What Should I Use to Top up Tyres at Home?

Eevee on 14/11/2023 - 22:40
Last edited 15/11/2023 - 14:39

I want to pump my tyres and top them up at home so I don’t have to go to the petrol station.

What should I use to pump my car tyres in my garage?

I’ve been hearing about air compressors and portable tyre inflators but I’m not sure which to get.

Also are there any product recommendations?

Edit: for a lot of people asking why don’t I go to a service station. Atm I’m filling up at Costco which doesn’t have a tyre inflator I believe.

I could still go to a service station for tyres if it’s a better experience than doing it at home.

Automotive Tyre

Comments

  • FoxJump on 14/11/2023 - 22:48
    +3

    it comes down to how big your car tires are, and how long you want to wait.

  • Worf on 14/11/2023 - 22:49
    +6

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/804871

    I have one of these, pretty handy

    • EightImmortals on 15/11/2023 - 07:50
      +1

      I have a similar one, different brand and works fine.

    • Euphemistic on 15/11/2023 - 08:39

      Handy. Good for a couple of PSI in a car tyre or flat bicycle tyres, not much more.

    • HeWhoKnows on 15/11/2023 - 17:03
      +1

      Its not worth the trouble.
      These devices are for when you discover a flat tyre at home and cant drive to a servo.
      You can check and pump up your tyres at almost any servo free of charge!

    • Domingo on 16/11/2023 - 18:18

      I have this exact one, good for topping up car tyres every so often. My dad has the milwaukee one which is superior, but this one is more than capable at topping up car tyres.

  • pegaxs on 14/11/2023 - 22:51
    +5

    An air compressor? A bicycle foot pump is all you really need. If you want fancy, a hand held, battery operated pump. If you want it done fast, a small air compressor with a reservoir.

    • skillet on 15/11/2023 - 08:29
      +4

      The manual ones very environmentally friendly and healthy work out.

      • SteveD on 15/11/2023 - 14:38
        -2

        That's only for Tesla Owners

        • Lachy2437 on 15/11/2023 - 14:46

          Not true, I can't use my bike pump on my Tesla because there isn't enough clearance around the valve for it.

          • SteveD on 15/11/2023 - 17:10

            @Lachy2437: @Lachy2437: Sorry to say, you are wrong. I own Michelin Digital Twin Barrel Tyre Foot Pump which is my go to pump to top-up my Tesla tyre

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/11/2023 - 23:01

    How often are you re airing your tires?

    • mskeggs on 15/11/2023 - 07:51
      +41

      You should rotate the air after every service. Can be tricky to capture the old air at home without the right equipment so some motorists just use new air each time, which is wasteful.

      • skillet on 15/11/2023 - 08:30
        +1

        New air(80% nitrogen) is so yesterday they use 100% Nitrogen.

      • Aust on 15/11/2023 - 22:39
        +2

        And you also need to be aware of the oxygen thieves as you do so also, they will steal your air as quick as look at you.

        • resisting the urge on 16/11/2023 - 18:00

          And you never see/catch them. It is as if the air just gradually 'escapes' through the rubber walls, as if they were made out of 'thin air'!

    • SteveD on 15/11/2023 - 19:39
      +1

      @Jimothy Wongingtons: Not often, once a month, I check to see if the pressure has dropped, if it has dropped (usually it will be 0.5 PSI in my case) I top it up. I always stick to cold inflation, so avoid inflating my tyres at the pump.

      • Euphemistic on 15/11/2023 - 22:19
        +5

        To half a psi? Are you a race driver?

        • SteveD on 15/11/2023 - 23:41
          +3

          No, but my Grandpa was. He taught me few things that I follow ritually and tyre pressure is one of them.

  • HardQuiz on 14/11/2023 - 23:02
    +4

    The Xiaomi Mi Portable Air Pump is very popular here among OzB, but you’ll find plenty of other brands that deliver the same function.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 15/11/2023 - 12:17
      -2

      +1

    • Gmetal on 15/11/2023 - 13:01
      +5

      I have this and just can not recommend it for car tyres. Slow as shit, overheats for multiple tyres, and battery life isn’t great

      • teacherer on 15/11/2023 - 13:10
        +2

        Slow and overheats ++

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 16/11/2023 - 07:30
        +1

        Disagree. I can do 2x cars and a motorbike easy without recharging. Mines 4 years old, maybe you got a dud.

