16 best car compressors

Compressor is a piston-type electric pumping unit designed for forced air injection and wheel pumping of cars, bicycle chambers, boats, as well as the ability to perform a number of jobs requiring pneumatic drive.

The issue of purchasing compressors for pumping wheels of cars is due to a factor in filling the market with low-quality models. In such realities, it is difficult for consumers to navigate not only by their main characteristics, but also by manufacturers that are trustworthy for their products. In this regard, the magazine expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ presents the rating of the 16 best models of automobile compressors in three different categories, selected on the basis of:

1. detailed comparison of operating parameters;
2. level of reliability and durability;
3. consumer feedback analysis;
4. peer review;
5. cost, prevalence and novelty indicators.

How to choose a car compressor

The choice of automotive compressor for pumping wheels is a logical continuation of the development of pumping equipment, designed to make life as easy as possible for car owners. In connection with its serious purpose, this tool includes a lot of subtleties and features that you should pay attention to when choosing. The magazine expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ highlights five main aspects.

Type of instrument. All compressors are divided into two large groups:

1. membrane, the work in which is carried out through the gradual compression of air by a constant reciprocating motion of the flexible rubber membrane. You can meet such a system in ordinary hand pumps, which are still used to this day, however, more for pumping bicycle tires, rather than car wheels. The disadvantage of such a compressor is the inability to work at low temperatures - the membrane installed in the pump shrinks and hardens in the cold, and if you try to bleed the air, it may break.
2. piston - the most reliable and popular type of compressors, the work in which is performed according to the following principle. Metal connecting rod is attached to the shaft coming from the electric motor, without spacers additional plastic elements. This design guarantees the product a long service life by ensuring resistance to friction wear. The second variation of piston compressors, with Teflon rings, has an even greater reserve of working resource without the need for maintenance in the course of operation. True, for such a design will have to lay out a little more than for a reciprocating electric compressor without the introduction of various "lotions".

Performance. Regarding this parameter, we give clear and concise recommendations. For owners of passenger cars, compressors with a capacity of about 30 liters per minute, which do not require additional fuss with power supply, are quite suitable. SUV owners may need pumps whose capacity is 40-45 liters per minute. All that is above are tools for heavy trucks that do not require powering from a regular cigarette lighter in the cabin, but directly from the battery terminals.And, since such units create a serious load on the network, exceeding the adequate parameters may entail a complete burnout of the wiring.

View gauge. Manometers on automobile compressors are of two types: analog and electronic. The first ones are the most familiar to the majority of domestic motorists system "dial - arrow", but have a very serious drawback - a large measurement error. The second are relatively new systems for outputting measurement results, which have a high degree of information content and a small error value.

If you have a choice, we recommend that you pay attention to the compressors. with electronic gauge. If the choice fell on an analog model, then select the dial with one measurement scale (in bars or kg / cm²).

Continuous working time. A parameter that requires strict consistency with performance. In the general case, there can be only one recommendation: always try to purchase a compressor, the continuous operation time of which tends to high limits (from 30 to 60 minutes). An example in which such a need can be traced is very trivial: in the presence of an SUV and a low-powered electric pump, pumping the wheels (say, on a 16-inch rubber) can take about 1 hour, since the motors of unproductive models tend to overheat under high loads and prolonged loads.

Length of hose and power cord. A trivial trifle, which may overshadow the use of a car compressor in the long run in an instant. It is necessary to clearly calculate the length of the power cord for the possibility of unhindered swapping the rear wheels of the car, and, if possible, take the device with a small margin. With the same hose, things are somewhat different: of course, it is also desirable to have a long (5-8 meters) twisted adapter for all occasions, however, with its meter variations (with a sufficient length of power cable) you can get along. Let it bring some inconvenience.

Rating the best automotive compressors

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best compressors for cars	1	Greenworks G40AC	7 940 ₽
	2	Berkut r17	4 850 ₽
	3	Heyner MaxxAir Pro	2 900 ₽
	4	Alca 227,000	1 946 ₽
	5	Agressor AGR-50L	2 590 ₽
	6	Ryobi R18I-0	3 900 ₽
	7	Kachok K60	2 700 ₽
	8	Autoprofi AK-35 Digital	2 990 ₽
The best compressors for SUVs and special equipment	1	Berkut r24	11 500 ₽
	2	Daewoo DW90	6 690 ₽
	3	Agressor AGR-160	6 920 ₽
	4	AVS KS 900	3 199 ₽
	5	Berkut PRO-24	12 950 ₽
The best stationary compressors with a receiver	1	WESTER LE 050-150 OLC	10 100 ₽
	2	Patriot 24-260 Pro	10 390 ₽
	3	Fubag OL 195/24 CM1.5	8 500 ₽

The best compressors for cars

Greenworks G40AC

Rating: 4.9

The inexpensive oil-free compressor of the Chinese production working from an autonomous source of electric energy. That in the case of the Greenworks G40AC is the G-MAX 40V battery, which is sold in retail and has a capacity of 2 or 4 A / h. An important advantage of the compressor over competitors is the presence of a two-liter receiver. This structural element acts as a kind of “safety” against overload: when the pressure reaches 8 bar, the device automatically switches off the device. If the maximum pressure is exceeded, air is vented by means of a valve through which you can likewise drain the liquid that has entered the compressor system.

