After reading this article, we hope you’ll understand why tyre inflators are so important. You will probably want to carry one in your car at all times and here’s why.

When you think about potential problems with tyres, under-inflation is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Having under-inflated tyres is one of the most costly problems to both motorists and the environment.

First of all, it is a legal requirement to keep your tyres at the correct pressure. Most importantly, did you know you can collect a fine & points on your license if they are not! Furthermore, if you are involved in an accident and it’s deemed that your incorrectly inflated tyres were potentially the cause – then your insurance may not pay out.

As if that wasn’t enough, there is the whole environmental aspect too. With over 60,000 tyres wasted every single year due to under-inflation, this amounts to 1.5 million tonnes of CO2! Making it not only an expensive problem for you, but also to the environment.

So the question is, what can we do about it?

Luckily the solution is simple. Having a tyre inflator on hand will ensure you keep your car pumped up and safe for the road.

Which car tyre inflator is best for my needs?

For the most part, buying a car tyre inflator is as much about personal preference as it is performance.

Therefore, we have put together this guide of the best car tyre inflators in their various forms. This will guide you through the best tyre inflator to buy for what you need it for.

Foot Pumps

If you like your tools simple and straightforward then a foot pump could be the perfect option for you. There may be more ‘technical’ tyre inflators out there, but there are few more reliable than a good ‘ol fashioned manual foot pump!

There are really two main options when it comes to foot pumps. The single barrel gauge footpump from PCL is perfect to keep in your car boot. It has rubber feet and thus does not slip on the surface.
Perhaps an even better alternative is the PCL footpump with double barrel gauge. This does everything the single barrel does, but for a fraction more money it does the job twice as quickly.

Handheld Tyre Inflators

Deciding which handheld tyre inflator to choose really depends on what you need it for. For busy tyre shops and outdoor garages, the PCL AIRFORCE MK4 tyre inflator is hugely popular. With its hardwearing and robust aluminium die cast body, it’s less prone to damage when dropped.

There are a few things to consider when buying an inflator like this. Firstly, what size hose do you need? Secondly, what type of connection do you want?

if you are unsure then we are able to help you. Please do give us a call: 01932 348777 we are happy to assist.

If you are looking for a handheld tyre inflator for your car or for small projects, then the PCL airlite eco tyre inflator is a superb alternative. This inflator comes with a 0.4m hose and either a twin hold on connector or the Euro clip on connector. It’s also worth mentioning that the Accura MK4 digital tyre inflator takes the brilliance of the Airforce MK4 tyre inflator but with the addition of a digital display. The budget inflator is also available for you if you are just looking for something really basic.
Of course, there are many other options available with PCL being the market leaders! You may prefer to browse the ranges of PCL handheld tyre inflators before making your mind up.

Portable Tyre Inflators

If you run a garage or workshop then a simple handheld tyre inflator may not be enough. Portable tyre inflators are designed for more frequent use and as a result are incredibly robust. The compact design of these portable tyre inflators make them ideal for businesses wanting to save some space. It’s for this reason that the PCL pavement gauge is affectionately known as “the PG” by garage owners across the UK.

Of course, there are some businesses that need something even bigger. That’s why the 6 litre Autoportair is a popular choice for garage forecourts, car showrooms and workshops. In fact any busy environment where access and space is restricted.

High Pressure Tyre Inflators

So what happens if you need something for much bigger jobs? We’re talking the wheels of aircraft, industrial use and mining?

Luckily, there are some fantastic products on the market to cover this.

Let’s start by talking about the Accura 5 High Pressure tyre inflator. This takes all the brilliance of the previously mentioned PCL tyre inflators and turns it up a notch. This means it can be used for high pressure tyres such as aircraft and construction vehicles.

Similarly, the Airforce MK4 linear high pressure inflator is ideal for harsh environments. It can withstand extreme weather conditions and is therefore ideal for industrial, commercial and even mining.

Workshop Tyre Inflators

If you own a garage or workshop then speed and accuracy are must-haves to increase your productivity. The Qube range from PCL is brilliant for several reasons. Firstly, the touch button technology makes it incredible easy to use. Secondly, there are 3 different modes in one inflator:

Mode 1 Standard inflate/deflate
Mode 2 Tyreshop mode with overpressure
Mode 3 N2 fill and air to N2 conversion

Broken Inflator? Don’t buy a new one, just get the part you need!
The good thing about tyre inflators, is that any spare parts are usually very easy to get. There are seemingly endless variations of tyre inflation replacement hoses available in different lengths to suit the specific need of the user. Replacement hoses are also available with different end connectors, making the solution you need available at the click of a button. Again, if you need our help with knowing which one you need, please get in touch.

Tyre inflation spares, tyre test equipment and tyre valve connectors are also handy to have in your toolkit.

Our air compressor shop in Surrey stocks various inflators and all spare parts!

Keeping your tyres safe and fully inflated should be a priority for all motorists. Don’t let tyres that are inflated incorrectly be costly to you in more ways than one!

In conclusion, no matter what you need a tyre inflator for there is a solution for you. We are happy to recommend the best product for your needs. Perhaps you are looking for the most cost effective inflator, or maybe the one that is fast and dependable. As always, we are more than happy to help, just give us a call: 01932 348777