It is certainly worth noting that under-inflated tyres roll on to have other effects too. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which simultaneously makes your engine work harder and increases fuel consumption. Under-inflated tyres also cause uneven wear on the tyre tread and can have a detrimental effect on braking performance. Hopefully, the cause of the under-inflated tyre won’t require the use of some tyre sealant. But you should always keep monitoring your rubber. The best tyre inflator compressors at a glance: The pressure is usually shown in two formats: bar and psi. There are typically two sets of these. The lowest is for normal use, but you may well see another set of higher pressures for when the car is heavily loaded, increasing the weight that’s pushing down on the tyres. A tyre with the incorrect pressure could reduce your car’s fuel efficiency by around three per cent, so it pays to get it right. You will also improve your car’s braking and handling performance. Timing is one to consider too whether it’s an analogue or digital tyre inflator. Some tyre inflators will fill a tyre from empty in four to five minutes, while others will complete the task in 90 seconds. And it’s worth having a cable long enough to fill the tyres in one go as well. A tyre will naturally lose air over time, but a slow puncture or porous alloy wheels will result in a slower loss of pressure. You’ll also find that the recommended tyre pressures are different when your car is loaded to the rafters with holiday gear. It’s for these reasons that tyre inflator compressors should be a must-have rather than a nice-to-have accessory.

It’s noisy, dishing out 77dB in operation. And the pressure gauge can be difficult to read since, because it goes up to 250psi, that crucial 0 to 60psi zone is crammed into the first quarter of the dial. However, it pumped up our test tyre from 20 to 30psi in just under two-and-a-half minutes, with no fuss or faff. It’s a shame that the supplied accessories are so basic – just a ball inflator and two adaptors for inflatable toys – still, if you’re looking to spend as little as possible, then the Storm Force Mini does the job.

Comes with LED light to make night time inflation easier and safer. Also comes with 10 piece adaptor set for use with tyres, bicycle tyres, motorcycle tyres, balls, airbeds and other small inflatables. Includes case and storage for adaptors.

The RTC1000 Rapid Digital Tyre Inflator makes tyre maintenance fast and easy. The RTC1000 inflates a 13" tyre in just 2 minutes. It comes with three adaptors, LED light storage case, spare valve caps and latex gloves. Mid-range tyre inflator compressors like the Ring RAC830 is perfect for most people. They are usually better quality and more powerful than inflators that come as part of tyre repair kits. To use, you simply remove the dust cap from the tyre valve and attach the hose to the inflator. It’s then a case of setting the desired pressure and allowing the unit to do its job. If the system has an automatic cut-off, it will stop at the correct pressure, so you simply remove the hose and replace the dust cover. Tyre pressures are typically between 30psi and 40psi (or 2 bar and 2.8 bar). How to test your tyre pressure The RTC450 is also suitable to be used on bikes and small inflatable items, thanks to the 3 piece adaptor kit included.RTC400 Digital Tyre Inflator. Able to inflate a tyre in 3.5 mins by selecting the pressure measurement you'd like and then pressing the on/off button. Shows pressure readings in kPA, PSI and bar. Each of the inflators tested here has a gauge that gives you an instant readout that lets you know whether the tyre needs pumping. To use them, simply remove the dust cap from the valve on the tyre and push the end of the air hose over it, before pressing or releasing any catch to clamp it in place. Petrol station tyre inflators have pressure gauges, too, but these aren’t always accurate so it’s best to test using your own equipment. Extra long 70cm air hose with easy access storage compartment specifically designed to reduce kinks

With extra-long 3.5m power cable + fused 12V DC power plug to help you reach all around the vehicle The inflator is easy to use, thanks to the flat design, large on/off button and valve cap storage. The deflation valve allows you to make small reductions in pressure.

AmazonBasics digital tyre inflator

Despite its smaller size, the Ring performed well, inflating the tyre faster than some of the larger models in this test. The Ring also retains a leisure inflator/deflator and is fitted with a Deflate button. We were also a fan of the foolproof knob and display set-up, and the smart carrying bag. Larger inflators include rechargeable batteries, which make them completely portable. These are a better option if you want to pump up, say, bicycle tyres, without having to wheel the bike next to your car. You may also need a larger inflator for tyres that need higher-than-average pressures, such as a larger van or campervan. What about extras? The RTC450 Digital Auto-Stop Tyre Inflator makes tyre maintenance fast and easy. The multi-functional inflator can inflate a 13" tyre from completely flat in just 3.5 minutes, features a bright LED light, (located on the side) so that it can be used in darker conditions and a 3 piece adaptor kit for bikes and small inflatables. Cordless tyre inflator, ideal for camping and road trips. The RTC6000 digital tyre inflator can inflate a tyre in just two minutes. Comes with air compressor setting for tyres, and air pump setting for air beds. Can inflate a single airbed in just two minutes. Some inflators have 12V ports so they can effectively be used as an extension lead that connects other accessories to your car’s power. If your car isn’t fitted with a USB port, it’s useful to have a tyre inflator with this feature so that you can charge a tablet or smartphone on the road.