Tyre inflators at filling stations

starWave · 18-10-2019 4:04pm #1

Anyone ever have any issues with inflating their tyres using the filling station inflators?

Tried at two different filling stations and wouldn't work on my car. Had to call roadside assistance, and they said that the machine didn't fit my tyre valves.

degsie · 18-10-2019 4:07pm

Did you take the dust caps off? :cool:

Remouad · 18-10-2019 4:10pm

Valves are standard on all tyres.

what kind of car do you drive?

Del2005 · 18-10-2019 4:17pm

starWave wrote: »

Anyone ever have any issues with inflating their tyres using the filling station inflators?

Tried at two different filling stations and wouldn't work on my car. Had to call roadside assistance, and they said that the machine didn't fit my tyre valves.

What type of pump was it? There are some you have to set the pressure first. There is also a lot that don't work because people abuse them.

Buy a 12V battery pump and never worry again.

H3llR4iser · 18-10-2019 4:23pm

The "difficulty" I find is that sometimes they're broken and/or functioning incorrectly. The last time I used one, of the electronic automated variety (you set the desired pressure, connect the pipe to the valve and it inflates to it automatically), it kept misreading the pressure and letting out air - in the end I had to let it completely deflate the tire and re-inflate to pressure with the "puncture" mode (which, oddly, read pressure correctly).

But I've never found one that "doesn't fit the valve" as they are, as said, standard. .

starWave · 18-10-2019 4:25pm

Both were the type that you set the pressure, and it turns off when it reaches that pressure. The forecourt/shop assistants couldn't get it to work either.

The mechanic said it didn't fit my valves but his 12v pump worked fine. Must buy one.

H3llR4iser · 18-10-2019 4:35pm

starWave wrote: »

Both were the type that you set the pressure, and it turns off when it reaches that pressure. The forecourt/shop assistants couldn't get it to work either.

The mechanic said it didn't fit my valves but his 12v pump worked fine. Must buy one.

Yeah they were broken - they look pretty solid, but somehow people manage to break the pressure sensing spring in them. No idea how. Was a common problem with the old manual ones with the "align the two lines" pressure gauges as well.

_Kaiser_ · 18-10-2019 4:56pm

Can anyone recommend a decent pump then? Options in my immediate area are limited and the one that is there I don't think is calibrated right as it was over-inflating when checked with a different machine near the office

Something I can just hook up at the door (preferably with the same cut-off function if possible?) would be great.

jhegarty · 18-10-2019 4:59pm

Remouad wrote: »

Valves are standard on all tyres.

what kind of car do you drive?

One from an alternative universe, where August Schrader was never born.

killbillvol2 · 18-10-2019 5:01pm

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a decent pump then? Options in my immediate area are limited and the one that is there I don't think is calibrated right as it was over-inflating when checked with a different machine near the office

Something I can just hook up at the door (preferably with the same cut-off function if possible?) would be great.

Search for Ring tyre inflator on Amazon. I have the analogue one, works perfectly off the cigarette charger. I had the digital one previously, also worked perfectly until I dropped it!

Del2005 · 18-10-2019 5:02pm

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a decent pump then? Options in my immediate area are limited and the one that is there I don't think is calibrated right as it was over-inflating when checked with a different machine near the office

Something I can just hook up at the door (preferably with the same cut-off function if possible?) would be great.

You can get them in Argos or any motor factors for about €10. For auto stop you need to spend a bit more. Once you don't buy from a dodgy website then they will be accurate enough for road use.

Esel · 18-10-2019 9:56pm

Check Lidl. They had a metal one recently on offer for €17 which looked quality. It may still be in stock in some stores. You can ring customer service and they can tell you if any local stores have stock.

TallGlass2 · 18-10-2019 10:04pm

I got the Air Hawk Pro, there are other cheaper options, but this does the job for me anyway.

https://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/7648647/Trail/searchtext%3ETYRE+INFLATOR.htm

biko · 18-10-2019 10:11pm

starWave wrote: »

The mechanic said it didn't fit my valves but his 12v pump worked fine. Must buy one.

What car is it?
I'd get the standard valves instead.
Tyre valves are easily replaced by a professional for next-to-nothing money.

Del2005 · 18-10-2019 11:21pm

biko wrote: »

What car is it?
I'd get the standard valves instead.
Tyre valves are easily replaced by a professional for next-to-nothing money.

More than likely the compressor wasn't working if they managed to pump with another airline or could have been some gunk in the valve that moved.

biko · 18-10-2019 11:24pm

Yeah, that's why I'm so intrigued. All regular cars have the same valves.
It's not like bikes that can have either Presta or Schrader valves.

jimbis · 18-10-2019 11:27pm

One thing to remember when using the 12v compressors is to keep your engine running when your using it.
I've been called out loads of times to punctures and flat batteries after they've tried pumping the tyre with the engine off.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000 · 18-10-2019 11:27pm

Different valves?