According to users, the beauty of working with Greenworks G40AC is highly informative. On the case of the model there are as many as two manometers, one of which shows the pressure directly in the receiver compartment, and the second - the output pressure coming directly to the hose. By the way, the last indicator can be adjusted by means of a special valve mechanism. As such, this automobile compressor does not have any specific shortcomings: small questions raise the design of the case, however, people understand that everything is packaged in the standard colors of a Chinese company.

Berkut r17

Rating: 4.8

Berkut R17 is a development aimed at lovers of compact and moderately productive devices. At first glance, this car compressor seems to be such a “short stack”, because a short hose with a quick-release mechanism located on the discharge head comes with it. However, the first impression is deceptive: in the same set there is a full twisted hose of 7.5 meters with a deflator, connected to the quick release.

In terms of pumping speed, the Berkut R17 also surpasses its larger competitors, since not every one of them has a capacity of 55 liters per minute. The noise level of the device is rather low at 67 decibels. As for power consumption, in the case of working with this device, power will have to be supplied directly from the battery by means of crocodile terminals, and the load on the circuit at the peak can be up to 18 amps. Fortunately, in this case, the compressor has a circuit for protection against overload and overheating, which is triggered after 20 minutes of its continuous operation.

Heyner MaxxAir Pro

Rating: 4.7

The productive automobile compressor of a good level of development, which differs from the mass by quite good ergonomic and operational indicators. The maximum pressure that the Heyner MaxxAir Pro can organize is almost 10 atmospheres, which is suitable for tire inflation in passenger cars, as well as for servicing heavier SUVs. Peak compressor capacity is 50 liters per minute, despite the fact that the power consumed from the network is only 500 watts.

A slight disadvantage for consumers in this car compressor is the length of the swap hose: 1 meter will not be enough for comfortable use. However, all this is compensated by the length of the power cord, which is 3.4 meters. Of the other features of the Heyner MaxxAir Pro, you can highlight the presence of an analog gauge with a double scale, the main (most obvious) of which shows the pressure in bars (kg / cm³). This compressor is relatively inexpensive, and from a position of a working resource it is more than enough for at least 5-7 years.

Alca 227,000

Rating: 4.7

Alca 227 000 is an improved analogue of the Heyner MaxxAir Pro compressor with two cylinders and power supply from battery terminals. It has a capacity of 300 W, but it produces a vigorous 50 liters of air per minute. It maintains a pressure of 11 atmospheres, so it can (albeit long) pump up the wheels of off-road vehicles. In general, the technical aspects look very good, especially in comparison with not the highest price. However, there is a small nuance that relates to the current: at a nominal voltage of 12 volts, the compressor may require about 40 amperes for normal operation, which creates a rather heavy load on the vehicle’s wiring.

As for the ergonomic features of Alca 227 000, here it is worth highlighting the successful construction of the support under the two working cylinders. The length of the air supply hose is 1 meter, and if it were not for the long power cord (4.2 meters), the situation with usability would be very doubtful.The manometer is analog, but, according to users, it is very accurate and convenient to read information, since the scale is adapted to the “bar” unit of measurement.

Agressor AGR-50L

Rating: 4.6

One of the best decisions of the budget segment, which fit into the set framework with great difficulty. It has a number of useful and, most importantly, simple solutions that are difficult to find in analogues. For example, the notorious LED flashlight, the backlight in the side, very convenient when pumping wheels in the dark. Or quick set on a complete five-meter hose. Or a special hose nozzle, containing both a deflator and a pressure gauge, so that pressure can be released from the wheels without using the pump itself.

As for the technical aspects of the Agressor AGR-50L, here it is worth highlighting a very good ratio of engine performance and power. With 280 watts of energy consumed, this car compressor produces 50 liters of air per minute, thereby providing itself with an excellent indicator of efficiency. The three-meter power wire goes to the "crocodiles", unambiguously hinting at the need to power the installation from the battery. An analog pressure gauge with a double scale is marked on the compressor as an informer (one of which, the largest and most visual, shows the result in bars and has a step of 0.1 units). Of course, a great option for its price.

Ryobi R18I-0

Rating: 4.5

The technologically advanced compressor from the Japanese company Ryobi is the most recent development of this segment. It is easy to track not only in appearance, but also in components, which stand out noticeably from the rest of the competitors. First of all, the first (!) High precision digital pressure gauge located in the central part of a compact installation catches the eye. In addition, there are buttons to enable battery life and built-in protection against overheating, which does not allow the engine to rest from processing.