      • oranglama on 16/11/2023 - 09:26

        Mine has been fine for occasional top ups, multiple tyres.

      • Mungulz on 16/11/2023 - 15:02

        Slow yes, faster than driving to a servo, yes. Faster than driving to a servo and finding the pumps out, and driving to another servo, to find that pumps out.. Yes.

        It will do 0 to 40PSI on a car tyre in 3 minutes. What sort of magic are you expecting from a power bank sized box?
        One charge will do 4 car tyres from 20psi to 36psi.

        I use it frequently and it seems durable, haven't had any issues.
        Slow and overheating comments, NFI, haven't experienced it. Has never shut off on me.

        It's small enough to keep in the glovebox, put in a backpack etc. Very very useful tool.

        FYI what I set on the Xiaomi (38PSI) will report on the cars TPMS at 38PSI, so I know it's accurate which is more important to me than speed.

  • sumyungguy on 14/11/2023 - 23:07

    Has this arisen because you drive an EV so don't spend any time at petrol stations? The desirable features of their version: fast with auto-shutoff. These days the 12V compressors are digital so offer the preset/shutoff feature. I don't use my Xiaomi Mijia Air Pump for car tyres but I'm sure it would work OK - it's just slow.

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 14/11/2023 - 23:41
    +7

    If you are in any of the 18V battery powered tool ecosystems, you can always buy an HP inflator skin.
    I've got the Oziti PXC unit. Bit noisy, but has manual and auto pressure cut off, digital read out, easy selection between scales and required pressure.

    • Gmetal on 15/11/2023 - 13:03

      I just bought this ( the drill looking photo unit, not the inflator deflator) - not sure if my unit is defectively- but let’s say my tyres are at 34 and I want to reach 38psi - the auto function simply doesn’t work. The read pressure jumps to like 40 then instantly cuts off before it realises it’s actually lower, it kind of over reads a burst. So I need to pulse manual, and wait for it to read correctly- which kind of negates the point of it.

      • DashCam AKA Rolts on 15/11/2023 - 13:06
        +1

        I have the same unit. You might have a faulty unit. Mine doesn't do this. I usually check with a separate tyre gauge and it's been pretty accurate. Maybe take it back to Bunnings and swap it over.

        • Gmetal on 16/11/2023 - 01:12

          Thanks appreciate it!

  • jv on 14/11/2023 - 23:42
    +3

    I use this…

  • bcarp on 15/11/2023 - 00:18

    I used to use a bicycle floor pump. It was a great full body workout for 15 minutes or so. A bit more for the SUV, a bit less for the low profile tyre cars. Now I'm older, not as fit, and a bit more cashed up, so I use the Ryobi One tyre inflator.

    • skillet on 17/11/2023 - 22:11

      Well if one do it weekly and treat it as regular exercise then they won't need to do a full workout as the leak is minimal. Also a good time to inspect the tyres as most owners don't.

  • Euphemistic on 15/11/2023 - 05:43
    +1

    I’ve got 3 options in my garage. I only very rarely use any of them for inflating my tyres to ‘top them off’, they just don’t need it very often. It’s easier at the servo with one of those digital thingys. Ultimately even if I’ve got a slow leak in a tyre, it’s still more convenient to use the servo. It’s only a couple of minutes drive which won’t hurt a low tyre. Better to buy a decent gauge and check them, then go to the servo only if necessary.

    1. Air compressor with a tank. Bought it for running tools, spray paint etc. noisy, annoying to cart around but nice and quick once the tank is up to pressure. I typically plug it in, walk away while it pressurises then come back when it’s switched off.

    2. 4wd compressor. Well, it’s not really a 4wd compressor but the type 4wd era use. ItS also quite quick. I use it after being on the beach to inflate all 4 tyres from half pressure- only when the servo is too far away or too busy.

    3. Small 18v Ryobi hand held inflator. Takes too long if the pressure is too low. It’s really good for its size etc but. Great for bicycle tyres, not the right tool for a flat car tyre. Probably OK for ‘topping off’.

    How often do you realistically need to add pressure at home? I didn’t buy any of these for topping of car tyres, but for other purposes otherwise I wouldn’t bother.

