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Avid Power Cordless Tire Inflator Quick Details
Handheld drill-like design provides more flexibility and maneuverability.
Works as a corded unit if necessary via the included 12-volt car adapter.
Comes with a 20-volt detachable lithium-ion battery, a charger, and a carrying case.
Automoblog Review & Evaluation Process
Avid Power Tire Inflator Review Summary
Portable tire inflators pack the versatility of a larger air compressor into a cordless unit. As a low or flat tire is an annoyance, a handheld cordless inflator, like this option from Avid Power, can offer a dose of convenience at an inconvenient time.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering the Avid Power cordless tire inflator.
Drill-Inspired Look & Feel
The drill-style design distinguishes this Avid Power unit from other cordless tire inflators.
While many cordless tire inflators are indeed portable and have a handle for easy transport, many still retain the traditional square or rectangular shape. In almost all cases, you set these inflators on the ground next to your tire (with your hand on top to steady the inflator as necessary since they vibrate while running).
With this 20V Avid Power unit, the drill-inspired look is a bonus in our book, as holding it feels immediately familiar—but beyond that, the drill-like design allows for increased maneuverability if you need to reach your valve stem in a crowded parking lot.
If you often park in a public garage where cars are stuffed together like canned sardines, the design is advantageous if you walk out to a low tire. While you can set the Avid Power cordless tire inflator on the ground like a traditional unit, you can also hold it with an outstretched hand if needed.
20V Avid Power cordless tire inflator. The drill-like design provides more maneuverability than a standard tire inflator.
Inflation Time
The Avid Power cordless tire inflator can fill a standard vehicle tire up to 38 PSI in three to five minutes. Slower leaks that eventually flag your TPMS light, such as those caused by a small nail, pose little challenge for this Avid Power unit.
Avid Power recommends allowing three minutes of cool-down time for every 10 minutes of inflation time.
Limitations & Pressure Sensor Variance
The one limitation listed by Avid Power in the owner’s manual is large truck tires and commercial applications (it’s okay to use for everyday trucks and SUVs, however). This drill-inspired inflator has a tolerance of +/- two psi accuracy, as reflected on the digital display.
Customer Reviews
Amazon’s AI-generated summary of reviews finds that some are disappointed with the inflator’s durability. However, we can’t say we have the same view. In our experience, this Avid Power unit feels sturdy, an added benefit to the already convenient drill-style design.
Reviews that mention battery life are mixed in terms of how long it holds a charge. We recommend charging any portable tire inflator periodically, regardless of the brand, so it’s ready if and when you need it (we usually charge our inflators once a month).
Other Amazon reviews mentioned the ease of use and quick inflation speed of the 20V Avid Power cordless tire inflator, which we agree with.
Features & Accessories
The 20V Avid Power cordless tire inflator comes with three nozzles: one for tires, one for balls, and another for inflatables, such as an air mattress. A 20-volt detachable lithium-ion battery and charger are included, along with a carrying case for protecting and transporting the inflator.
Other helpful features include an LED light and a digital pressure gauge showing PSI, KPA, BAR, and KG/CM. The LED light is an excellent feature, worth its weight in gold if you need to air up a tire at night.
The digital display guage has a blue backlight. It’s easy to read when looking at it straight on. However, it may be harder to see if you are holding the inflator at an odd or unusual angle.
Battery & Charging
The Avid Power cordless tire inflator has a detachable lithium-ion battery pack instead of an internal battery. Located at the bottom of the handle, the battery slides on and off via a small latch on the pack itself.
The 20-volt battery has a minimal charge out of the box, so it’s best to charge it before the first usage. If the battery pack is drained, recharging back to full takes three to five hours. Battery life indicator lights are located on the back of the pack.
Slide the charger over the 20-volt lithium-ion battery pack and plug it into a standard electrical outlet. On top of the charger is a red light (to indicate proper insertion) and a green light (to indicate connection to an AC household current). While the battery pack is charging, both will remain lit, although once charging is completed, only the green light stays lit.
The Avid Power cordless tire inflator includes a 20-volt detachable lithium-ion battery, a charger, and a carrying case.
