Previously, car tires were inflated with a conventional pump. Most often it was foot-operated or even hand-held. This activity took quite a lot of time and effort. Now everything has become much easier with the advent of automotive compressors.
- Pressure gauge
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It is important for every car owner to have this simple device in their garage; it is not very expensive and can last for quite a long time. which car compressor is better to choose and not make a mistake.
What is a car compressor?
A car compressor is a modern pumping device designed to pump or inflate tires.
This is a fairly simple device, but the durability of the device depends on the quality of its main elements. So, let's figure out what the main details of the device are:
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- Frame;
- Motor powered by electricity;
- Pressure gauge for measurements;
- Cylinder.
These are the main devices of a modern car tire inflator . Let's talk in more detail about each of them.
So let's start with the engine. This is the heart of any device. The engine is powered by either a built-in battery or mains power, connecting to the car battery through the cigarette lighter.
The compressor body must be made of metal, the legs can be made of plastic. The pressure gauge can be digital or mechanical.
The best high-performance compressor for SUVs and commercial vehicles from R20
Powerful devices for inflating tires on off-road cars and industrial machines, capable of operating in extreme conditions.
1
BERKUT R20
Rating:5.0
- type: piston
- inlet flow 72 l/min
- maximum pressure 14 atm
- connection type: to battery terminals
- voltage: 12 V
Average price: RUB 10,261
A device for restoring pressure in tires of sports cars and SUVs used in racing and for traveling over rough terrain. The compressor is designed with a platform for off-road use and an air filter that will keep dust and dirt particles out of the mechanical components, extending their service life. The end of the long twisted hose is equipped with a fitting and a high-precision pressure gauge. Steel air valves, aluminum cylinder and fluoroplastic rings increase the reliability of the device.
Peculiarities:
- long flexible hose and power supply cable;
- dust-proof design;
- set of adapters;
- durable metal mechanism.
2
Aggressor AGR-8LT
Rating:4.9
- type: piston
- inlet flow 72 l/min
- power 480 W
- maximum pressure 8 atm
- connection type: to battery terminals
Average price: RUB 9,771
The device will provide compressed air to pneumatic tools in a home workshop and is suitable for inflating tires of SUVs, heavy trucks and tractors. Excellent for proper tire fit when using tubeless tyres. The long 10-meter flexible hose is equipped with a gun with an accurate pressure gauge and a metal quick-release fitting. With a productivity of up to 72 l/min, it is equipped with an 8-liter receiver, which turns off when filled with air.
Peculiarities:
- high-quality cooling of the case;
- presence of a receiver;
- protection of the housing from corrosion;
- silicone oil lubrication.
3
Aggressor AGR-160
Rating:4.8
- type: piston
- inlet flow 160 l/min
- power 600 W
- maximum pressure 10 atm
- connection type: to battery terminals
Average price: RUB 8,765
The pump pumps 160 liters of air per minute and can operate continuously for up to 20 minutes. Equipped with a short cable, the length of which is compensated by an 8-meter polyurethane hose. It remains elastic in the cold. A gun with a deflator to equalize pressure and a pressure gauge with double graduation is attached to the end. Equipped with a fuse and thermal relay. Non-replaceable silicone oil is used for lubrication. The handle is equipped with a protective cover that reduces its heating.
Peculiarities:
- spontaneous operation of the deflator;
- design with oil as a lubricant;
- noticeable heating of the hose at the attachment point;
- two-scale pressure gauge.
4
AVS KS900
Rating:4.7
- type: piston
- inlet flow 90 l/min
- power 350 W
- maximum pressure 10 atm
- connection type: to battery terminals
Average price: RUB 3,750
A high-performance auto compressor that can operate for more than 5 years after modification (according to user reviews). It consists of installing the missing thermal relay and replacing the bearings with high-quality ones. The model's performance of 90 l/min is sufficient for inflating tires, painting, and providing air for pneumatic tools. The insides are protected from dust by a primitive filter like cardboard. The entire mechanism is made of metal, and the rings to reduce friction are made of fluoroplastic. With adapters it turns into a device for inflating boats, lifebuoys, mattresses, and balls.
Peculiarities:
- high-performance oil-free model;
- high-precision pressure gauge with a pair of scales;
- rubber feet for vibration damping;
- 5 meter hose with deflator.
5
Airline X6 CA-070-17S
Rating:4.6
- type: piston
- inlet flow 70 l/min
- power 336 W
- maximum pressure 10 atm
- connection type: to battery terminals
Average price: RUB 3,748
Powerful two-cylinder compressor that needs minor modifications. Due to rapid heating, it is advisable to install a fan, and before operation, check that the rubber bands near the pistons are installed correctly. Equipped with a short (3 m) frost-resistant hose and a non-heating soft handle. The adapters will allow you to inflate bicycles and motor vehicles, mattresses and other watercraft, carry out painting, anti-corrosion treatment of surfaces and purging of the vehicle's power system.
Peculiarities:
- poor build quality;
- no cooling or thermal protection;
- short 3-meter hose;
- soft bag for transportation.
