Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

IcyPeas

(22,635 posts)
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:07 AM Feb 2024

Looking for advice to buy portable car tire inflator

I'd like to get one. They're mostly under $100 on amazon. I don't know anything about them. I would like it to be simple to use. I have a 2007 Nissan versa if that matters (dont be jealous ).

Any info will be appreciated .. good brands, things to consider before buying...

Thanks DU Automobile enthusiasts.

Actual car > > > > > 🚙 🛞

29 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Looking for advice to buy portable car tire inflator (Original Post) IcyPeas Feb 2024 OP
I'd just buy a cheap one KS Toronado Feb 2024 #1
Good to know. Thank you IcyPeas Feb 2024 #17
I've had to add air to three different tires in recent weeks, I was told that it was the weather Rhiannon12866 Feb 2024 #25
Do they rotate the wipers, I wonder? Blue Owl Feb 2024 #28
First place I would always look gibraltar72 Feb 2024 #2
Seconded! (n/t) OldBaldy1701E Feb 2024 #4
All I can say is this... OldBaldy1701E Feb 2024 #3
Ditto OneBlueDotS-Carolina Feb 2024 #10
The funny thing is that I have gone through three regular air compressors. OldBaldy1701E Feb 2024 #14
Been cold, OneBlueDotS-Carolina Feb 2024 #15
Good to know. Thank you. IcyPeas Feb 2024 #18
Wow. Sounds dependable! Thank you for this suggestion. IcyPeas Feb 2024 #16
I've got the Ryobi P737. cloudbase Feb 2024 #5
Same here. usonian Feb 2024 #9
I wouldn't use Ryobi if I made my living with them, cloudbase Feb 2024 #12
I've had two chainsaws that were unsatisfactory. usonian Feb 2024 #13
Yeah, peace of mind is good. I get unnerved when low tire pressure light goes on. IcyPeas Feb 2024 #19
i bought an iFanze at Walmart.com in December bucolic_frolic Feb 2024 #6
Cant beat $15. They all seen reasonably priced. Thank you IcyPeas Feb 2024 #20
I have a bag in my truck. In it --- 18" breaker bar, full set of different size lug sockets and a set of tire plugs. 3Hotdogs Feb 2024 #7
That was very very nice of you. They must've been so thankful for the help. IcyPeas Feb 2024 #21
10 years ago I bought a Slime gab13by13 Feb 2024 #8
Just looked up Slime. I've never heard of this brand. IcyPeas Feb 2024 #22
Funny, the only Slime I know is for bike tires Old Crank Feb 2024 #29
We have a couple of these: TwilightZone Feb 2024 #11
Interesting that it can be used as a powerbank too. IcyPeas Feb 2024 #23
That reminds me of a joke from the late Robert Schimmel mockmonkey Feb 2024 #24
I have an older Coleman with an air mattress inflater Mopar151 Feb 2024 #26
You could get a bicycle pump. SarahD Feb 2024 #27

KS Toronado

(19,615 posts)
1. I'd just buy a cheap one
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:21 AM
Feb 2024

Chances are you'll be lucky to ever use it, that is unless you like to ride on old junk tires.
Inflaters are useless with blowouts. Stay away from those that run on batteries, get
one that plugs into a cigarette lighter.

Rhiannon12866

(222,843 posts)
25. I've had to add air to three different tires in recent weeks, I was told that it was the weather
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 01:39 AM
Feb 2024

And my brother told me yesterday that he's experienced the same thing. But I brought my car to the dealership last week for service and an oil change, they rotated the tires but didn't let me know that anything was wrong with any of them. The issues that I seem to have with cars are tires and windshield wipers and I did have to get my wipers replaced, yet again.