Never heard of it.

TallGlass2 · 18-10-2019 11:28pm

jimbis wrote: »

One thing to remember when using the 12v compressors is to keep your engine running when your using it.
I've been called out loads of times to punctures and flat batteries after they've tried pumping the tyre with the engine off.

I find running the engine, seems to give more juice to the compressor also!

corks finest · 18-10-2019 11:39pm

killbillvol2 wrote:

Search for Ring tyre inflator on Amazon. I have the analogue one, works perfectly off the cigarette charger. I had the digital one previously, also worked perfectly until I dropped it!

Bought one in Lidl absolutely rubbish lasted 3 months

killbillvol2 · 19-10-2019 12:23am

corks finest wrote: »

Bought one in Lidl absolutely rubbish lasted 3 months

That was an achievement as Lidl didn't sell them.

Ring are well reviewed everywhere.

Also, I'd only use mine about twice in three months so maybe you should blow up your rubber duck or whatever with a hand pump.

peasant · 19-10-2019 8:19pm

I would recommend a good old-fashioned footpump. In particular this one (got it myself)
https://www.halfords.ie/workshop-tools/garage-equipment/tyre-inflators-pressure-gauges/michelin-digital-double-barrel-footpump

The double barrel action means it's at least as fast as an affordable compressor, the digital gauge on it is really accurate (unlike the guess-o-meter on most compressors) and because it's foot powered it will work anywhere, anytime without the annoying racket.

somebody_else · 19-10-2019 8:27pm

corks finest wrote: »

Bought one in Lidl absolutely rubbish lasted 3 months

Most likely it was an Aldi pump.

My one was able to pump 14 inch wheels but gave up with 16 inch I have now.
A the end I gave it to my colleague and he is ok using it with a mopped.

Tom

dsmythy · 19-10-2019 9:59pm

peasant wrote: »

I would recommend a good old-fashioned footpump. In particular this one (got it myself)
https://www.halfords.ie/workshop-tools/garage-equipment/tyre-inflators-pressure-gauges/michelin-digital-double-barrel-footpump

The double barrel action means it's at least as fast as an affordable compressor, the digital gauge on it is really accurate (unlike the guess-o-meter on most compressors) and because it's foot powered it will work anywhere, anytime without the annoying racket.

Manual ones are great. Do it once a week and there's little to no pumping required.

Del2005 · 19-10-2019 10:21pm

peasant wrote: »

I would recommend a good old-fashioned footpump. In particular this one (got it myself)
https://www.halfords.ie/workshop-tools/garage-equipment/tyre-inflators-pressure-gauges/michelin-digital-double-barrel-footpump

The double barrel action means it's at least as fast as an affordable compressor, the digital gauge on it is really accurate (unlike the guess-o-meter on most compressors) and because it's foot powered it will work anywhere, anytime without the annoying racket.

Your pumping a car tyre so there'll be power for a electric pump, so an electric pump will always work when you need it.

Agent_47 · 19-10-2019 10:28pm

I use this, reduced to £30 with voucher, no faffing about
https://www.amazon.co.uk/GHB-Inflator-Portable-Compressor-Rechargeable/dp/B0734QJR7M

DaveyDave · 19-10-2019 10:42pm

If you're ever really stuck a bike pump also works. I used my floor pump with pressure gauge on my sister's car when she had a slow puncture. Didn't take too long either. If you're ever really stuck if course

zubair · 19-10-2019 11:27pm

A foot pump is what you want. Halfords double barrel foot pump for a 10er is spot on. No faffing about it just works.

starWave · 20-10-2019 1:42pm

I guess I have the standard valve, but was wondering as the mechanic said the machine didn't fit my car. I guess the air machine was damaged as some have suggested.

wandererz · 20-10-2019 2:19pm

I have this Michelin one which pumps from flat in 4mins.
Used it over a dozen times already. No problems.

Can get it in Halfords as well. Check stock online for your local store.

Michelin High Power Tyre Inflator Pump Electric Air Compressor 12V Display 12265 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00XELZ94Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_W4fRDbEPX88XX

zilog_jones · 21-10-2019 11:55am

Good exercise! https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/park-tool-home-mechanic-floor-pump-pfp-8/rp-prod142355
Works fine on my car, unlike cheap Aldi crap that broke after a few months. Gauge is quite vague though, so I use a separate digital gauge.

Tyre inflators at filling stations

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