The stockings at the Martin condo were a little heavier this year.
In addition to the miniature stuffed ferret, the travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste, and a bag of pistachios, there was a box. It contained a portable tire inflator.
These apparatuses have gotten smaller and more efficient over the years. Now, they can be charged by USB-C. They have also gotten less expensive — I paid less than $20 each for the four that I bought.
By coincidence, I was reading an article about “things you should carry with you in your car,” and most highly recommended was a source of air.
The days of cars coming with tool kits to effect road-side repairs are now long gone. But a modern-day tool kit should include a portable tire inflator for sure. Gas stations with air compressors are no longer easy to find.
As our classic cars are not driven on an everyday basis, I insist (or at least ask) that our tire pressures be checked and adjusted before we set off. That used to require a large air compressor. Now, these mini compressors can be set to the desired pressure, and you simply press the start button and they shut off when they hit the target.
Further, if you are out with your classic and notice your tire seems low, you can just whip out one of these and inflate yourself back to safety.
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed one of these gadgets? I look forward to your answers in your comments below.
Read my previous blog posts here.
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