OldBaldy1701E

(6,409 posts)
3. All I can say is this...
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:29 AM
Feb 2024

I bought a Campbell-Hausfeld 12V pump (they had models with a gauge on it but I got the one that did not have one) for $22. I bought it around 13 years ago. It has been accidentally submerged in water for a few days. It has fallen off of things many times onto pavement. It has been used to pump up everything from bicycle tires to my 16" truck tires. (That one took some time to do, but whatever.) What happened to it? Nothing! It is still sitting in our Hyundai right this moment. I used it the other day to top off one of the tires when I noticed it was a bit low. I was in the grocery store parking lot. In summary, it has been a beast!

(Now, in fairness, I have to admit to one thing. I removed the cigarette lighter plug and put clamps on it. That way I can connect to the battery directly. I found that to be a better arrangement. However, nowadays those 'power ports' are more common and they work without the car running.)



A bit worn but still powerful and working!

OneBlueDotS-Carolina

(1,432 posts)
10. Ditto
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 09:15 AM
Feb 2024

Got a Campbell-Hausfeld pump with a flashlight for an Xmas gift at least 20 years ago, flashlight bulb burnt out years ago, it's slow but has had lots of work over the years.

The ones with 20 volt batteries, often the batteries & the chargers are more expensive than the tool. Unless you have battery-operated tools like a drill, impact driver, etc. I'd advise staying with the plug into a 12volt power outlet.

OldBaldy1701E

(6,409 posts)
14. The funny thing is that I have gone through three regular air compressors.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 10:49 AM
Feb 2024

But that thing still cranks it up.

How's things in SC? You Gamecocks enjoying warm weather or is it getting colder again?

IcyPeas

(22,635 posts)
16. Wow. Sounds dependable! Thank you for this suggestion.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:22 PM
Feb 2024

I see Amazon have a few models. I will look into.


cloudbase

(5,764 posts)
5. I've got the Ryobi P737.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:34 AM
Feb 2024

It works well, and has a digital pressure gauge. I changed out the plastic valve connector for a brass unit that clips on.
Great peace of mind for road trips, and I also carry a set of mushroom tire plugs, just in case.

I already had some Ryobi cordless tools, so having the batteries made this inflator the logical choice. I'm not disappointed.

usonian

(14,055 posts)
9. Same here.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:49 AM
Feb 2024

Analog gauge model.

I use the same batteries in a hand vac. Ryobi tools are ok if you don't use them.

Much.

About zero setup for the garden cart tires.



cloudbase

(5,764 posts)
12. I wouldn't use Ryobi if I made my living with them,
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 10:28 AM
Feb 2024

but for home and auto they're just fine. Never a problem in years of use.

usonian

(14,055 posts)
13. I've had two chainsaws that were unsatisfactory.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 10:48 AM
Feb 2024

And they use the usual Oregon parts. Must be the construction. I reluctantly got a 10 inch pole chain saw (uses the 40 volt batteries instead of the little 18 volt ones). Crossing my fingers.

I have a 12 inch DeWalt chain saw (not pole) which uses two big hand knobs instead of the usual allen wrench knuckle busters. You know, the kind that uses bolt heads 1/64 or so larger than the other. Makes no sense, but what the heck. Only consolation is that they are next to each other in a folding allen wrench set.

With the DeWalt, one big knob opens the housing, and the other adjusts the chain tension. The housing opener even has a click-click torque limiter. I can get a chain back on track (which is rarely needed) without tools in a few minutes.

bucolic_frolic

(47,130 posts)
6. i bought an iFanze at Walmart.com in December
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:40 AM
Feb 2024

Holiday special, 75% off, about $15. It pumps fast but the gauge is not as accurate as my previous one. I figure that's why it's 75% off. But now that I know 30 is really 35 pounds I can adjust.

This one has a direct screw-on brass nozzle. I much prefer toggle with rubber closure, but that might not be as durable. Electric cord should be 10' or more.

The $12 emergency ones sometimes have shorter cords. I doubt $100 models improve durability. When the piston dries out and they seize, it's from sitting in a hot car for 20 years.

