A portable air compressor is a tool that everyone should have. While you may not think that you need a portable air compressor, they are definitely worth investing in. Unlike stationary air compressors, portable air compressors are, well, portable. Because of this, they are easy to carry around and store in your car. They come in handy when you are out in the middle of nowhere and your tires become under-inflated. If you are new to portable air compressors, you have come to the right place. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about how to use a portable air compressor, why you should have one, and the best air compressor options to choose from. Let's get started.

Comparison of Portable Air Compressors

The Importance of Owning a Portable Air Compressor

Portable air compressors are a useful tool to have in your vehicle. Underinflated tires can be expensive to fix if you take them into an auto shop. It can also be a long process to change your underinflated tire. If your vehicle's tire stop working due to being under-inflated, having a portable air compressor will help prevent you from spending money on repairs. While most gas stations have an air pump that is free to use, you may not be near a gas station when your tires run out of the air. What's nice about a portable air compressor is that you can travel with it, as it doesn't take up much room. Many portable air compressors even come with a carry case for you to store it in.

Not only does a portable air compressor come in handy when your tires become under-inflated, but they are also great for adding air to your tires before they become under-inflated. Your tire air pressure should be checked once a month. If you notice that your tire's pressure is low, you can use your portable air compressor to add more air. Therefore, you never have to run into problems of your vehicle's tires being under-inflated.

Another benefit of having a portable air compressor is that you can use it on other items too. Bike tires, balls, floats, and motorcycle tires are all common things that you can use your air compressor to inflate. All in all, it is a good idea to have a portable air compressor around. It prevents you from having to take your vehicle's tires to an auto repair shop or to use a gas stations air pump.

Best Air Compressors To Keep Handy

Now that you know the importance of a portable air compressor, it is time to take a look at the best air compressor options available on the market. Below are the top ten best portable air compressors to check out.

1. EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump

The EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump is one of the best portable air compressors due to its convenience. To use this portable air compressor, simply plug it directly into a Cigarette Lighter Socket of your vehicle. It can be used for multiple uses, including to inflate tires on vehicles, including sedans, midsize SUVs and bikes. Keep in mind that this does not support LT, HT, and truck tires.

The auto shut-off feature allows this portable air compressor to shut off when it reaches the desired tire pressure. The overheat protection shuts off automatically when overloading. Another nice feature of this tire inflator is that it is very quiet. It is normal for air compressors to be very loud, so the fact that this air compressor is quiet is a huge benefit. Also, this air compressor features a LED light. Keep in mind that you cannot turn the light off. While this will not interfere with how your air compressor operates, some customers wished that the light would turn off when they didn't need it on.

Likes

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    Auto shut-off feature
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    Quiet

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    Features a LED light

Dislikes

  • Light cannot turn off
  • Doesn't operate quickly
  • Doesn't support LT, HT, and truck tires

2. Kensun Portable Air Compressor Pump

This air compressor pump is adaptable to both home AC (wall socket) and car DC (cigarette lighter socket) use. With additional attachment nozzles, this air compressor will work on anything from car tires to beach balls. Included are 3 attachment nozzles for a multitude of uses (tires, basketballs, beach inflatables, etc.) The Kensun Portable Air Compressor Pump is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and store. It comes with a soft-sided carry-case for you to store this air compressor in.

Likes

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    Compact
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    Great customer service
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    Includes a carry case for storage
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    Comes with 3 attachment nozzles

Dislikes

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    The dial is slightly difficult to read
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    Doesn't have an auto shut-off feature

3. Oasser Air Compressor

The Oasser Air Compressor is unique in many ways. Unlike the previous portable air compressors, this product is a cordless air compressor. This means that it has a rechargeable battery. It should be able to inflate 4 car tires before needing to be recharged. It can inflate cars, bicycles, motorbikes, balls, and inflatable toys very quickly. The pump with LED light is uniquely pistol-shaped and portable to use in the daytime or nighttime.

You can preset the tire pressure to what your tires need. There are 3 kinds of unit values: PSI, BAR and Kg/cm². The maximum inflatable pressure is 130psi, which is suitable for bicycles, motorcycles, and small/medium-sized cars (SUV included). Keep in mind that this is not suitable for large truck tires. Included with this air compressor are 12V power base, storage bag, 2 Air Hoses, quick coupling, and tooling gloves.

Likes

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    Cordless air compressor
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    Features an LED light
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    Quiet
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    Great customer service

Dislikes

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    Not suitable for large truck tires
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    Slow

4. Foseal Portable Air Compressor Pump

The Foseal Portable Air Compressor Pump is very easy to use. Simply connect this tire air compressor to a 12V adapter, snap the tire valve on, read and set the pressure with the digital readout, and start pumping. Once it is full, it will automatically turn off. It only takes 3 to 5 minutes to fill up a standard size tire. This product is fairly quiet. It is also designed to not get too hot after inflating your tire.