Using The Avid Power Cordless Tire Inflator
Adjust the pressure increments by pressing the plus and minus buttons on the digital display gauge. After three seconds of inactivity, the inflator will default to what is listed on the screen as the preset pressure, turning off once that pressure is reached.
When connecting the air chuck to the valve stem, push it downward to lock it into place.
Work in short bursts when inflating anything 10 psi or less, like a football. The sports ball needle slides into the air chuck, locking into place via the downward position. Avoid pushing the needle too far into the air chuck, as this will block the ventilation hole.
Cordless & Corded Functionality
The 20V Avid Power cordless tire inflator doubles as a corded unit if needed, which is one of its best attributes. If you don’t have the battery charged and need to inflate something in a pinch, you can use the alternate 12-volt power source.
Included with the inflator and listed as the “Car Power Adapter” in the owner’s manual, it slides into the same place as the battery on the bottom. Once connected to your vehicle’s 12-volt power outlet, the inflator will have power like normal.
Is The Avid Power Tire Inflator Worth It?
We included this 20V Avid Power unit on our best portable tire inflators list. The drill-style design, quick inflation times, and sensible price were among the reasons we added the Avid Power cordless tire inflator to our best-of list.
Other features we like include the small LED light for nighttime use, a sizeable carrying case, and the ability to function as both a corded and cordless inflator, depending on your preferences.
In addition to the Avid Power cordless tire inflator, we also own a Slime cordless inflator and the Fanttik X8 and X8 Apex (this comparison video goes over the differences between the X8 and X8 Apex). While all three of these are good options, we are happy with our decision to purchase the 20V Avid Power cordless tire inflator.
Carl Anthony is the Managing Editor of Automoblog and the host of AutoVision News Radio and AutoSens Insights. As a respected automotive industry thought leader, Carl has appeared on numerous podcasts and radio shows, including Wrench Nation, Cars Yeah, The Car Doctor, and Digital PR Explained, in addition to appearing as a regular contributor on MotorMouth Radio on WHPC 90.3 FM. His work can also be seen and heard 24/7 on the Automoblog YouTube channel.
Portable Tire Inflator Tips
Regardless of which tire inflator you purchase, there are a few “housekeeping” items to keep in mind, both for your safety and the longevity of the inflator. Here are a few tips:
Always use the portable tire inflator in a well-ventilated area. Likewise, make sure nothing is obstructing air flow to the inflator.
The correct tire pressures for your vehicle are located in your owner’s manual or driver’s side door jamb. Similarly, read through the manual that comes with the inflator before using it for the first time.
Allow the portable tire inflator to cool after extended periods of use. If there is an issue during the warranty period, refer to the owner’s manual for the next steps.
Charge the battery periodically to ensure the tire inflator is ready when you need it.
Portable Tire Inflator FAQ
Are Portable or Cordless Tire Inflators Worth It?
Portable tire inflators, whether corded or battery-powered, can lessen the inconvenience of an unexpected low tire. You can also use them to air up motorcycle and bicycle tires, pool inflatables, air mattresses, and balls.
How Do I Choose a Good Portable Tire Inflator?
Look for portable inflators with a built-in LED flashlight, a range of accessories and hoses, an auto shut-off feature, good battery life, and a comprehensive warranty. The best portable tire inflators can be easily stowed for camping, tailgating, and off-roading.
Can My Engine Be Running While Using a Tire Inflator?
Some vehicles may require the ignition to be set in the ACC/accessory mode for a corded inflator to operate. It’s advisable to turn the engine off while using any portable tire inflator, corded or portable.
What PSI Should My Tires Be?
The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle is typically on a sticker or placard inside the driver’s side door jamb. The correct tire pressure for your vehicle will also be listed in your owner’s manual.
Who Makes Portable Tire Inflators?
Slime, Avid Power, Fanttik, DeWalt, Milwaukee, AstroAI, Ryobi, and Viair manufacture portable tire inflators.
The product review above was about the Avid Power cordless tire inflator, which comes with an alternate 12-volt power source (listed as the “Car Power Adapter” in the owner’s manual). This means it can function as both a cordless and corded tire inflator.
Original article: 20V Avid Power Cordless Tire Inflator Offers Convenient Drill-Style Design (Tested & Reviewed)