  • franco cozzo on 15/11/2023 - 07:10

    i recommend air!

    • Flying Ace on 15/11/2023 - 07:46
      +1

      Good one.

    • quog on 15/11/2023 - 11:00
      +1

      decarbonised air?

      just to get with the new corporate buzzwords

  • newjerseydamo on 15/11/2023 - 08:01
    +4

    I use a Milwaukee 12v Tyre Inflator as I am in their 12v ecosystem (all I need for what I'm doing in the garage).
    I got sick and tired of petrol stations having broken or none at all tyre inflators.

    Very handy as I have a bicycle, motorcycle, and car.

    • apple2016 on 15/11/2023 - 10:01

      +1 for Milwaukee. They are small enough that you can carry them in you car as well.

  • Rob-4x4 on 15/11/2023 - 08:09

    These work well. I use an ARB twin air hardwired into vehicle…

    https://www.arb.com.au/air-compressors-tyre-accessories/air-…

    • Euphemistic on 15/11/2023 - 08:38

      That’s overkill unless you’re reinflating tyres after 4wd ing or beach work.

      • Rob-4x4 on 15/11/2023 - 08:47
        +3

        I use the twin air all the time as I am regularly reinflating tyres after 4wding, Targa events etc . But raised it as a suggestion as I do not know what so of vehicle the OP has.
        But some of the lower spec ARM compresses could be worth considering

        • Euphemistic on 15/11/2023 - 09:33

          I’ve got a similar one to put in the 4wd. I rarely use it at home because popping the bonut thingy, running the leads etc is a bit of a pain but I’ve also got other options.

          If it was just for ‘topping up’ I’d use a cordless hand held solution.

      • photonbuddy on 15/11/2023 - 13:50

        I bought a twin cylinder unit, with the thought that if one dies, the other will still work. Haven't had need to test that theory, but …

        Overkill for sure. Adds 5psi to my Territory tires in about 3 seconds.

        Wouldn't buy such a powerful unit again, unless I had a proper need for it, like inflating 4WD tires after beach driving … which is what they are aimed at doing.

  • ihbh on 15/11/2023 - 08:27
    +1

    Most people have Ozito batteries lying around the house. If so, then this is best bang for buck - high pressure and high volume inflator/deflator (think also if you have air mattresses/kayaks, etc.): https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-cordless-inflator-…

  • Dollar General on 15/11/2023 - 08:31
    +3

    I buy a new car every 12 months as any one of the neighbours gets a new car and I need to keep up appearances

  • geekcohen on 15/11/2023 - 09:14
    +1

    I have an Airhawk Pro and it does a great job for small tyres (commodore, sedan etc), not 4WD or SUV tyres. I've since upgraded to the Thumper Max for my ute.

  • BigBirdy on 15/11/2023 - 09:20

    I use one of these Topex Air Compressor, which includes a battery, and you get 10% off first order. I mostly use for motorcycles, which is quick & easy, on car it's a bit slower. It has built-in digital gauge with auto-shutoff. Also sold on EBay.

    I also recommend disconnecting the battery between uses, as battery seems to last a lot longer between charges when removed.

    • Euphemistic on 15/11/2023 - 09:35
      +1

      Better option would to be to buy one that suits your drill or other tool batteries so you don’t have to rely on a separate battery system.

  • Protractor on 15/11/2023 - 10:06

    Is the top of the tyre round?
    Seriously
    Just buy a sml compressor with built in gauge from the usual car parts places or $WD Supacentre etc
    How often do you need to top up tyres at the servo now?

    EDIT >
    his >
    https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/thumper-air-compressor-mkii…

    or this>

    https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/thumper-max-dual-air-compre…

  • AustriaBargain on 15/11/2023 - 10:40

    Air is probably the obvious choice. Nitrogen is popular, apparently it helps maintain good pressure because it is less moist than air so fluctuates less with temperature, making your car more fuel efficient.

    • tonsta on 15/11/2023 - 23:56

      If you can afford 100% nitrogen it’s great, cost of living forced me to onto 70% nitrogen.