3Hotdogs

(13,432 posts)
7. I have a bag in my truck. In it --- 18" breaker bar, full set of different size lug sockets and a set of tire plugs.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:40 AM
Feb 2024

I also have an electric jack and electric air pump. I paid $30 somethin' for the inflater.

I got this stuff because I drive 50k miles a year. Also, I can help others while they are on the side of the road. Last summer, there was a guy and his wife, probably mid 70's, driving a beater, probably also 70's (1970's). They were on rt 78 and temperature was in the 90's.

I got 'em back on the road in about 1/2 hour.


IcyPeas

(22,635 posts)
21. That was very very nice of you. They must've been so thankful for the help.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:33 PM
Feb 2024

especially with the temperature being in the 90s. Not fun to be stuck on a hot road.



gab13by13

(25,290 posts)
8. 10 years ago I bought a Slime
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:40 AM
Feb 2024

Here is the thing for a flat tire. I bought the one that goes up to 100 PSI, why, because buying a cheaper one takes forever to inflate a flat tire. The slime 100 pound psi Model # 8023559 is the one I have.

Plugs into your car's cigarette lighter, has a quick connect fitting that just snaps over your tire's valve stem, has a light if you need it at night. $47.00 was the price I saw, but maybe can get it cheaper from a different seller.

As far as how often you will use it. I have used mine on my wheelbarrow tire, bicycle tires, car tires.

Just turn on the car key, do not start the car, hook it up, press the button and watch the gage.

Even with this 100# inflater it will take 15 minutes to inflate a flat tire, their ad claims 10, maybe so.

IcyPeas

(22,635 posts)
22. Just looked up Slime. I've never heard of this brand.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:51 PM
Feb 2024

I watched a video too and laughed when they said one model has cup holders and a bottle opener. I guess if you're camping or something that could come in handy.

They use the phone adaptor plug now instead of the old cigarette lighter plug.

Thank you. I appreciate your response.



Old Crank

(4,725 posts)
29. Funny, the only Slime I know is for bike tires
Sat Feb 17, 2024, 03:15 PM
Feb 2024

It is a plugging agent, bright green, for holes in bike tire. they get sealed with little or no air loss.
It doesn't work for catestrophic failures. tired that.

TwilightZone

(28,833 posts)
11. We have a couple of these:
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 10:09 AM
Feb 2024
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B4DTNN2Y/

It's quick, easy, relatively compact, and USB-chargeable or can plug into a 12V socket.

Looks like they have a newer one that can be used as a power bank.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BR53WBCN/

They go on sale pretty often so watch for sales or coupons.

IcyPeas

(22,635 posts)
23. Interesting that it can be used as a powerbank too.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 09:01 PM
Feb 2024

I will check this brand out too.

Maybe there'll be a sale for Valentines day.. I mean who wouldn't want to get a tire inflator for Valentines day.

mockmonkey

(2,964 posts)
24. That reminds me of a joke from the late Robert Schimmel
Sun Feb 11, 2024, 11:26 AM
Feb 2024

On seeing an ad for ”Inflatable love dolls: `She never has a headache.`

No, but you do after blowing her up.”

Mopar151

(10,183 posts)
26. I have an older Coleman with an air mattress inflater
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 02:20 AM
Feb 2024

Mrs Mopar bought it for us to camp at the races (NEHA hillclimbs) and blow up the porous bias ply slicks on the 'ol hot rod. After a tip from a smarter friend, I put a "power port" in the dash of the race car, and inset a plastic shoe box in an interior panel to pack the Puff master up! It also works as a "yard blower" for small areas......

 

SarahD

(1,732 posts)
27. You could get a bicycle pump.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 02:34 AM
Feb 2024

A good one is the Joe Blow at about 45 dollars. Not much can go wrong with it and you can use it for bike tires.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Automobile Enthusiasts»Looking for advice to buy...