Latest News
Subaru Forester Generations: Through the YearsMastering Tire Pressure: Tire Inflators and Pressure Gauges
Need some care for your tires? We’ve done all the research and compiled everything you need to know about tire pressure gauges and portable tire inflators.
Keep Air In Your Tires and Your Car on the Road
Your tires are the only things between you and the road. As we go about our days grinding away at our jobs and trying to keep up with everything that life throws at us, we can sometimes forget to check up on our tires until we get a dreaded flat tire.
Ah, yes. There is nothing quite like the feeling of getting a flat tire on the side of the highway. Sure, you can use that can of Fix-a-Flat, but that’s not going to help you if you can’t put air in the tire. The small compressors that some manufacturers include are essentially loud paperweights that take forever to do the job. You don’t want to rely on a cheap tire inflator when you’re gearing up for a road trip, do you?
That’s why you need to consider purchasing an aftermarket portable tire inflator and a tire pressure gauge. Make them a permanent part of your highway emergency kit and keep them in your car at all times. Doing so will save you a lot of time, money, and headaches.
A good inspection of your tires can help prevent flats before they happen, but they can’t predict those seemingly instantaneous blowouts. That’s why it is always best to be prepared. First, we’ll take a look at the different types of portable tire inflators. Then, we’ll look at some options for tire pressure gauges.
Portable Tire Inflators
There are several types of portable tire inflators on the market of which you should be aware. Most are compact units that are designed to fit easily in your vehicle without taking up a lot of room. They will also have different power requirements. Some operate on an internal battery while others plug into a 12 or 120-volt outlet. It is important to think about how you plan on powering them.
Cordless Tire Inflators
Cordless tire inflators use a source other than your car’s battery to make the power. This can be a built-in lithium-ion battery or a proprietary battery pack. These units are convenient because they do not require you to tap into your car’s battery for power. As long as the unit’s battery is charged, it will allow you to pump up your flat tire.
The benefit of using a cordless tire inflator is that they are easy to deploy and use. This means that even those who aren’t mechanically inclined can use them in a pinch.
The downside is that many cordless tire inflators have no secondary source of power – meaning that the unit can only operate from its battery. If that battery is low or dead, then the unit won’t be of much help to you in an emergency. One other thing to watch for is the long-term storage of batteries in your vehicle. Extreme heat can cause battery packs to explode, and that can pose some hazards if left in your vehicle during a hot summer day.
Corded Tire Inflators
Corded tire inflators will have a long cord that is meant to be plugged into your car’s 12-volt accessory outlet or a 120-volt household-style plug. The cord could also have alligator clips on the end to connect it directly to your car battery.
The benefit of a corded tire inflator is that you’ll always have power as long as your vehicle’s battery is charged. They also hold up to the extreme temperatures that your vehicle experiences during the summer and winter months. The downside is that the cord lengths may be too short for larger vehicles. They are also more clunky when moving from tire to tire.
Combo Tire Inflators
Some tire inflators come with both a corded and cordless option. They include an internal battery or external battery pack along with a cord that can be used in either situation. This ensures that you always have power.
These are a great option to choose if you’re looking for a charger to take with you on a road trip or even on an off-road trip. Be sure to charge the battery regularly even if the unit has not been used.
Tire Pressure Gauges
Tire pressure gauges are a necessity! A tire pressure gauge is a device that tells you how much air is in your tire. They can come with a digital readout, a round needle gauge, or simply a slide rule to show you the amount of pressure in your tires. Most of them slip over the valve stem and can give you a reading with a simple push.
Some portable tire inflators come with a built-in pressure gauge, but it is a good idea to have one in your car’s emergency kit separately.
Digital Tire Gauges
These gauges have a digital readout. These are the best way to get an accurate readout of the tire pressure because they show you the exact tire pressure on the screen. They are battery-powered, so you’ll want to make sure that you keep fresh batteries in them if you expect them to work for you.
Analog Tire Gauges
These operate in the same fashion as digital tire gauges, but the readout is an analog (mechanical) needle gauge. These provide a great way to accurately determine your tire pressure quickly without the need for batteries.
Pencil Tire Gauge
These little guys are what most people think of when someone says, “tire gauge”. You may have even seen one sticking out of your technician’s shirt pocket as he checks over your vehicle. They are a quick way to determine your tire pressure without the need for batteries or clunky gauges.
The pencil tire gauge has a slide rule that slides out to tell you how much pressure is in the tire. It is a simple but effective method of checking tire pressure.
We recommend keeping one of these in your car’s emergency kit because they don’t take batteries, they don’t take up space, they are economical, and they’re readily available.
Final Thoughts
Just like any other tools in your garage, the way you use them makes all of the difference. It is best to weigh your options and shop around to find the right tire gauge and portable tire inflator. Of course, picking up a couple of pencil tire gauges at your local auto parts store isn’t a bad idea.
You ask a lot of your tires every day, so it is only right that you give them the care that they deserve. A tire pressure gauge and a portable tire inflator are essential tools that help keep your tires in check whether you are piling in the family car for a road trip or going on an off-road excursion.