The maximum pressure allowed in Ryobi R18I-0 is 10.3 bar. In this case, his work is entirely tied to the power from an independent source, that is, from the built-in battery. The absence of wires greatly facilitates the operation of an already ergonomic installation, since its weight barely exceeds 1.7 kilograms. In this case, recording a short air supply hose to flaws will be akin to bias, because autonomy introduces freedom in the possibilities of manipulation.

Kachok K60

Rating: 4.5

Automotive compressor Kachok K60 is very similar in performance to the competitor from Autoprofi, but is quoted by consumers a few positions higher. Its performance is 35 liters per minute, which limits the applicability only pumping wheels of cars. The maximum speed can be up to 7 atmospheres, and for a device of this level it is more than acceptable.

The main advantages of the Kachok K60 are enclosed in the ergonomic part, since the manufacturers thoroughly confused this.So, a small suitcase equipped with a bright yellow lining that will not let him get lost either in the grass or in the snow, or among other surfaces. A LED flashlight appeared on the side, which greatly facilitates any manipulation in the dark. In addition, various sensors are optionally sewn into the compressor, measuring both on-board voltage, temperature, and even generator operating parameters. All this splendor is displayed on the main LCD display: accordingly, the model is equipped with a digital pressure gauge, which distinguishes it from a number of more powerful competitors.

Autoprofi AK-35 Digital

Rating: 4.4

Inexpensive and compact entry-level compressor for pumping the wheels of passenger cars, swinging on the laurels of a universal device with functions of parallel diagnostics of network operating parameters. Otherwise, it is impossible to explain the presence of sensors for checking the voltage of the wiring and operation of the generator. As for the parameters of the compressor itself, it is worth noting the performance of 30 liters per minute, the maximum pressure of 6.5 atmospheres and the presence of a digital manometer with high measurement accuracy.

It becomes clear that with such modest possibilities in the main direction, Autoprofi AK-35 Digital cannot guarantee itself a high place in the rating. However, among the best, this model was still able, mainly due to additional functions. So, it is necessary to highlight the possibility of manually entering the desired pressure paging, after which the device turns on and automatically completes the process when the desired result is achieved. For additional convenience, an LED flashlight was introduced into the design of this car compressor, the presence of which is particularly highlighted by consumers.

The best compressors for SUVs and special equipment

Berkut r24

Rating: 5.0

Development, close in spirit to the professional series of automotive compressors from Berkut, but superior to it in all key parameters. The R24 model is a real breakthrough in the field of compact compressor installations, combining efficient methods of heat removal with excellent performance indicators. The cold engine of this device allows continuous air pumping for 60 minutes, which is the best result within the entire rating. Performance, in turn, is almost 100 liters per minute, and allows you to pump the wheels in the shortest possible time.

For the most accurate dosage of pressure, the design of the Berkut R24 provides for the presence of a deflator, which is very sensitive to the slightest exits of the indicator beyond the relevant limits. According to the manufacturers, the normal working pressure is 6.89 atmospheres, but the device is able to withstand up to 14 atmospheres, if there is a great need.

Daewoo DW90

Rating: 4.9

The main prerequisite for getting into the rating for the Daewoo DW90 is the increased time of continuous work, which was achieved thanks to the use of competent methods for removing heat from the motor.If in standard segment models this value reached (at best) up to 20 minutes, then this automobile compressor can turn the crankshaft up to half an hour. Receiving voltage from the battery terminals, it is capable of delivering up to 90 liters of air per minute, catching up on the opponent's performance in the AVS KS 900. The maximum pressure in the chamber can reach 10.2 atmospheres, which is 150 units on a psi scale.

According to consumers, the test measurements of wheel pumping through the Daewoo DW90 show very good results. For example, the wheel configuration R15 / 195/60 has time to pump up to the required minimum (2.3 atmospheres) in just 30 seconds. Among other features of this compressor, it is possible to single out, in general, a very pleasant design, the presence of a base plate in the lower part and a convenient rubberized grip (through which the air nozzle passes) for carrying. The weight of the model is almost a kilogram higher than that of AVS, but one cannot say anything about its inconvenience.

Agressor AGR-160

Rating: 4.8

Contrary to the low price, the Agressor AGR-160 car compressor manifests itself as a kind of hypertrophied analogue of competitive models, which is invariably present in any segment of a large market. It has a phenomenal ability to pump air through a piston mechanism, providing a discharge rate of up to 160 liters per minute. What is typical, for its power is enough to connect to the battery, but the load created on the network, may present a serious problem for the wiring. 42 amps of the required current strength is a task for heavy trucks and SUVs, with which they cope well.

