What Is a Tire Inflator? And Why You Should Consider Getting One

If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to find your tire is deflated then you were probably told to go to the nearest gas station where you might’ve found someone to help you use a bulky machine (the air compressor) to fill your tire. If you’re going to spend a lot of time on the road (especially on off-roads) then you might consider getting a tire inflator. You can research online for comparison of an inflator vs compressor, but we will be focusing on tire inflators in this article.

What Exactly Is A Tire Inflator?

It is a small, portable device that can run on power from your car to inflate your tires. You can use it anywhere you are, so its practicality is unmatched.

Many models are small enough to keep in your glovebox, and run on 12V electricity which can be provided by your car’s cigarette lighter. Although they are comparatively weaker than the large air compressors found in mechanic shops and gas stations, they are very convenient to carry in case of emergencies.

Who Needs A Tire Inflator?

Like we have mentioned earlier, if you spend much of your day on the road, then the likelihood of your tires deflating increases substantially. Also, if the majority of your driving is done in rural areas, you might find that the nearest gas station is miles away. In that case, it would be more convenient and safer for you to have a solution to your deflated tire on hand. It would save you a lot of time and trouble to inflate your tire on the spot if the need arises.

What Causes A Tire To Deflate?

There are several reasons that you might find yourself at the side of the road with a deflated tire. These are only a few of the most common causes:

• Wear And Tear

With time, all tires are prone to deflating due to the wear and tear. Of course, if you are driving long distances daily then your tires will wear out sooner than later.

• Weather Changes

Tires can deflate slightly during the colder months because the air inside them contracts and thus takes up less volume. This is not a malfunction of your tires.

• Faulty Valves

The valves that are meant to keep  the air from escaping the tire might be faulty or loose, allowing air to seep out slowly. The result? Deflated tires.

• Over Or Under Inflation

More often than not, the cause of a deflated tire is improper inflation. Whether you overfill or underfill your tires with air, it still leads to the same result – a floppy tire. That is why it is important to properly check your tire pressure regularly and adjust accordingly. Take the time to learn how to do it the proper way in order not to miss the optimum pressure for your tires. This will only take you into a cycle between pressure readings that are too high or too low.