixed things about them not working. I have one in my car I test every few months to make sure it turns on and pumps some air, but I plan on buying a cheap foot pedal air pump to go in the car as well soon. Might want to look into one of them, a lot more work to pump up but I can't imagine them having much reason to fail over an electric pump.
qsalesmanscornful@reddit (OP)
oh nice, do you think the foot pump is actually faster than waiting on the electric one sometimes?
UwU_Incognitus@reddit
I have only tried using a foot pump once as I don't have one yet but no, I think the electric ones were faster. But if you want something that has less chance of failing you can get one for around $15-$20 might be worth having both just incase.