It is noteworthy that manufacturers are very confused about the usability of Agressor AGR-160. The proof of this is the presence of the eight-meter hose on quick-connectors, which allows you to manipulate the device as you please. The length of the power cord, in turn, is only 2.4 meters, but if you wish, you can easily increase it (albeit with the loss of warranty for free two-year service in the event of a breakdown). An important factor in convenience is the visual analog pressure gauge, the main scale of which is reserved for the usual Russian user readings in bars. In the end, we are presented with one of the best compressors of the segment, the price-quality ratio of which substantially exceeds that of competitive models.

AVS KS 900

Rating: 4.7

A very cheap and very productive Chinese-made automobile compressor, the efficiency of which greatly exceeds the similar parameter of the other representatives of the rating. With a rated power of 350 watts, it is capable of pumping 90 liters of air per minute, allowing up to 10 bar of pressure in the compression chamber. With such indicators (and a quick glance at the price), the question involuntarily arises: how low is the reliability index of this model?

According to users, AVS KS 900 is a rare case when you should not worry about performance over a long period of use. Yes, the device has certain problems with the testimony of an analog gauge (the magnitude of the error may increase over time), but otherwise it works out quite well. The temperature regime leaves practically no chance of going beyond the permissible limit, since the range varies from -35 to +80 degrees Celsius. The current consumption from the network does not exceed 30 amperes, and the weight, as it should be for a normal device, is 4.5 kilograms.

Berkut PRO-24

Rating: 4.7

The most powerful representative of the professional line of compressors from Berkut could not withstand the competition of more flexible models in terms of overall cost, ergonomic and operational performance. That in no case speaks of its complete worthlessness. Performance Berkut PRO-24 is 47 liters per minute with power consumption of 250 watts. This ratio indicates a high efficiency of the installation, causing a small loss of energy to heat the motor.

As for the parameters of permissible operating temperatures, the manufacturer honestly outlined the frame from -30 to +80 degrees Celsius, which were later confirmed by independent tests from fans to get to the truth. The maximum working pressure in the compressor chamber can reach up to 10.5 atmospheres, which is quite suitable for working with wheels of heavy trucks and SUVs. In terms of cost, this model is somewhat more expensive than its opponents, which greatly influenced popularity.

The best stationary compressors with a receiver

WESTER LE 050-150 OLC

Rating: 4.9

The device with high cost and very rational approach to the coordination of technical parameters. WESTER LE 050-150 OLC is a 1500 watt compressor with a capacity of 206 liters per minute, which makes it possible to freely adjust the pressure in the range from 1 to 8 bar. It is considered the most successful model of this manufacturer, focused on the use in small workshops of industrial or home level.

The main advantage of this compressor lies in the volume of the receiver (50 liters), which makes it possible to significantly reduce the time for re-injection of air. In addition, since WESTER specializes not only in the production of compressor equipment, it is possible to find a huge variety of various pneumatic tools and equipment in its product range. For the purpose of such a configuration, special quick-connectors were installed on the LE 050-150 OLC so that users do not bother over a long and painstaking change of connection elements. In general, the device was made with a clear eye on the convenience of use, for which he was awarded the undisputed leadership in its category.

Patriot 24-260 Pro

Rating: 4.8

A Chinese-made compressor with a rather controversial reputation, but an extremely high degree of popularity. Its main advantage lies in the most optimal ratio of cost parameters and technical characteristics, which is noted by almost all consumers, experts and people close to the segment of compressor equipment. With a rated power of 1,800 watts, the performance of the Patriot 24-260 Pro is an amazing 260 liters per minute, which makes it possible to use the model in garages or small production and repair facilities.

But the most controversial aspect of this compressor is the equipment of the receiver, the volume of which is just below 24 liters.In this regard, there is a need for periodic shutdown of the installation for the re-pumping of air. Otherwise, the nuances are not so critical, and they can only cause problems in some specific situations.

Fubag OL 195/24 CM1.5

Rating: 4.7

By chance, the best stationary compressors closes the device manufactured by the German company Fubag, whose performance was nearly 180 liters per minute. However, the main advantage of this model is not in the plane of technical parameters, since here the “battle” with competitors was obviously lost. The main plus is the highest German quality, expressed in the durability of the apparatus as a whole and its individual units in particular.

Paying attention to the smallest details, it should be noted that it differs from other Fubag OL 195/24 CM1.5 models in size and weight (only 19 kilograms). The volume of the receiver here is 24 liters, and, if judged from the point of view of industrial use, even this indicator can be enough. The maximum pressure in the receiver can be up to 8 bar, but in case of exceeding this indicator, there is an exhaust valve in its design that bleeds excess compressed air. From the standpoint of security and the above-stated durability, the model is gorgeous, and has as many rights to be bought on the market as its more productive counterparts.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.