The best portable tire inflator for most drivers is a 12V unit with an automatic shut-off, such as the Slime 40063 or the VIAIR 85P. If you also want to use it at home, the dual-power AVID POWER model plugs into either a wall outlet or the car.
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Specs below come from manufacturer or retailer listings and can vary by version. The buttons open Amazon.com listings, so check Canadian availability and shipping. Price varies – check the current listing.
Portable tire inflators compared
| Model | Power | Pressure (per listing) | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Slime 40063 | 12V | Display reads 0-99 psi | Cars, SUVs, auto shut-off |
 |
Generic 12V digital inflator | 12V | Cars up to 50 psi | Quick top-offs |
 |
VIAIR 85P | 12V | 60 psi max working | Compact trunk kit |
 |
AVID POWER dual-power | 110V AC / 12V DC | Up to 125 psi | Home plus road use |
 |
SmittyBilt SB2780 | 12V battery clips | 150 psi | Large off-road tires |
 |
Generic 12V inflator (cars and bikes) | 12V | Cars up to 50 psi | Cars and bikes |
Slime 40063 Digital Tire Inflator
Slime says this 12V inflator fills a standard car tire from flat in about 3 minutes. You set a target pressure on the backlit digital display (it reads up to 99 psi) and it shuts off on its own. The listing also shows a 15 ft coiled hose, so it reaches all four wheels without moving the car.
Best for: cars, SUVs and 4x4s. Limits: bulkier than the smallest units, and retailer listings mention a fairly loud motor.
Generic 12V Digital Touchscreen Inflator
This unnamed 12V inflator has a digital touchscreen and preset pressure with automatic shut-off. The listing gives car tires up to 50 psi and bike tires up to 150 psi, about 35 L/min of airflow, an 11.5 ft power cord and a built-in flashlight. Because the brand is generic, check the seller and return terms.
Best for: cars, bikes and small inflatables. Limits: 50 psi ceiling for car tires, so not for heavy trucks or vans.
VIAIR 85P Portable Compressor
The 85P plugs into the 12V outlet and is rated for tires up to 31 inches in diameter, per a retailer listing of the manufacturer’s specs. It has a 60 psi maximum working pressure, a built-in gauge, a 3 ft hose, a 10 ft power cord, an LED work light and a brass chuck. It weighs about 4.25 lb.
Best for: a compact trunk kit for cars and small SUVs. Limits: no auto shut-off, so you watch the gauge; too small for large truck tires.
AVID POWER Dual-Power Inflator (110V AC / 12V DC)
This model runs from a wall outlet or the car, so it works in the garage and at the roadside. The listing mentions an LCD gauge with psi, bar and kPa readouts, auto shut-off, inflate and deflate modes, and a two-year warranty. It is advised against tires wider than 285 mm.
Best for: households that want one inflator for the car, bikes and sports gear. Limits: basic unit; not for very large tires.
SmittyBilt SB2780 2.54 CFM Air Compressor
The SB2780 is aimed at larger off-road tires. Retailer listings give 2.54 CFM (72 L/min), a 24 ft coiled hose, a 10 ft power cord and an auto-thermal cutoff that protects the motor. It connects to the battery with clips rather than a lighter socket, and comes with a carry bag.
Best for: airing tires back up after off-roading. Limits: needs battery access; the duty cycle is not clearly listed, so let it cool between tires.
Generic 12V Inflator for Cars and Bikes
This listing has the same basic specs as the touchscreen model above: a 120 W 12V pump, 35 L/min, presets, auto shut-off, 11.5 ft cord and flashlight. Its description says a mid-size car tire goes from 0 to 36 psi in about 4 to 6 minutes. It is not meant for trucks or vans.
How to choose a portable tire inflator
- Power source: a 12V plug-in is the standard; choose dual-power if you will use it at home.
- Maximum pressure: passenger tires need roughly 210 to 250 kPa (30 to 36 psi); trucks and RVs need more.
- Auto shut-off: prevents over-inflation and lets you walk away.
- Hose and cord reach: the hose should reach the farthest tire from the outlet.
- Duty cycle: small compressors overheat if run too long; rest them between tires.
- Noise: listings range from quiet to loud, so check before using one near a house at night.
Safety tips
- Inflate tires cold, to the pressure on your door placard.
- Do not exceed the maximum sidewall pressure.
- Check the result with a separate gauge.
Keep an inflator with a portable jump starter for roadside emergencies. If you tow or haul heavy loads, read our guide to trailer tires for the right pressures, and use an OBD2 scanner for dashboard warning lights.
Portable tire inflator FAQ
What tire pressure should I inflate to?
Use the pressure printed on the placard in the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual, not the maximum on the tire sidewall. Most passenger cars call for roughly 210 to 250 kPa (30 to 36 psi), but check your own vehicle.
How often should I check tire pressure?
Check it at least once a month and before long trips, with the tires cold. Cold weather lowers pressure by roughly 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 10 degrees F (about 5.5 degrees C) drop in temperature.
Can a 12V portable inflator handle truck or SUV tires?
Many can top up SUV and light-truck tires, but check the maximum pressure and the tire size the maker lists. Small 12V units can be slow and run hot on large tires, so watch the duty cycle.
Why does my inflator read a different pressure than my gauge?
Built-in gauges on low-cost inflators can be off by a few psi. Check the final pressure with a separate tire gauge you trust and adjust from there.
Should I run the engine while using a 12V inflator?
Yes, running the engine helps keep the battery from draining and the outlet voltage steady. Make sure the car is parked safely, out of traffic, with the parking brake on.