  • George Washington on 15/11/2023 - 10:42

    Got myself a makita tyre inflator. So good, pump bikes kids toys pool floaties, air mattresses

  • Geoff01 on 15/11/2023 - 10:43
    -2

    Air compressors have been around for 40 years or so and your just hearing about them..topping up at home should be a rare thing. Tyres don't go up and down on a regular basis. Should be checked at a service and then last till Next. If you find one of your tyres is going down it's better to get the problem fixed at a tyre place. Apart from that small cigarette style compressors are cheap and easy to use. Bigger ones from BCF xtm etc around $100 are faster but connect to your battery while car is running.

    • StingyBritches on 15/11/2023 - 12:20
      +4

      "Tyres don't go up and down on a regular basis."

      Uhhh, yeah, they do go down. I've seen tyres go down after a few days and then the same tyres last over a month without a top-up. Could be environment (temperature) or whatever.

      "Should be checked at a service and then last till Next."

      That's not good advice - unless you getting monthly services?

      Not 'picking' on you - just offering a counter opinion.

    • gromit on 15/11/2023 - 12:54
      +1

      you should be checking your tyres monthly, They most definitely DO lose pressure over time due to a range of factors from natural permeation to valve leakage or simply temperature changes. The only person likely to tell you that you don't need to check them is someone that wants to sell you a new set of tyres sooner.

  • ColtNoir on 15/11/2023 - 11:42
    +2

    Unless you’re going beach off-roading, I don’t see the point. Is once a month going to a servo that bad for a pressure check?

  • Drakesy on 15/11/2023 - 11:57
    +2

    Just go to a service station.

    • Protractor on 15/11/2023 - 11:59
      +2

      Or phone Air BnB for a delivery

        • Protractor on 15/11/2023 - 12:55

          Sorry for wasting your time….

    • nobro25 on 15/11/2023 - 13:36
      +2

      Know right, you're not lazy enough to go fuel up at the petrol station but too lazy to spend another 5 mins to repressure your tyres.

  • md333 on 15/11/2023 - 12:10

    If you have a decent bicycle floor pump they work surprisingly well for small adjustments to car tyres. I find it more than adequate for adding a couple of psi.

    Not so great for reinflating 4WD tyres after the beach, but actually still faster than the cheap 12v compressors (and a lot faster if you use the hand pump on one tyre while the compressor is doing another).

  • knasty on 15/11/2023 - 13:02

    I've got a twin shaft Michelin foot pump. Was about $35. I keep it in the car in case I get a flat (as well as a patch kit, can of tyre repair goop and a few other handy thing).

  • Kiro on 15/11/2023 - 13:22

    I have the Ryobi 1+ inflator and has been in service at my house for a few years now. Easy to use and can do a variety of things.

    Car, bike tyres, pool toys, soccer/ basketball etc. And air mattresses. I made an adapter that works with air track as well.

    I have pumped up car tyres from flat without issues.

  • ninjadefuse on 15/11/2023 - 14:31

    For normal car or 4wd with highway tyres: https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/thumper-air-compressor-mkii…

    For 4wd with bigger at/mt tyres:
    https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/thumper-max-dual-air-compre…

    Not the best quality but very cheap for what they are and will last forever for occasional use. For frequent use I got around 2 to 3 years out of them.

    Use a separate gauge to check pressures. I've never seen a compressor read accurately.

    • Euphemistic on 15/11/2023 - 14:40

      Both those are great for filling a very low tyre (or four). Too much if you’re just adding a couple of psi once a month - which would be my definition of ‘topping up’. As opposed to ‘filling up’ from flat or half pressure.

      • Protractor on 15/11/2023 - 14:53

        You either get something that can keep topping up for years or a plastic pistoned piece of crap that carks real quick. Besudes OP never mentioned budget.Buy it once, sounds good to me.

  • Ridiculous Panda on 15/11/2023 - 14:36

    Do you drive a Tesla and this servos are too filthy for you? Otherwise a servo on your way somewhere will be the most convenient and quickest.
    Air compressors are good to have in the car for emergencies/4x4 but I’d hate to use one on a regular basis. Slow and noisy.

  • Alonzo on 15/11/2023 - 14:59

    If you do opt for going to the petrol station, buy and use a good quality pressure gauge. The indicated pressures can be way off at the service station.