This portable air compressor is lightweight and compact. You can store it in the included carry bag. This product has a total length of about 3.3 M (11 feet), which allows it to easily reach all front and rear tires from a single 12V charging point. It comes with 3 additional nozzles so you can quickly pump up vehicle tires, bicycle tires, basketballs, soccer balls, and much more.


Likes

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    Lightweight and compact
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    Comes with a storage bag
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    Won't get hot after inflating
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    Comes with 3 additional nozzles

Dislikes

  • Doesn't come with a home outlet power adapter

5. Breezz Air Compressor

This next portable air compressor is made of durable ABS plastic and stainless steel. It is very easy to operate this air compressor. Simply preset your desired pressure value, and when the tire inflator reaches the desired pressure, the car air compressor will automatically turn off. This portable air compressor is equipped with a large high-precision and bright display that will help you to calculate the required values PSI, BAR, KPA, KG/CM². The LED lights allow you to use this even when it is dark out.

This tire pump’s 10-foot long power cord allows it to reach all tires of your car, bike, motor, ATV, compact or midsize Sedan, SUV, etc. Keep in mind that this product won't support a large truck or Motor Lorry. Also, keep in mind that this product can't plug into an AC outlet. This means that you can only plug it into a car. The sports equipment and inflatables adaptors are included. The company stands behind their products and offers a 12-month extended warranty for this portable air compressor.

Likes

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    Features LED lights
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    Comes with a 12-month extended warranty
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    Automatically turns off once filled

Dislikes

  • Cannot plug into an AC outlet
  • Doesn't support a large truck or Motor Lorry

6. BLACK+DECKER Cordless Multi-Purpose Inflator

The BLACK+DECKER Cordless Multi-Purpose Inflator has a digital gauge to view current pressure and set target pressure. This cordless air compressor features an automatic shut-off feature which stops the unit once the desired pressure is reached. It is very quiet. This is a cordless air compressor, meaning it doesn't need to be plugged into an outlet. Instead, the battery must be recharged. It only takes about 30 to 45 minutes to fully charge. Keep in mind that this tire inflator does not come with the charger or the battery. You'll have to select the battery and charger separately.

Likes

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    Cordless air compressor
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    Automatically shuts off once full
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    Only takes about 30 to 45 minutes to charge

Dislikes

  • Doesn't come with the charger or battery

7. FORTEM THE EXTRA MILE Digital Tire Inflator

This next tire inflator is easy to use. Simply plug it into the 12-Volt power outlet in your car and attach the hose to the tire you wish to inflate. Flip the switch and the air compressor will begin filling your tire with air. Once it reaches the desired pressure, the tire inflator will automatically shut off, preventing over inflation. This product comes with multiple nozzle attachments, making it perfect not only for cars but also for motorcycles, bicycles, ATVs, Jeeps, sports balls, air mattresses, and water toys.

The FORTEM THE EXTRA MILE Digital Tire Inflator comes with a built-in LED flashlight, which allows you to use this tire inflator at night. It also comes with a handy carrying case, making it easy to store and transport. The body of this tire inflator is made from extremely durable, lightweight plastic, and the sturdy hose is designed to resist high pressures while allowing for maximum airflow. A nice feature is that this tire inflator comes with a pressure gauge. Therefore, you don't need to purchase a pressure gauge to check the pressure of your tires, as this product comes with one. This portable air compressor comes with a 1-year warranty and is satisfaction guaranteed.

Likes

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    Auto shut-off feature
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    Built-in LED light
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    Comes with a pressure gauge

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    Has a 1-year warranty

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    Comes with a carrying case

Dislikes

  • Heats up when done using
  • Can be slow

8. Sunlifer Digital Tire Inflator

The Sunlifer Digital Tire Inflator has a convenient carry handle design so that you can easily carry this tire inflator. It is lightweight, making it very portable. This portable air compressor is built with SOS light and safety warning light for roadside emergencies, in addition to a bright flashlight for easy operation in the dark. Once your tires are full, this tire inflator will automatically shut off. The cord should be long enough so that you can reach all of your tires with this air compressor. This air compressor comes with 3 additional nozzles so you can use this product on tires, sports balls, bicycles, air rafts, toys, and more.

