How to choose a compressor for tire inflation

It is not always possible to pump up the wheels on the road. Before refueling far, and the pump, unfortunately, remained in the garage. In such situations, help out a portable compressor that allows you to quickly fill the pressure in the tires to the desired level.

Top car compressor manufacturers

Attention must be paid to high-quality models capable of delivering the necessary pressure and quickly pumping up the wheels to the necessary pressure:

1. Brado

2. Eco

3. Extel

4. Remeza

5. Denair

Choosing a specific model, you should rely not only on the characteristics, but also on user reviews, revealing the advantages and disadvantages of a particular device. You can study them on the Internet, on thematic forums or in social networks.

The principle of operation of compressors for tire inflation and their types

The principle of operation of the compressor is to inject air into a special tank, from which it is supplied through a hose equipped with a pressure gauge. There are two types of compressors.

Membrane Compressors

Compact models, the source of which can serve as a household network for a voltage of 220V, and the vehicle's cigarette lighter. The main acting element of the device is the rubber membrane, which injects air into the tank. Such models are widely popular in everyday life - both for pumping wheels, and for solving similar problems;

Virtues

• Compact size;

• Relative cheapness;

• Low weight;

• Work from a network 220B or 12B;

disadvantages

• The membrane is afraid of frost;

• Propensity to overheat;

• Low power;

Reciprocating Compressors

More sophisticated devices, based on a pair of "cylinder-piston". The latter is driven by electricity and injects air into a special tank. They have decent functionality and can generate significant pressure. Everywhere used for pumping wheels not only cars, but also trucks.

Virtues

• Decent functionality;

• Unpretentious to use;

• Reliable design;

• Performance;

disadvantages

• High price;

• The need for timely service cylinder-piston group;

Main compressor selection criteria

There are few criteria that distinguish a high-quality device against its analogs, but all of them play an important role in the functioning of the device.

Maximum injected pressure

The higher this criterion, the more productive this or that compressor is. The greater the mass of the car and the higher the initial tire pressure, the more powerful the compressor should be. When choosing a device for use with a car, give preference to models that pump up to 2-3 atmospheres, trucks will require more, about 4-5 atmospheres, pressure.

Performance

Determines the number of liters of air pumped by the compressor over a specified time interval. The higher the performance, the faster the device will perform its functions and, accordingly, the more expensive it is.

Compressor power source and connection method

1. Compressors operating from a 220V household network are distinguished by high power, reliability and stability of operation, but they cannot be used away from the outlet, which makes them useless in the field;

2. Compressors operating from the vehicle’s on-board network for a voltage of 12V are excellent as portable and allow pumping up wheels even in field conditions. From the minuses of such devices, they distinguish the ability to “burn” the auto fuse installed on the cigarette lighter, with the device’s excessive power consumption;

3. Compressors for 12V, connected directly to the battery terminals - the most reliable solution. The fuse in this connection scheme is not involved, but in order to start the mechanism, the car is simply not needed - just an ordinary starting battery is enough.

Cigarette lighter cord length

The longer the cigarette lighter cord - the more convenient to work with the device. On sale you can find models with a cord from 3-4 to 15-17 meters, which allows you to pump up the wheels, even away from the power source.

The presence of the gauge and the breakdown of its scale

The pressure gauge is an important component of any compressor, it allows you to monitor the injected pressure, as well as to measure it in the pumped wheel. The best are considered devices, the scales of which are divided in increments of 0.1 bar, and its maximum value is limited to 7-9 bar.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.