Portable Tire Inflator - Good To Get One
If you don’t already have a portable Tire Inflator, I think you’d be good to get one. They’re worth their weight in gold – and a friend indeed. They’re a wonderful addition to your garage or even in your car trunk. Let me explain with my own personal experience.
Thapson
Tire Pressure Issues
Three years ago, I bought a used car. Well looked after, low mileage, no accidents, clean, etc. I thought I’d done very well. However, there was one strange issue I faced with the car. After a week, I noticed the air pressure in one tire had gone down significantly. I quickly drove to the nearest gas station and topped up the air. A few days later – same issue. Again, I topped off the air at the gas station. The car model missed an on-board TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) by one year, so I failed to detect this pressure loss early enough on both occasions. What was the issue? While the car was well kept, the rims needed cleaning as the air was leaking out where the tire rubber made contact. I ended up fixing this issue with at least two rims on the car. Fair enough.
” … I fell into a “Twilight Zone” of sorts of tire pressure issues.”
Tire Pressure “Twilight Zone”
But strangely, after these experiences, I fell into a “Twilight Zone” of sorts of tire pressure issues. I found myself having repeat issues of tire pressure loss in both cars over next little while. Living in a cold climate, going out to the gas station to do the top ups was becoming a nuisance – and worrisome. About this time, while going through the flyers, I noticed a tire inflator special. I knew I needed that to help me check and inflate my tires at home. I bought one for under $40, and I can’t tell you how secure I felt.
How it Works
The only “inconvenience” is having to plug it into the car DC output, and plugging the hose into the tire. It reads off the pressure, and if needed all you do is set the required pressure and turn it on. The small in-built compressor does the rest, as it pumps in the air until the PSI reaches the setting, and turns off automatically. As easy as that. Anyone can do it. My model has an in-built flashlight in case you are in the dark and unable to locate the valve stem. The pressure display window is also lighted – so easy to read in the dark. Remember the tire issues I suddenly ran into during this period? The tire inflator made dealing with them so much easier. Although the problems did need to be sorted out.
Plug In
Connect Hose
Set Desired Pressure
Power On. Compressor powers on, inflates until it reaches desired pressure, then shuts off automatically. And you’re done!
A Great Addition
This tool was a great addition to my garage and wondered why I hadn’t bought it earlier? I know you’re saying, “but I already have a TPMS on my care, so no worries.” You would be wrong there. Those systems also have a tendency to go faulty and lend a false sense of security. Your eyesight is the best judge, as is a quick check of all five tires (don’t forget the spare). So, a once-a-month check the pressure, and a quick look before driving should ensure that the tires you are riding are doing well. Although I’d advise you to carry the tire inflator with you in the car – especially if driving long distances. If the problem is not severe, you could at least inflate the problem tire enough to drive slowly to the nearest service station.
A Sense of Independence
Having a Tire Inflator will definitely give you a sense of independence and eliminate the need to get your tires inflated at a gas station. They’re fairly affordable and come in all kinds of designs and you can make your decision after visiting your nearest auto supply store where an assistant should help you make the best decision. But make sure you get the portable one which can be plugged in your vehicles outlet and work off your car battery. So, give yourself a sense of security and independence by investing in a good quality tire inflator. Believe me, they’re definitely “worth their weight in gold.”
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