6
Hyundai HY 1765
Rating:4.5
- type: piston
- inlet flow 65 l/min
- power 180 W
- maximum pressure 10.2 atm
- connection type: into the cigarette lighter socket
Average price: RUB 4,090
An assistant for inflating the wheels of heavy equipment, painting work and supplying pneumatic tools with compressed air. The mechanism is capable of pumping up to 65 l/min of air without causing acoustic discomfort. Like the less productive Hyundai HY 1645 model, it does not require oil and is characterized by enviable durability. A bright LED light will illuminate the nipple at night. A fuse will protect the device from overloads.
Peculiarities:
- compact oil-free design;
- wear-resistant fluoroplastic ring;
- dust-proof design;
- built-in flashlight.
A low-power compressor is only suitable for passenger cars and two-wheelers. High-performance models, pumping from 60 l/min, will provide air to pneumatic tools, allow you to paint and prime the surface, blow something out, and even perform household sandblasting.
Additional features and what to look for
Knowledge limited only to the types of auto compressors is not sufficient to make the right choice, so you need to study the device in as much detail as possible. So, let's take a closer look at other parts of the device.
Pressure gauge
Initially, it was talked about the mechanical types of this device and the digital ones. Without a doubt, digital pressure gauges are unrivaled; they work faster and give more accurate results, which are immediately displayed on the screen. If it comes to a pressure gauge with an arrow, then problems will definitely make themselves felt:
- The inaccuracy of such a device is explained by the fact that the needle vibrates quite strongly.
- In addition, sometimes you have to wait a long time for the needle to stop and show the result. It is not comfortable.
- The error of such a device is very high.
The passport for a compressor for a car must contain data on the pressure gauge. The error will also be indicated there. The lower it is, the better. If the device has already been purchased, you can check its accuracy at a service station.
An example of a device with a good quality digital pressure gauge is the Kachok K70 compressor. Its pressure gauge has two scales.
What to do if the pressure gauge shows data in psi units? The conversion to our native atmospheric scale is as follows: 1 atm = 14 psi.
Power cord
It is worth paying attention to it, because the work largely depends on it. Whatever the power supply to the device, the wire must be quite long. If the wire is initially short, you will have to extend it, and this is not always convenient.
The nutrition itself may vary. Let's consider all the options:
- Car cigarette lighter pump. It belongs to those types that operate from the car network. It has average power and is quite easy to use.
- A car pump powered by a car battery. It is similar to the one that runs from the cigarette lighter, but is more powerful and can pump up all four tires without much difficulty.
- Battery powered auto compressor. The power of such a device does not last long, and only in this is it inferior to its competitors. For small cars it may be quite acceptable.
- Combined models.
When wondering how to choose a car compressor for inflating tires , you should pay attention to one small but extremely important detail.
Today, cigarette lighter pumps are very common. When choosing one, you need to pay attention to the current strength of the cigarette lighter fuse.
The current required by the compressor may be higher than this figure, then you will have to tinker with the power wires, and no one would want to do that.
As an example, we can consider a Tornado brand device. Tornado AC-580 is an example of an autocompressor powered by a cigarette lighter, one of the disadvantages of which may be a somewhat short wire.
This is a common problem with many devices. It is best to give preference to a brand with a cable of approximately 3 meters.
These are all the nuances regarding the power cord.
Basic indicators
Manufacturers first of all indicate data with basic indicators in the passport. There are reasons why they are worth studying carefully. Let's look at two indicators:
- Device performance.
- Maximum pressure.
The unit of measurement for productivity is liters per minute. The higher this indicator, the larger tires it can inflate. But you should not buy a high-performance compressor if you do not plan to work with large-diameter tires.
As a good example, consider production compressors. Their products under the BERKUT brand for cars are produced with the radius of the recommended tires indicated right in the name.
The BERKUT/Berkut R14 autocompressor is used for passenger car tires, and the BERKUT/Berkut R20 is used for large car tires.
As for the maximum pressure indicator, it is most often overestimated and indicated incorrectly. To be completely honest, this indicator is hardly worth taking into account at all. You should only pay attention to values that are too low.
Auto compressor test, video:
The best compressor for passenger cars
For a personal car, you can purchase an inexpensive device if it works no more than a couple of hours a month.
1
BERKUT R15
Rating:5.0
- type: piston
- inlet flow 40 l/min
- maximum pressure 10 atm
- connection type: into the cigarette lighter socket, to the battery terminals
- voltage: 12 V
Average price: RUB 3,960
Compact and lightweight compressor that connects to the cigarette lighter. Equipped with a long elastic hose of 1.2 m and a cable of 4.8 m, allowing you to reach the rear wheel of a long minibus. Durable quick-release fitting made of metal prevents air bleed.
The built-in deflator will relieve excess pressure. The pressure gauge scale is graduated in PSI and atmospheres. It pumps about 40 l/min - enough for rubber boats, most cars, ATVs, and motorcycles. The mechanism of the device is designed for long-term operation - up to half an hour under normal conditions - it will pump up four wheels from scratch. The thermal relay will cut off the power supply if it overheats.
