What Is a Tire Inflator and How Does It Work?
A tire inflator or air inflator functions like a mobile air compressor, providing air for passenger vehicle tires, bicycle tires and more. Unlike a compressor, an inflator doesn’t typically have a storage tank. The motor compresses air and delivers it directly through the air hose. A chuck on the end of the hose connects to the valve of the tire you’re inflating. A tire inflator or air inflator has several uses:
- A tire inflator lets you keep the tires on passenger vehicles at the correct pressure for safety and to reduce tire wear.
- A tire inflator lets you avoid paying to use an inflator at a gas station.
- A tire inflator quickly gets your tires to the correct pressure on cold mornings.
- A tire inflator helps you get to a repair center if your tire has a slow leak.
This guide covers do-it-yourself-level air inflators or tire inflators. There are professional-grade tire inflators or bead seaters that mechanics use when installing new tires. These require training and special safety precautions.
Types of Tire Inflators and Power Sources
Electric tire inflators are the most common and easiest to use. Some tire inflators are air compressor accessories. In some cases, you might find a manual tire pump useful.
Cordless Tire Inflators Give You Convenience
A cordless tire inflator or battery-powered tire inflator offers the best portability, making it easy to inflate all the tires on a vehicle without a cord getting in the way. Cordless tire inflators are powered either by a built-in battery or an external power tool battery.
Corded Tire Inflators Offer Continuous Power
A corded tire inflator, sometimes known as an electric tire inflator, offers power without a need to keep the device charged. They can also offer more power and capacity:
- 12V Tire Inflators: 12-volt inflators connect to a vehicle accessory plug and are powered by the vehicle battery.
- 120V Tire Inflators: 120-volt inflators plug into a standard household outlet and are powered by the home electrical system.
Some corded inflators have both 12-volt and 120-volt power options. Others can function as a cordless inflator or run off vehicle and home power systems.
Compressor Tire Inflators Make Air Compressors More Useful
If you have an air compressor, an inflator attachment adds versatility. These inflators connect to the compressor air hose and inflate vehicle tires with the air stored in the compressor tank.
Manual Tire Pumps Work Just About Anywhere
Manual tire pumps are more common for use with bicycle tires, sports gear, inflatable pool toys, etc. While some can inflate vehicle tires, they take more time and effort.
Tire Inflator Features and Capabilities
Look for features that make an inflator more convenient and useful:
- External batteries for some inflators also power outdoor equipment and tools.
- A cordless tire inflator with a battery and charger helps you keep the device ready for use.
- A built-in flashlight is useful for emergency nighttime use.
- Some inflators with built-in batteries can charge mobile devices.
- Presets stop the inflator at a desired pressure and help prevent overinflation.
- A digital pressure gauge makes it easy to monitor pressure and configure presets.
- Inflators with higher pounds per square inch (PSI), and cubic feet per minute (CFM) ratings can inflate tires faster.
- Extended hose length makes it easier to fit the inflator chuck to a tire valve.
- Compact, lightweight inflators are easy to store and handle but might not have the power of larger devices.
- Adapters for specialized bicycle inner tubes, sports equipment, pool toys, etc. make an inflator a multipurpose device.
Car, Truck and SUV Tire Inflators
A typical tire inflator works with most passenger vehicles as a car tire inflator, a truck tire inflator or a sport utility vehicle tire inflator. It should also work for inflating motorcycle tires. Larger commercial and recreational vehicles, however, require higher-power models.
If you want to ensure an inflator works for your vehicle, compare the PSI rating to the vehicle manufacturer’s maximum tire pressure recommendation, typically in the manual or on a sticker on the driver-side door frame. See our guide to using a tire inflator for tips on keeping your tires properly inflated.
Follow the inflator manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety. Pay attention to how long the manufacturer specifies operating an inflator before turning it off to cool down.
Overinflating tires is dangerous. Inflate vehicle tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.
Tire Inflator Key Points
Tire inflators make it easy to keep your vehicle tires at the right pressure without stopping at a gas station or relying on a mechanic. To find the best tire inflator:
- Choose a convenient power source.
- Find features that make the tire inflator easy to use.
- Remember that tire inflators with higher PSI and CFM ratings can work quicker.
- Ensure the tire inflator works with the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.
Shop Lowes.com for a tire inflator for your vehicle. If you choose a cordless inflator, you can also find a charger and spare battery to make sure the device is always ready. Stop by your local Lowe’s to see our available tire inflators and get a feel for the size and weight. A Red Vest associate can help you find the right inflator and make sure you have the tools you need to keep your vehicle in top shape.