Portable air compressors are needed sometimes for many different reasons and can really come in handy for certain things like emergencies on the side of the road, when you are out in the woods in a 4 x 4 pickup, a truck driver and so on. I gathered some of the best 12v air compressors out there today and grouped them according to what their suited for and what I found based on my research.
Some of these include more heavy-duty models, a top-rated model, etc. I figured this was the best way to break out this category and provide enough information for a larger range of people may be interested in purchasing a 12v air compressor themselves. I hope you like the article and please feel free to leave me feedback in the comments below if I miss something or if I should add something to it, I am always looking for new suggestions to make my articles that much better. Thanks!
The Best Rated 12v Air Compressor:
The Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor is a great option for car owners who want a power tool ready to use for inflating tires in case they get stranded while on the road. A deflated tire is not the only thing for which this portable air compressor proves handy. It is just as suitable for inflating air mattresses, inflatable toys, and soccer balls. One thing that customers highly appreciate about this model is that it is powered by the battery inside your vehicle; the alligator clamps make sure that the entire operation runs smoothly and safely.Ideally, the Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor should be used for inflating tires up to 33”, the kind you can find on an extensive range of vehicles, from trucks and SUVs to sedans and even small ATVs. You will also be pleased with how efficient the air compressor is; it takes only ten minutes to inflate one 33 inch tire. Speed is one of the reasons why so many buyers prefer this brand to others.
The 10-foot power cord and 16-foot air hose give you plenty of room to move around so that you can inflate your tires with ease. It must be noted that this is an incredibly lightweight model, even for a portable air compressor, which makes manipulating it easy.
One major complaint users often have about air compressors is that they can be noisy. The Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor fares well in this respect, as well, as it is much quieter than most models. Other features, such as a LED power indicator, and a 3pc tip kit, complete the picture of a great product that will help you with various small tasks.
The Best “Budget Friendly” 12v Air Compressor:
If you are looking for a budget option, the EPAuto 12V DC Auto Portable Air Compressor is one of the best choices on the market. At the incredibly low price it demands, it provides the user with multiple advantages. First of all, the ease and convenience of use make it stand out; you only need to plug it into the cigarette lighter socket, and it will be ready to use.Car owners, as well as bike owners, will find this pump model to come in handy when they are away from home and experience a deflated tire. The maximum working pressure is 100 PSI, so there are limitations in regards to its performance. While it cannot do a good job with larger tires, the air compressor works like a charm for bike tires and most cars and vehicles, up to midsize SUVs. The digital setting is easy to figure out, and it displays four different units, for simple understanding – PSI, KPA, BAR, KG/CM.
Another important feature is the auto shut off function. When using the EPAuto 12V DC Auto Portable Air Compressor, you will not risk over inflation on your tires, as the device will stop working once the desired pressure is reached. You only need to set the pressure level with the help of a +/- button. By holding on the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ marker, you will be able to set up the desired pressure. Since a bit of pressure may be lost as you unscrew the tire, add one pound or two to the pressure level number, to avoid any issues.
The Best “Heavy Duty” 12v Air Compressor:
The VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor is a heavy duty 12-volt model capable of inflating large tires, such as the ones found on large trucks and SUVs. Sporting a 150 PSI maximum working pressure, it is faster and more competitive than many other models on the market. At a 33% duty cycle, you will get the air compressor working quickly, so that any deflated tire situation can be solved with maximum efficiency.At maximum working pressure, the air compressor can be operated for 15 minutes without a break.
Unlike small portable models that need to be supplied with power from the cigarette lighter, this one needs to the connected with the vehicle battery. The manufacturer provides heavy-duty alligator clamps for a secure connection so that each task can be completed in absolute safety. While the product itself is fast, efficient and easy to use, what makes it more convincing is the wide range of accessories provided.
There is no guessing work when you use the VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor. An inline pressure gauge is included with your purchase, and this serves for reading tire pressure; this way, you do not have to worry about overinflating your tires. An individual holder for the infuse line, an 8-foot power cable, a sand tray, and inflation tips are other accessories you will get when you buy this particular heavy-duty model.
The best part is that you will store everything inside the soft carrying case that protects the air compressor and its accessories against bumps and dents. Capable of operating at both cold and hot temperatures – from -40°F to 158°F – it is the type of tool you should take along with you on long trips.
The Best Portable 12v Air Compressor:
Car owners and other users expect air compressors capable of working at superior PSI to be heavy, bulky and difficult to use. The VIAIR 90P Portable Compressor proves them wrong by offering the best of both worlds. Although heavier than portable compressors that can be powered from the cigarette lighter, this model is still easy to manipulate. By using the alligator clamps supplied, you will be able to connect the air compressor to the car battery. Make use of the 12-foot power cable, so you can quickly reach any tire in need of getting inflated.Working at a maximum pressure of 120 PSI and sporting 1.21CFM free flow at 0 PSI, the VIAIR 90P Portable Compressor is suitable for a large number of vehicles. Whether you drive an SUV or a sedan, you will find this particular model to be reliable for any deflated tire situations. It works just as fine for motorcycles and ATVs. The maximum tire size for which this model works is 31 inches.
The compact design allows the user to store away the air compressor in the car trunk with ease. A great thing about this product is that it can be stored, along with all the accessories provided inside a deluxe carrying bag. This way, you will not have to worry about damaging the tool, or losing some of the accessories. Besides the power cable mentioned above, this model comes accompanied by sand tray equipped with vibration insulators, a 3pc inflation tip kit, a pressure gauge and a 5-foot air hose.
The Best Digital 12v Air Compressor:
The JACO SmartPro Digital Tire Inflator Pump streamlines the process of inflating your tires, by allowing you to preset the desired pressure level. Once the tool reaches the target PSI, it shuts off, so you don’t have to worry about overinflating your tires. It works for car tires (at maximum 45 PSI) and bike tires (at maximum 100 PSI), offering you a wide array of uses.Besides the smart pressure technology implemented, this digital pump offers superior accuracy. On the digital gauge, you will quickly read the PSI level, and the backlit display makes it possible for you to do the readings even at night time. The readings have an error margin of just 1 PSI.
The 24-inch air hose ensures a perfect seal on the valve once you connect the pump. You can use the two adapters provided to inflate sports balls, inflatable toys or air mattresses. Connecting to any 12-volt outlet inside a car or SUV, this air compressor is actually easy to operate. It serves that it comes along with a 10-foot power cord, allowing you to move around and reach the tires that need inflation, without the need for extension cords.
The LED light is bright and easy to spot. Its four settings include flashlight, flashing red light, emergency SOS and off. Compact and highly portable, the JACO SmartPro Digital Tire Inflator Pump is fast and efficient. Its maximum capacity is 25L/minute, so expect to be done and ready with any tire problem in no time. A carry bag is included for protecting the pump, as well as for convenience.