Peculiarities:
- thermal protection;
- wide range of operating temperatures;
- long cable;
- rich equipment;
- metal fitting.
2
Hyundai HY 1650
Rating:4.9
- type: piston
- inlet flow 50 l/min
- maximum pressure 6.8 atm
- connection type: into the cigarette lighter socket
- voltage: 12 V
Average price: RUB 3,990
Long lasting single piston electric pump - manufactured without electronic components. Designed for wheels of size R16. With a power of 50 l/min, it is suitable for most cars and two-wheeled vehicles - the wheel pumps in 3-4 minutes. The pressure gauge guarantees accurate readings when the compressor is turned off, and displays a little more with it. Copper winding extends the life of the rotor. A metal radiator more effectively removes heat from mechanical parts, increasing efficiency. Inflates the tire to the pressure set by the driver.
Peculiarities:
- the main structural components are metal;
- built-in pressure gauge;
- flashlight for illumination in the dark;
- does not require lubrication;
- up to half an hour of continuous operation.
3
Airline EXPERT CA-045-07
Rating:4.8
- type: piston
- inlet flow 45 l/min
- power 350 W
- maximum pressure 10 atm
- connection type: to battery terminals
Average price: RUB 3,660
A good compressor with a minimum of plastic parts and a bright LED flashlight. Pumps up to 10 atmospheres of pressure at a speed of 45 l/min. The power is enough to restore the tire pressure in an R14 wheel in two minutes. The phosphor-coated pressure gauge dial detects the slightest fluctuations in light waves and is illuminated in the dark. A 5-meter accordion hose will reach the rear wheel of any car, except for the largest trucks and special equipment. Frost-resistant wires remain elastic at -400 C. The thermal fuse will prevent the device from overheating.
Peculiarities:
- connection with crocodile clips to the battery;
- thermal protection;
- screw-on tips;
- rubber feet dampen vibrations;
- pressure gauge with phosphor-coated scale.
4
GOODYEAR GY-50L
Rating:4.7
- type: piston
- inlet flow 50 l/min
- power 240 W
- maximum pressure 10 atm
- connection type: to battery terminals
Average price: RUB 3,148
Compact air pump for inflating tires from a renowned manufacturer. It is connected using “crocodiles” to the battery and copes with the wheels of off-road equipment - pumps up to 50 l/min. The high-tech pressure gauge guarantees an error of no more than 5%. The twisted spring hose will reach the wheels of any car, and will not stiffen at subzero temperatures. Equipped with a metal quick-release fitting. The working session lasts up to 30 minutes, and during this time the engine heats up noticeably. To prevent burns, a transport handle is provided.
Peculiarities:
- rich set of supplies;
- warranty – 3 years;
- protection against current surges;
- built-in LED backlight;
- Operates at temperatures down to -400 C.
5
Muscle K90
Rating:4.6
- type: piston
- inlet flow 40 l/min
- maximum pressure 10 atm
- connection type: into the cigarette lighter socket
- voltage: 12 V
Average price: RUB 2,920
Domestic unit for passenger cars and light industrial vehicles (buses). It is powered by the cigarette lighter and consumes up to 14 A of current under load. Provides short circuit protection. The pressure gauge is placed in a shock-proof housing and is not illuminated in the dark. The permanent hose is equipped with a fitting, the press-in point of which is protected by a heat-shrinkable tube. There is a deflator on the hose to release excess air. The design includes a non-heated handle for carrying and legs for winding the hose during storage.
Peculiarities:
- low precision pressure gauge;
- the flashlight control and device on/off buttons are not labeled;
- built-in LED flashlight;
- working cycle – 33 minutes.
6
Hyundai HY 1645
Rating:4.5
- type: piston
- inlet flow 45 l/min
- power 140 W
- maximum pressure 6.8 atm
- connection type: into the cigarette lighter socket
Average price: RUB 3,290
South Korean auto compressor of good quality with a piston mechanism. The mechanics are made of materials with low friction and therefore do not require lubrication or maintenance. The use of fluoroplastic for the production of piston rings and high-carbon steel for the liner maintains performance for a long time and extends the operating time to half an hour. The pressure gauge visualizes the pressure indicator with an accuracy of several percent. Air is supplied through a flexible polyurethane hose that is resistant to negative temperatures.
Peculiarities:
- soft, non-heated handle;
- LED lights;
- durable mechanical parts;
- oil-free mechanism.
Availability of a receiver
A receiver is a device that allows you to accumulate air. Popular manufacturers of pumping equipment have in stock such models with a receiver of 3 liters or more.
A car compressor with a receiver is no longer just a car pump; its functions are significantly expanded.
These models are used:
- For tire fitting;
- For airbrushing;
- To create a car pneumatic system.
All these features will appeal to professionals. An example of such a device is the Aggressor AGR-8LT compressor. From the name it is clear that the receiver is designed to pump 8 liters.
Disabling the device
It is best to purchase an auto compressor with automatic shut-off . This is very convenient when the sensor triggers itself and there is no need to control the inflation. Also a good function is to control overheating in piston units.
To avoid breakdowns, you should give preference to a device with a temperature control function. This way you can kill two birds with one stone.
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