A digital tyre inflator can be a vital tool should you find yourself with a flat tyre. Of course, they’re not just useful for inflating saggy tyres, but they can also be used to ensure your car’s tyres are filled to the optimum pressure. Overinflated tyres can suffer from increased wear, while underinflated tyres can negatively affect fuel economy. If you tend to enjoy other surfaces beside tarmac then you’ll often have to deflate and re-inflate your tyres – a digital tyre inflator is a must.
You might fit your car with the best tyres available, but it’s important to take care of them, and a digital tyre inflator car do just that. They come with a digital screen which can display the pressure in real-time, which is a lot easier to read accurately than a traditional analogue dial – especially in low light. Also, digital tyre inflators usually have extra features such as an auto-shutoff function that stops inflation once the unit reaches the pre-set pressure. Some analogue models feature this too, but it’s less common. Nevertheless, they’re easily fit for use on anything from all-season tyres to sets of winter tyres.
The best digital tyre inflators at a glance
Apart from the gauges, the digital and analogue tyre inflators are pretty similar. Though because of the extra features, digital tyres usually carry a higher price tag than their analogue counterparts. In the event of a puncture whereby you might have to use some tyre sealant, inflating them back up is next, and these are the best tyre inflators with a digital gauge.
The best digital tyre inflators
The best digital tyre inflator
Its performance means a full reinflation of a 13-inch tyre is done in under four minutes. You can't overinflate either, thanks to auto-shutoff. The memory function is also a great time-saver. Ring Automotive is one of the industry leaders in aftermarket car equipment and has a firm reputation for quality gear. The RTC450 reflects this.
What keeps the RTC450 at a good price is because it's still a 12V unit rather than cordless. Sure, cordless is nice but plug-in tools still offer the best value.
Pros
- Powerful
- Compact
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not for you if you insist on cordless
Editor's pick
There are even a couple of bonus features such as an LED light that can flash SOS should an emergency require it. It comes with two adaptors.
Pros
- Excellent Value
- Simple and compact
- Decent build quality
Cons
- The price difference for an RTC450 isn't much
Best compact digital tyre inflator
But there is more. The RTC2000 carries a rechargeable 5200mAh battery which allows it to be cordless and also a power bank for your devices. The versatility of this tyre inflator is fantastic. It's far from the most powerful tyre inflator, but for topping up car tyres, it does the trick.
Pros
- Versatile and compact
- Cordless
- Doubles up as a power bank
Cons
- Not suitable for flat tyres
Most comprehensive digital tyre inflator
You can pre-set the pressure you desire and like other options, will automatically shut off to prevent over inflation. It comes with four different nozzles and comes with an LED light, which is handy in emergency situations in the dark. VacLife claims it can inflate a 195/55 R15 tyre (average size) from 25 to 35 PSI in as little as 2 minutes.
Pros
- Quickly inflates air
- Very easy to use
- Comes with four nozzles
Cons
- Not suitable for tyres larger than 245mm
Best practical digital tyre inflator
Rrp: $37.99
Rrp: $37.99
The power cord is three metres long which should be enough to cover all four corners of your vehicle. There are also some handy little slots which you can keep the attachments at the ready.
Pros
- Works continuously for 20 minutes
- Very practical
- Good build quality
Cons
- Won't be for you if you insist on cordless
Best for larger tyres
Weighing in at just under three kilograms, it's a lot beefier than the other models here but that's not surprising. The MAC05D has a long 4.5-metre hose for extra reach on larger vehicles.
Pros
- High performance
- Long hose
- Heavy duty
Cons
- Slightly overkill for most
Best cordless digital tyre inflator
But that's the only significant flaw here. The WX092.9 is a compact and powerful tyre inflator that is of superb build quality. During our testing, it came in second to the Ring RTC2000, mainly due to cost. But the WX092.9 performs much better and is capable of full tyre reinflation if needed.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Good performance
- PowerShare feature will be advantageous for some
Cons
- Cordless isn't for everyone
Frequently asked questions about digital tyre inflators
Are digital tyre inflators accurate?
Yes, digital tyre inflators are generally accurate, often within ±1 PSI, making them reliable for maintaining correct tyre pressure.
Are digital tire pressure gauges worth it?
Yes, digital tyre pressure gauges are worth it due to their ease of use, precision, and the ability to provide a clear, easy-to-read display compared to analogue gauges.
Are digital tyre pressure gauges more accurate?
Yes, digital tyre pressure gauges are typically more accurate than analogue gauges, providing consistent and precise readings.
Do you need the engine running to use a tyre inflator?
It depends on the type of tyre inflator. Portable inflators usually require the engine to be running to prevent battery drain, while those that plug into a wall outlet do not.
How do you calibrate a digital tyre pressure gauge?
Calibration is usually not user-serviceable; it is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or send it to a professional service if calibration is needed. Regular comparison with a known accurate gauge can also help ensure accuracy.
What should I consider when looking at digital tyre inflators?
The first thing should be value. Tyre inflators and compressors aren’t cheap. Ring Automotive certainly provide some great digital tyre inflators at competitive prices, and the range extends to more expensive options from WORX or Sealey. However, don’t be tempted by a knock-off brand either. We’ve chosen the options on this list on the grounds of brand quality, and some of which we’ve even tested. This should help you make the right decision and avoid being ripped off.
Alongside other factors such as weight and versatility, you should also think about the power source. Cordless digital tyre inflators are great for a quick top-up of air for your rubber. However, those with clamps or a cord are ideal if you want more power. Plus, it’s easy to hook them up to your 12V socket/cigarette lighter or battery.
But most importantly, we urge that you keep an eye on your tyre pressures. Tyre pressure gauges or, indeed, the attachments that come with inflators are a great way to check them. Reason being? Driving on under-inflated tyres is both dangerous and very bad for fuel economy since it increases rolling resistance.
Naveed Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He enjoys anything with four wheels, and is always planning his next road trip.
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