Are cordless air compressors any use

Del2005

Looking to buy a cordless air compressor to keep the tyres at the correct pressure, as I live in an apartment mains won't work and I don't like using the 12V ones. We've a proper compressor in my parents but I usually always forgot to check when over there and it involves moving cars so can be a hassle.

There's a few options which seems to be either a pistol type or booster pack with compressor. Both options get bad reviews, but then people usually only post complaints. Have people any experience of using cordless air compressors and what would they recommend? Looking to stay around €50 is possible.

Thanks

biko

It's your money but I would just keep a small pressure checker around and use a garage air pump.

BrianD3

I had a cordless jump starter/compressor thing. Small battery in it. Didn't last long before it stopped working, I think I let the battery discharge too much.

Accurate pressure gauge + double barrel foot pump? Auto express did a group test on foot pumps and after 20 pushes, a 205/55 tyre at 25 PSI went to 28 or 28.5 PSI depending on the model of pump.

colm_mcm

Can you explain why you don't like using 12v?

Alkers

Better off buying a decent analogue pressure gauge for €10 or so and using that to monitor the pressures. The gauges on compressors are normally pretty poor and inaccurate, similar with most pumps also. The compressors are handy in that it's easier than pumping but they typically are not much faster than a foot pump and are quite loud, especially if using in and underground carpark. That being said they are handy for jump starts or being able to charge phones etc.

Special Circumstances

Simona1986 wrote: »

Better off buying a decent analogue pressure gauge for €10 or so and using that to monitor the pressures. The gauges on compressors are normally pretty poor and inaccurate, similar with most pumps also. The compressors are handy in that it's easier than pumping but they typically are not much faster than a foot pump and are quite loud, especially if using in and underground carpark. That being said they are handy for jump starts or being able to charge phones etc.

Obnoxious things to be using on a Sunday morning or whatever. My 12V compressor is like a dental drill.

I've never seen two gauges read the same - can anyone recommend a decent tyre pressure gauge to me or the OP?

Del2005

colm_mcm wrote: »

Can you explain why you don't like using 12v?

Don't like having to leave the car open when using it, live close to dodgy areas, and in order to not kill the battery I run the car so not very good use of fuel. Also if it's raining I'm dragging the wet cable around my car and then you need to pack it away.

9935452

Del2005 wrote: »

Don't like having to leave the car open when using it, live close to dodgy areas, and in order to not kill the battery I run the car so not very good use of fuel. Also if it's raining I'm dragging the wet cable around my car and then you need to pack it away.

I understand living close to a dodgy area but not so much the raining/wet cable. Personally if i was checking the tyre pressures i would do it on a dry day so i wouldnt be geting wet myself . And if you check the pressures in the wet , the cordless pump will get wet too and you will be dragging that into the car too.
If i had the choice of the two you mention i would go with the jump starter as it gives you more options,
The only thing i would say is you will need to get an accurate gauge as the ones that come on these wouldnt be the best,

Del2005

9935452 wrote: »

I understand living close to a dodgy area but not so much the raining/wet cable. Personally if i was checking the tyre pressures i would do it on a dry day so i wouldnt be geting wet myself . And if you check the pressures in the wet , the cordless pump will get wet too and you will be dragging that into the car too.
If i had the choice of the two you mention i would go with the jump starter as it gives you more options,
The only thing i would say is you will need to get an accurate gauge as the ones that come on these wouldnt be the best,

The wet cable is from going from one side of the car to the other, so wet cable will be going across the seat with a cream interior. Cordless would just go into the boot after use.

Can't jump start my car so that function won't be needed. Already have a good gauge.

colm_mcm

Del2005 wrote: »

The wet cable is from going from one side of the car to the other, so wet cable will be going across the seat with a cream interior. Cordless would just go into the boot after use.

Can't jump start my car so that function won't be needed. Already have a good gauge.

How would the cable be wet? It would be inside the car? Do you have a 12v socket in the boot?

You can close the door on the cable no problem or run it out the window if you're worried about leaving the car unlocked

Del2005

colm_mcm wrote: »

How would the cable be wet? It would be inside the car? Do you have a 12v socket in the boot?

You can close the door on the cable no problem or run it out the window if you're worried about leaving the car unlocked

The cable will be on the ground outside the door, no socket in the boot.

Ionised

Have used footpump for years. Sometimes old school is best. It's not like you're going to be pumping anything up from dead flat.
I check tyres once a week or so and rarely have to give more than a few quick pumps to get sorted (insert double-entendre here).

colm_mcm

Del2005 wrote: »

The cable will be on the ground outside the door, no socket in the boot.

But the bit that's in the car plugged in, and the next few feet will be staying in the car and won't ever be on the ground?

I honestly don't see whether you're coming from with this! These have been around for years and people don't have issue with them dirtying their interiors.

By all means get one powered by a little battery that you need to charge up, but it's just overcomplicating an uncomplicated situation.