
Carrying cases are usually made of soft polyester or denim. Getting an after-market case that fits is difficult, while included cases are usually form-fitting. Before you pull out your wallet, double-check to make sure a case is included with the pump you purchase. However, some cheaper models may come without a carrying case. Carrying caseĬarrying cases are standard issue for most tire pumps. Most power cords are around 10 feet long, while hoses average around 2 feet in length. When considering the overall reach of a pump, add the total length of the cord and hose. Though a long power cord can allow you to position the pump right next to the tire, a long hose is still convenient. Just as limiting - or liberating - is the hose length. It’s a good idea to measure the distance from the cigarette lighter in your car to the tire farthest away from it. If the power cord is too short, you could find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a perfectly good pump that you can’t use. These can be challenging to use in low-light situations. However, a few pumps on the market still use the old circular gauges with no lighting. Most car tire pumps have simple controls that are easy to read and use, even in low lighting, and some models feature backlit LCD screens that display readings clearly. In the event that you have to use your tire pump on the side of the road, a brightly colored pump will increase your visibility. Common options include black, silver, blue, red, green, and yellow. Some manufacturers give you a choice of colors.
#Average car tire psi crack#
If you expect to use your pump regularly, consider a model with a durable case that won’t crack or dent after heavy use. The cases of car tire pumps are made of durable ABS plastic, stainless steel, powder-coated steel, or aluminum.

This is convenient when you’re pumping up basketballs, footballs, air mattresses, and other inflatables with the pump and don’t want to start up your vehicle. Some of the pumps also include a regular electrical cord to draw AC power from a standard 120-volt outlet. Otherwise, you’ll drain the battery of your car. This means the car has to be running when you’re using the pump. Nearly all pumps have an electric cord that plugs into the cigarette lighter in the dashboard of your car. Power sourceĬar tire pumps are generally powered by one of two sources: a cigarette lighter or a 120-volt outlet. If you have difficulty lifting heavy objects, check the weight of any pump you are considering. However, some models weigh 5 pounds or more. WeightĬar tire pumps that run off the cigarette lighter are lightweight, usually between 1 and 2 pounds. However, a few car tire pumps come with an oversized carrying case that nearly doubles the “size” of the pump in storage. Usually, the carrying case that comes with the pump (if there is one) is form-fitting or snug, so it doesn’t take up additional room. They can be stored easily in the trunk of your car or under a seat. Most of the car tire pumps we’ve seen are around a foot or so on the longest side. In general, the higher the psi limit, the more expensive the car tire pump. This should be enough for more of the heavier vehicles in your driveway or garage. Many pumps can reach 100 or even 150 psi. Trucks, SUVs, and RVs have tires with much higher pressure requirements, so finding a tire pump that is up for the job is crucial. The majority of car tire pumps top out around 30 or 35 pounds per square inch, or psi, which limits them to inflating car tires, motorcycle tires, inflatable toys, air mattresses, and other small items. At least once a year, take out your car tire pump and test it to make sure it works. In this guide, we’ll cruise you through all the features and aspects you need to consider on your way to purchasing the best car tire pumps for you and your family.Įmergency equipment needs to be tested on a regular basis.
#Average car tire psi full#
In addition, they vary in their controls, display, and other features that will determine how easy it is to get your tires back up to full when you’re on the side of the road on a chilly winter night.

Gas prices are always going up and down, so every penny counts.Ĭar tire pumps vary in their maximum psi, which determines what type of tires they can inflate. Under-inflated tires literally suck the mileage out of your car. You may not be gunning it for the checkered flag, but you want to be safe out there on the road, and you probably want the best gas mileage possible. The same thing holds true of your car tires.
#Average car tire psi drivers#
Professional racecar drivers and their pit crews have been known to obsess over the pressure of their tires because even 1/4 of a pound one way or the other can change the speed of their car.