  • ireadtermsofuse on 15/11/2023 - 15:13

    Straw and your own breath

  • OzzyOzbourne on 15/11/2023 - 15:18

    Air

  • R4 on 15/11/2023 - 15:41
    +1

    Kings sell a load of CCP made rubbish but their portable compressors are pretty good. This model would fit your needs:

    https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/4wd/air-compressors/thumper…

  • camr00 on 15/11/2023 - 17:02

    Just go to a service station. The reality is that you only need to do it once a month to keep them topped up the few psi they lose in that time.

    That said, of the other options:
    - I have the Xiaomi tyre inflator and it's fine for putting a couple of psi into each tyre. Auto cutoff is good, so I just set it going then walk away and do something else for the minute or so it takes. realistically I only use it when I have a decently long trip the following day and dont want to stop with the kids/dont need fuel.
    - One friend has the Milwaukee M12 and it takes half the time of the Xiaomi. It's also bigger and more expensive. Good option though.
    - Another friend has the Milwaukee M18 and it's super fast, but also the most expensive.

    https://www.milwaukeetool.com.au/power-tools/automotive/infl…
    https://www.milwaukeetool.com.au/power-tools/automotive/infl…

  • Mrgreenz on 15/11/2023 - 17:13

    Just a cheap floor pump if you have small tyres

  • Poor Ass on 15/11/2023 - 17:32

    I would still go to a servo as it is faster

    I do have a Xiaomi Mi Portable Air Pump for top ups but once it saved me as I got a nail on a highway and after patching it up with a tyre kit this was good to pump up one tyre from flat

    I think it go to about 28psi before the battery died

  • lonewolf on 15/11/2023 - 20:18

    Problem i find is most servos dont maintain their tyre inflators and hence are broke / out of order or work but dont attach very well to the tyre and you are bent over holding it in place or rejigging it multiple times to get it to work.

  • factor on 15/11/2023 - 20:34

    I keep a good analogue pressure gauge in my car:
    https://www.nunawadingtoyotaparts.com.au/brand-new-genuine-t…

    And on the rare occasion a tyre needs some attention, I'll then hear to a servo.

  • umoddbro on 15/11/2023 - 21:16

    I have something like this I think I got it for around $10 quite a few years ago… Plugs right into your cigarette socket. I pair it with this cheapo gauge from ebay… Does the job.

    • Euphemistic on 15/11/2023 - 22:23

      That’s pretty much all you need for topping up. Super slow to fill a flat tyre, but it’ll do it in a pinch.

  • Aerith-Waifu on 15/11/2023 - 23:38

    Speaking of tyre, I just had my tyre changed and the guy pumped it to 40psi despite the fact the recommendation is 33, I asked him and he said it's fine when they are new?

    • ninjadefuse on 16/11/2023 - 01:15

      A few PSI higher is fine for better economy at the expense of comfort, but go too high and you'll start wearing the tyre unevenly.

      Tyre shops are lazy and set everything to 40psi from what I've seen.

    • lachhelix on 16/11/2023 - 02:43

      Yeah seems to be pretty standard - my car placard says 32/34 and tyre shops always bring it up to 40, very annoying haha

      • geekcohen on 16/11/2023 - 08:25

        very annoying

        How so? Don't like a firm ride?

        • lachhelix on 16/11/2023 - 11:05

          Not at all - 19s with tiny af tyres "factory" spec 😂

  • keepingitreal on 16/11/2023 - 07:23

    You can use this cheap tyre inflator - https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-12v-150psi-air-compressor_… but I would recommend using a reliable tyre pressure gauge as the built-in one is not accurate. I have this and it works well for me - https://www.amazon.com.au/Digital-Tire-Tread-Depth-Pressure/….

  • bazingaa on 16/11/2023 - 10:11

    I have this, still haven't used it for car but I use it for bicycle at 43 psi

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-high-pressure-air-…

    • geekcohen on 16/11/2023 - 11:12

      Very similar to an AirHawk Pro, just it is cordless vs 12v cig powered. Wonder how it goes on a small battery vs a large one and how much you get out of a battery.

      • bazingaa on 16/11/2023 - 11:24
        +1

        I have other Ozito tools like drills etc, and that's why I got this. I use just one battery for all the tools.

        • geekcohen on 16/11/2023 - 11:25

          Yeah, I am the same. Would be interesting to see how it goes on a battery when using it on a car doing all 4 tyres.

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