Many automotive tools can be quite expensive, but there are definitely some that are budget-friendly and vital to have in your vehicle.Portable, battery-powered tire inflators are one of those tools.Whether you need to air up a tire before leaving for work and don’t have time to stop by the gas station or you find that you have a low tire in a parking lot at night, a portable inflator is there, ready to rescue you.
Everyone should have a portable tire inflator in their vehicle Be prepared for any situation Whether you think you’ll need it or not, you should definitely have an emergency kit in your vehicle.However, if you only had to choose one item to keep in your trunk, it should be a portable tire inflator.For example, imagine you’re heading out to your car to drive to work and realize the icy cold air has deflated your tire to an unsafe level.
Sure, you could swing by a gas station or tire shop to air it up, but that takes time, and you might already be running late.Pulling a portable inflator out of the trunk to air up takes just a few minutes and gets you on the road safely, instead of having to drive somewhere on a low tire.This exact situation just happened to automotive segment lead Carl Anthony, and he said he was glad to have a portable tire inflator at the ready to get him on the road in a flash.
"I always joke and say that having a battery-powered unit will probably make your boss happy," Anthony said."I went to leave for work one morning back in December, and all four of my tires were low.Without a portable inflator, I would have had to text my boss with the old 'flat tire' excuse.
I'm sure they would have believed me, but with my portable tire inflator, I was able to get to work on time." In addition to a portable tire inflator, it would also be a good idea to have a few other items in your trunk, like a flashlight (with spare batteries), a first aid kit, or even a set of jumper cables.But, of all the tools to have on you, a tire inflator is at the top of the list.Related This viral flashlight is now a staple in my pocket A daily carry full of useful features.
Posts 8 By Cory Gunther A battery-powered tire inflator makes the most sense It’s surprising just how much power a handheld unit can pack While there are definitely bulky (yet powerful) plug-in tire inflators you can keep in your trunk, those larger models have become mostly unnecessary with the introduction of battery-powered options.One such example is the AstroAI L7 battery-powered portable tire inflator.It can air tires up to 150 PSI, has a built-in LED flashlight, and is small enough to fit in your bag, glove box, or emergency kit.
It's a great choice, especially if you have an already reliable daily driver or a favorite sports car you like to toss around corners.The AstroAI L7 is capable of bringing a somewhat low tire at 30 PSI up to 36 PSI in under two minutes.This little inflator might not be designed to bring your tire from completely flat to fully inflated, but it’ll definitely save you if you’re in a pinch.
The built-in battery is rechargeable over USB-C.On a single change, it should be able to handle around five or more times of airing up your car tires, or 30 times if you are topping off a bike tire.For more intense situations or larger tires, something like the AstroAI C2 is better suited for the task.
Able to fully inflate a car tire from 0 to 36 PSI in under four minutes, (and go from 29 to 36 PSI in 40 seconds), this type of inflator might be a bit larger, but it’s quite powerful and still battery-powered for cordless use.AstroAI L7 Mini Tire Inflator This AstroAI mini tire inflator is perfect for keeping in your glove box when traveling.It's portable and battery powered, meaning you don't have to plug it in to use it.
Plus, you're able to set the exact tire pressure you want it to inflate to and it'll automatically stop when it reaches that pressure. $43 at Amazon Expand Collapse Airing up all your stuff The perfect accessory for a day at the beach or pool The great part about having a portable tire inflator is not actually inflating tires—it’s inflating everything else.Since the AstroAI L7 is completely portable and battery-powered, you can bring it to the beach or pool to inflate floaties or rafts.Subscribe to our newsletter for practical car-gear tips Want more hands-on gear guidance? Subscribe to the newsletter for tested recommendations, clear buying advice, and practical car-care tips, from inflators and jump starters to camping and bike essentials, so you're better equipped for common roadside and recreational situations.
Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.You can unsubscribe anytime.It also works great on bike tires before you head down the trail.
When camping (or at home), it can be used to pump up air mattresses.Not only that, but tire inflators like this can also easily air up basketballs or footballs for fun days at the park.Overall, something like the AstroAI L7 is an ultra-versatile tool to keep in your vehicle without it taking up a ton of room.
Always charge your portable tire infaltor periodically and in accordance with the owner's manual.Keeping it charged regularly will ensure the battery isn't low when you need to use it.Can't beat peace of mind I never realized just how valuable a tire inflator was until I started using mine for various tasks, like airing up my bike tires, basketballs, or topping off a low tire on my van before a road trip.
Having one gives me the peace of mind that I’m ready for whatever life brings my way.
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