Some inflators have 12V ports so they can effectively be used as an extension lead that connects other accessories to your car’s power. If your car isn’t fitted with a USB port, it’s useful to have a tyre inflator with this feature so that you can charge a tablet or smartphone on the road. Size is probably the most important thing. The smallest inflators are around 20 x 20cm, so you can leave them in your car without losing too much luggage space. The best don’t skimp on the length of the power lead and air hose, which makes it easier to reach all four valves. Most can be preset to stop inflating when your tyre reaches the correct pressure. It’s noisy, dishing out 77dB in operation. And the pressure gauge can be difficult to read since, because it goes up to 250psi, that crucial 0 to 60psi zone is crammed into the first quarter of the dial. However, it pumped up our test tyre from 20 to 30psi in just under two-and-a-half minutes, with no fuss or faff. It’s a shame that the supplied accessories are so basic – just a ball inflator and two adaptors for inflatable toys – still, if you’re looking to spend as little as possible, then the Storm Force Mini does the job.

This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. To return faulty items see our Returning Faulty Items policy. Larger inflators include rechargeable batteries, which make them completely portable. These are a better option if you want to pump up, say, bicycle tyres, without having to wheel the bike next to your car. You may also need a larger inflator for tyres that need higher-than-average pressures, such as a larger van or campervan. What about extras? Tyre pressures are typically between 30psi and 40psi (or 2 bar and 2.8 bar). How to test your tyre pressure A tyre inflator adaptor can be used on a wide range of products. They are not only suitable for cars, but they can also work on other devices such as bikes and rafts. The ease and precision that the adaptors make work easier on all devices are what makes them worth having. The fact that they are also portable makes them ideal for most people. Not only do they work on bikes, but they also work on a different model and make. With one tyre inflator adaptor, you’ll be able to connect the value of the items to be inflated with the pump being used.

The best tyre inflators you can buy in 2023

This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items.

Each of the inflators tested here has a gauge that gives you an instant readout that lets you know whether the tyre needs pumping. To use them, simply remove the dust cap from the valve on the tyre and push the end of the air hose over it, before pressing or releasing any catch to clamp it in place. Petrol station tyre inflators have pressure gauges, too, but these aren’t always accurate so it’s best to test using your own equipment. The adaptors allow inflators to become multifunctional devices. It only can pump your car tyres with the inflator, you’ll also be able to inflate balls and bikes. This can be very convenient if you have kids around and they constantly need their toys and bikes to be inflated. Since deflated tyre can cause accidents and injuries, having a tyre inflator adaptor at hand ensures that you prevent such. Anytime the need arises, you’ll be ready to fix it instantly. With the inflator adapters, adding pressure to your bike, car, rafts or any other item is a lot faster. When buying an adaptor, you need to be careful to select one that will suit most of your needs. There are several options in the market and that can make it harder for you to end up with the best possible product. You can still find one that works for your valve as well as other valves. This is because Schrader valves and Presta valves are different and will, therefore, require different types of accessories. ConclusionIf you want to be equipped for every flat tyre eventuality, the VonHaus Cordless Tyre Inflator has you covered. It will run for up to ten minutes from the supplied 1.5A lithium-ion battery, but if you forget to charge it you can always switch to the bundled 12V adaptor, which comes with an unusually generous 3.5m cable. It has a small, but still readable, digital pressure meter. And you can just set your desired pressure, pull the trigger and let it go to work: it will stop when it reaches the right level. The pressure is usually shown in two formats: bar and psi. There are typically two sets of these. The lowest is for normal use, but you may well see another set of higher pressures for when the car is heavily loaded, increasing the weight that’s pushing down on the tyres.