Car tyre compressors

creedp

I have a car compressor which I swop between my two cars when going on a longer journey. PITA and I often forget. Was on amazon and saw this portable battery operated compressor - U-VKK - for £31 and thought it would be handy for top ups and checking pressure etc. In any case when I went to use it the air hose couldnt be fully tightened on unit as it seemed to restrict air flow. In addition, it seemed to have a mind of its own as when to stop pumping and it took several attempts to get to the desired pressure. it would be handy for pumping bikes, lawnmower, footballs etc but Im not happy with it for the car so will return.

Out of interest what type of compressor do people find best? Are the portable/cordless ones a gimmick or is it a case you get what you pay for?

Miscreant

I have a corded one running from the "cigarette lighter" socket in the car. Got it from the AA for a tenner, about 15 years ago and have used it very rarely since (probably times in that period). I find it quite good for the job it is designed for so I imagine the battery operated ones are similar. Only thing I will say about a battery one is that you will have to keep it charged, just in case you need it.

I don't use my pump for checking pressures as I have a separate gauge for that and find that I rarely have to top up these days. Seems like tyres are more air tight now so they tend to lose very little pressure over time.

BlakeS94

I've had a Maypole foot pump from screwfix for the last few years, reliable and you get a leg workout if you ever have a flat. It's quicker than waiting for an electric pump to reach the desired psi, just a little more work.

I got an electric one off Amazon before and it kept blowing the 12v fuse so didn't bother.

If you want to go all out with your tyre inflating needs this seems like a good product.

https://amzn.eu/d/faSPiZa

sphinxicus

I got one that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket from halfords years ago. Has analogue pressure guage and a light. Its had lots of use over the years as one of my wheels seems to have an intermittent leak on cold wet days despite changing tyre and valve. Paid about €16 for it i think. Owes me nothing now and takes up little space in the boot.

ednwireland

bought this one recently.

set the pressure let it get on with it

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-Automotive-RTC1000-Digital-Inflator/dp/B07MVVMCBD/ref%3Dasc_df_B07MVVMCBD/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=325312322849&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1187746123210766718&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=20479&hvtargid=pla-640424403497&psc=1&mcid=86cff8f8e1553c16b4e47a22db2ea196&th=1&psc=1

spark_tank

I got the Xiaomi Air Pump 2 and am very happy with it. I paid around 50 quid and made sure to buy a genuine one.

It gets very little use with me but it is a nice tool to have in the boot. Can charge it in the car with my phone charger but the battery lasts a good while.

https://www.mi.com/global/product/xiaomi-portable-electric-air-compressor-2/

kirving

Plenty of the cheap pumps have terrible pressure gauges.

The below is very popular with mountain bikers who are very sensitive to tyre pressure. I just leave mine in the glovebox as it's so handy for the car too.

https://www.tradeinn.com/bikeinn/en/topeak-d2-smarthead-digital-pressure-gaure/136806565/p?utm_source=google_products&utm_medium=merchant&id_producte=6841736&country=ie&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwaDMtbXvhAMV_5JQBh0rBwZ9EAQYASABEgLBvvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

walshtipp

I use a Makita DMP180Z very handy for me as it uses the same 18 V LXT batteries that my power tools use. The compressor it quite good and has saved me a few times with slow punctures.

creedp

I've a corded one that came as std with Nissan Leaf. Does the job but is very slow and will easily overheat if used for a prolonged period. The analogue gauge is also very inaccurate so I have to use a separate monitor to check the pressure.

I want to get a second one for the other car as I always carry around a plug repair kit which is obviously useless without a compressor. I thought a battery unit would be handy for bikes and footballs, although I already have a Lidl special hand pump for that purpose (again the terrible accuracy of the analogue gauge is a pita).

I think the one I bought is just not up to the job but will have a look at the other options kindly linked above

chrisd2019

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058340402/car-tyre-compressors

We have two here as two cars, one from Aldi, the other from Lidl, less than 15E each a few years ago, one has a screw on attachment which gives a better seal on the type, also came with a few accessories to pump footballs, both operate from cigarette lighter.

bazz26

I bought this about a year ago and it does the job perfectly. Plugs into the 12v socket and has a long enough cord to reach all 4 wheels. Has a handy LED light too if you need to use it in the dark:

https://www.micksgarage.com/d/tyre-inflators/products/3501056/digital-compressor-with-led-light---12v

Charles Babbage

I have never understood why everyone does not have a pump, as a reserve. My Dad bought me one 30 years ago, which I still have, the gauge is useless but I have a small electronic gauge and the car now shows tyre pressure. One tyre loses a PSI or two each month and you can just pump it up now and again without forking out for air at some petrol station. But the real use is being able to pump a puncture to get home. I have only had a couple of these cases in 30 years, most recently on New Year's eve when it was dark and pissing rain. I could have changed the wheel, but I was only a few Km from home so I pumped it 4 times and got home. Even if you were not so close to home, a pump or two might bring you to some place more suitable to change the wheel or wait for the breakdown people.

Bluefoam

I bought one of the Xiaomi ones off AliExpress... Turns out it was fake. I got a full refund and I kept the compressor. It's been grand so far & a very good reproduction. I wanted one that was suitable for the motorbike & the car, so needed to pack small and have appropriate nozzles etc.

RosieJoe

Have these. Able to check pressure when tyres are cold, pump anywhere. Simple and effective

Bluefoam

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121896339#Comment_121896339

Fun, but for the price of them & the amount of room you'd take up in the boot of your car, you'd be better off woth an actual compressor with built in tire gauge... they're only about €40...

The Continental Op

Bit old school but I have one of these in the car. The double cylinder makes it twice as quick on a flat tyre.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sakura-PG270TWN-Foot-Cylinder-Gauge/dp/B0044WWYKY/

Miscreant

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121896447#Comment_121896447

I have one identical to this (AA branded) in my garage for the last 20 years. It has rusted along where the piston is exposed but it is still much faster than the little compressor I carry in the car. Definitely recommend one if you are into exercise 😁

The Continental Op

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121896694#Comment_121896694

Only thing I'd say is that they need using carefully on a good flat surface (I use a piece of wood on our gravel drive). If you are particularly careless you can bend the pistons push rods when the bottom edge of the pump catches the ground.

thebiglad

We have 2 cars, a 2021 Ford and a 2022 Hyundai, both supplied with compressors that plug into the cigarette lighter as standard kit.

I had previously which I picked up off Amazon - when I have to use the compressor I will then take the car to the air line at the service station to check the pressure on my next fill up but, they do a basic job and are useful to carry. I don't expect 100% accuracy, I see them as an emergency resource alone.

FishOnABike

I picked up 12v compressor with digital set point / readout for less than €20 a few years ago in Aldi or Lidl. Still going strong.

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121897083#Comment_121897083

The old ones of this type didn't flex and bend like that. We had one from the 70's and it never had an issue until the rubber seals went. But the replacement from 2005 bent itself to death within months given the lateral movement! I went for a battery powered Bosch one last year - takes the 18v cells that I use on my tools.

Sarn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121896339#Comment_121896339

I have the same pump and used to use it to top up our tyres until it just failed. Stopped making a seal and just deflated the car tyres instead.

BlakeS94

This is on Amazon from 60 down to 30 and a further 40% voucher 18 euro altogether, couldn't get a better deal

Deal: VacLife Car Tyre Inflator Air Compressor - Car Tyre Pump - 12V DC Compact Portable Air Compressor with Auto Shutoff Function - Multipurpose Car Accessory with LED Light, Yellow (VL718)

https://amzn.eu/d/8intbiC