Slime 40052 review: buy or skip?

Buy7.0/10 research score

Quick answer

Buy it, if you want a cheap emergency inflator. Why: basic 12V inflator from a known brand. The catch: slow.

By Buyrskip Editorial Team Updated November 2, 2026 1 min read

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Our verdict on the Slime 40052

Buy it if: you want a cheap emergency inflator.
Skip it if: you want fast inflation.

Best for: Cheap 12V
Key feature: Basic 12V inflator from a known brand
Typical price: $29–$39

Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Key specifications

Power	12V DC
Max PSI	100
Auto shut-off	No
Accuracy	Analog

Who should buy it, and who should skip it

A good fit if you

you want a cheap emergency inflator
value cheap
can spend around $29–$39

Skip it if you

you want fast inflation
mind this: slow
mind this: analog gauge

Pros and cons

Pros

Cheap
12V
Simple

Cons

Slow
Analog gauge

The verdict in one breath

The Slime 40052 is a tire inflator we would point many buyers to. What earns it the buy: basic 12V inflator from a known brand. In our list it is the pick for: cheap 12V.

Reasons to buy

Cheap
12V
Simple

Reasons to skip

Slow
Analog gauge

The specs that matter

Power: 12V DC
Max PSI: 100
Auto shut-off: No
Accuracy: Analog

Worth knowing

A basic glovebox backup.

Buy it or skip it?

Buy it if you want a cheap emergency inflator. Skip it if you want fast inflation; the EPAuto 12V Portable Air Compressor is the better buy then. Everything else is in our list of the best tire inflators.

Alternatives worth considering

EPAuto · Tire Inflators

EPAuto 12V Portable Air Compressor

Buy it if you want auto shut-off on a budget.

Verdict: Buy
Best for: Budget digital
Typical price: $29–$39

Pros

Cheap
Digital

Cons

Corded

Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review

AstroAI · Tire Inflators

AstroAI L7 Cordless Tire Inflator

Buy it if you want an easy cordless inflator for car and bike.

Verdict: Buy
Best for: Most people
Typical price: $49–$69

Pros

Cordless
Auto shut-off

Cons

Slow on large tires

Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy the Slime 40052?

Buy it, if you want a cheap emergency inflator. Why: basic 12V inflator from a known brand. The catch: slow.

When should I skip it?

Skip it if you want fast inflation. The EPAuto 12V Portable Air Compressor is the better buy then.

What does the Slime 40052 cost?

Usually $29–$39 on Amazon.com. It tends to dip during Prime Day and Black Friday.

Buyrskip Editorial Team

Part of the Buyrskip research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

Slime 40052: the full buy-or-skip review

Is the Slime 40052 worth buying? Short answer: buy it, if you want a cheap emergency inflator. This review explains what this Slime model gets right, where it falls short, what it usually costs in the US and which tire inflator to buy instead if it is not the right fit for you.

What the Slime 40052 does well

The headline: basic 12V inflator from a known brand. Key specs: Power: 12V DC; Max PSI: 100; Auto shut-off: No; Accuracy: Analog. In our list it is the pick for: cheap 12V. It usually sells for $29–$39.

A basic glovebox backup.

The trade-offs

Good: cheap, 12V, simple. Not so good: slow, analog gauge. Read the skip-if line before you order: skip it if you want fast inflation.

What to buy instead

Instead, consider the EPAuto 12V Portable Air Compressor ($29–$39): cheap 12V inflator with digital auto shut-off. Better if you want auto shut-off on a budget.

Instead, consider the AstroAI L7 Cordless Tire Inflator ($49–$69): cordless inflator with auto shut-off and accurate gauge. Better if you want an easy cordless inflator for car and bike.

Instead, consider the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Dual Function Inflator ($49–$79): inflator and deflator on Ryobi batteries. Better if you own Ryobi tools.

Before you buy

Auto shut-off at your set pressure prevents overinflation. Cordless models are easier; 12 V models never run out. Accuracy within 1 PSI matters.

US buyer tip

Check tire pressure monthly; underinflation hurts fuel economy and tire life.

Prices on Amazon.com move in a pattern. The deepest cuts land on Prime Day in July, Prime Big Deal Days in October and the Black Friday to Cyber Monday week, with smaller drops around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and back-to-school. Judge a deal against the usual price we show, never against the crossed-out list price.

Order from Amazon itself or the brand's official storefront so the US manufacturer warranty applies, keep your order confirmation and register the product with the brand. Most items can be returned within 30 days, and holiday purchases often get an extended return window into January.