Likes

Dislikes

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    Lightweight
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    Features safety lights
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    Automatically turns off once the tire is full

  • PSI may not be accurate

9. CARYWON Portable Air Compressor

The CARYWON Portable Air Compressor can be used anywhere without external power supply, as it is battery-operated. This air pump will automatically shut off when it reaches the proper set inflation value. It is uniquely pistol-shaped and it has built-in LED lights so that you can use this product at night. The CARYWON Portable Air Compressor comes with 2 additional nozzles, which are compatible with almost all tires of cars, bikes, motorcycles, SUVs, balls, sports equipment, and other inflatables. This product uses durable ABS plastic and stainless steel.

There are two options for charging this portable air compressor. You can charge it at home in an AC 110V wall socket, or you can charge it in your car. In your car, the outlet must be a 12V DC cigarette lighter socket. This portable air compressor is lightweight, compact, and easy to store. Due to its small size, you can easily store it in your car without worrying about it taking up much room. Keep in mind that this product is not suitable for larger trucks. Instead, it is designed for cars, SUVs, motorcycles, bikes, and other inflatable items.

Likes

Dislikes

  • thumbs-o-up
    Lightweight 
  • thumbs-o-up
    Cordless
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    Built-in LED lights

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    Made from durable materials

  • Not suitable for larger trucks
  • May not stay charged for long

10. Helteko Portable Air Compressor

This portable air compressor is made from durable ABS plastic and stainless steel. It is designed to last a long time. When the inflator tire reaches the desired pressure, the car air compressor will automatically turn off. This prevents over inflation. The Helteko Portable Air Compressor is equipped with a large high-precision and bright display that will help you to calculate the required values PSI, BAR, KPA, KG/CM². In addition to working well on cars, this product will also work on motorcycles, SUVs, bikes, and more. Also, unlike some of the previous portable air compressors, this air compressor works on trucks. This product is lightweight and compact. Because it is compact, you can easily store this portable air compressor in your vehicle without worrying about it taking up too much roof. The Helteko Portable Air Compressor comes with an 18-month extended warranty.

Likes

Dislikes

  • thumbs-o-up
    Auto shut-off feature
  • thumbs-o-up
    Great customer service
  • thumbs-o-up

    Lightweight and compact

  • May not work on all vehicles
  • Runs a little slow

Why Invest in an Air Compressor Instead Of Free Air at Gas Stations?

Earlier, I went over the importance of having a portable air compressor. However, you may still be wondering why you should choose an air compressor over free air at gas stations. First, you never know when your tires will become under-inflated. While it would be easy if your tires became under-inflated while you were at or near a gas station, this is not always the case. You could be out on a road or even at your own house. When you are nowhere near a gas station, you can always rely on your air compressor to inflate your tires.

Secondly, you can use your air compressor at home for other things besides inflating your tires. For example, you may want to inflate a ball or inner tube. While you may not go to the gas station to inflate such items, you can inflate them at home with your portable air compressor. A benefit of using portable air compressors is that they are not as loud as the air pump at gas stations. Even though portable air compressors can still be loud, they are much quieter than air pumps at gas stations. While this doesn't change how the air compressor operates, it is still nice to have a quiet air compressor.

How To Use A Portable Air Compressor

Once you have picked out your portable air compressor, it is important that you know how to use it. Portable air compressors are fairly easy to use. They are much easier to use than stationary air compressors because they are lightweight and portable. Before you use your portable air compressor, make sure it is in good condition. If it has been used before, you'll want to check to make sure the screws are all tight. Because air compressors can vibrate, it is common for the screws to become loose. But if your air compressor is brand new, you shouldn't have to worry about the screws being loose.

Next, either bring your air compressor to your vehicle or pull your vehicle up to the air compressor. Remove the valve stem caps from all four tires and put them somewhere you won't lose them. Turn on the air compressor and push the hose fitting down on the valve stem. You should notice if the tire is being inflated. Most air compressors will have a built-in gauge so you can check your tire pressure while you are refilling. Your portable air compressor may even have an auto shut-off feature. An auto shut-off feature is nice because it automatically shuts your air compressor off once your tires are full. This prevents over-inflation.

Once all four tires are inflated, check them with your pressure gauge. Put the stem caps back on. After that, you are done! Store your portable air compressor in your vehicle so that you always have it with you. Remember to check your tires' pressure about once a month with your pressure gauge. If your tires are low on air, it is better to add air now than to wait. Keeping your tires inflated will prevent you from having an under-inflated tire.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you choose a portable air compressor that will fit your needs. While a portable air compressor may not seem like a necessary tool, it is definitely worth investing in. Not only does an air compressor come in handy when your tires are under-inflated, but they can also be used for inflating bike tires, balls, floats, and other inflatables. A portable air compressor allows you to inflate your vehicle or accessories without having to drive to a local gas station. All in all, a portable air compressor is a great tool to invest in.

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