How to choose a car compressor for inflating tires

Choosing a car compressor: what to look for

Hello again everyone! We have already touched upon the topic of air pressure in wheels many times and even talked about how flat tires increase fuel consumption. Choosing a car compressor could be a good solution to this issue. I believe that every self-respecting motorist should have this device in the trunk. In any case, he helped out the author of these lines more than once.

Main types of compressors

Despite the fact that, in principle, any type of compressor can pump up a wheel, some can do it faster, others longer. Most often, buyers have no idea what criteria to pay attention to when purchasing. And usually they take the one that is brighter or the one that is cheaper.

Today, you can find 2 main types of these devices on sale, which differ in their operating principles. In a piston compressor, air is supplied by the reciprocating action of a piston. It is characterized by durability and a high degree of performance. However, due to the constant friction of the piston, such equipment quickly and strongly heats up.

Unlike this type, a diaphragm compressor provides air injection using a piece of rubber cloth. Such devices are also called vibration devices.

It makes only slightly less liters per minute than the previous type of device, but it is easier to repair. There are no rubbing elements in it, as such, and it is quite possible to replace a piece of rubber yourself.

Such equipment does not tolerate frost and low temperatures well and is characterized by low productivity.

Selection criteria when purchasing

To answer the question of which compressor is best to purchase, you need to proceed from the size of the car tires with which it will have to work.

For most cars, a sufficient pressure level is 2–3 atmospheres, but for multi-ton trucks, 8–10 atmospheres are required.

Also, if you have low-profile tires, then some models will have to pump more than 3 atmospheres. Therefore, compressors here will need more powerful and more efficient ones.

The second criterion is one of the most significant when purchasing equipment. The average performance of an auto compressor is approximately 25–30 l/min.

Thus, the most common wheel diameters R14-15 are inflated to the required pressure in 2–3 minutes.

Therefore, another principle of choice is that the larger the wheel, the more efficient the pump you need to choose.

Also, before you buy a device, you need to pay attention to its pressure gauge. This is one of the most important components of any auto compressor. Most often this is an analog type pressure gauge, but digital ones are also available. The main thing is that its readings are highly accurate, otherwise the rubber will be “eaten up” before its due date, and gasoline consumption will increase.

The connection method is another important criterion. The lion's share of car pumps is connected through the cigarette lighter socket and is powered by 12 Volts, that is, from a battery. However, in some cases this causes an overload of the on-board network. To avoid this, powerful devices are equipped with crocodile terminals.

Among the other useful options that a compressor may have, with the exception of its main one - for inflating tires:

automatic shutdown function when the required pressure level is reached;• the presence of a bleed valve;
the presence of a flashlight, which can be useful when inflating tires in the dark (after all, the headlights on the front of the body will not help in this case).

List of the most popular and useful paging devices

Let's consider an approximate rating of the most popular pumps for inflating car wheels along with their features:

Jock K70. From the name it clearly follows that this is a domestically produced device. It features bright colors and a comfortable design. There is some discrepancy between the actual pressure value and what the pressure gauge shows;
Defort DCC265, made in Germany. The pressure gauge scale with its hard-to-read font is not entirely convenient. But it is highly accurate in readings and heats up less during operation;
Alca, German assembly. The wire is long enough and the device is small in size. The pressure gauge has a double scale. The pumping speed is clearly low, as reviews say;
Dollex DL 4002. This Chinese-made device is distinguished by very high actual accuracy of readings. Equipped with LED flashlight. Apart from some assembly flaws, it makes a positive impression;
Berkut R15. One of the best in its range in terms of pumping speed and build quality;

Airline X5. It features a built-in pressure gauge and neat overall design. It hardly heats up, but the noise level is quite high. Overall, a pretty decent compressor;
Elegant Force Plus. Design traditional for piston pumps, metal housing. There are many side fins for cooling. Productivity - up to 35 l/min of air.

Now you know how to properly buy a compressor for your car, and what parameters to pay attention to first. Read us in the following notes. See you soon, friends!

Sincerely, blog author Andrey Kulpanov

Source: http://avto-kul.ru/tyuning-i-aksessuary/avtoelektronika/aksessuary/vybor-avtomobilnogo-kompressora.html

How to choose a car compressor for inflating car tires

In a modern garage, a real motorist should have all the necessary equipment to repair or maintain his car.

Just a few decades ago, inflating tires required a bulky pump, as well as several tens of minutes of grueling work. Today, drivers can save themselves from such problems by purchasing a car compressor for inflating tires.

This is a very useful device, but before purchasing, you need to familiarize yourself with many parameters in order to make a successful decision.

So, a tire compressor is a portable pumping device that allows you to quickly and easily inflate the tires of your car. Typically, a structurally similar pump has the following components:

frame;
electric motor;
pressure gauge for measurements.

The body is usually made of metal. Thanks to this, the design is characterized by increased strength and long service life. Also, such auto compressors are not afraid of minor impacts and scratches.

One of the key characteristics that you should pay attention to is the power of the auto compressor. It is provided by a high-performance electric motor. Power is measured in liters per minute. For passenger cars with standard 13/14 inch wheels, a device with a capacity of 40-50 liters per minute is sufficient. The swapping process will not take more than two minutes.

For heavier and larger vehicles, for example, SUVs, you should already choose a car compressor for inflating tires with a capacity of 50 liters per minute. If you buy a weak enough pump, the pumping process may take a significant amount of time.

Among all the presented models, two types of installed pressure gauges can be distinguished: mechanical and digital. In mechanical ones, as a rule, values are plotted on two measurement scales: bar (kg/cm²) and according to the Western model - psi (lb/m²). A mechanical pressure gauge provides rather low accuracy, so many people prefer to buy products with a digital meter.

Such pressure gauges provide high accuracy of readings with minimal error. You don't have to wait for the needle to settle, and you don't have to constantly watch it twitch. Digital pressure gauges do not have all these disadvantages. You can check the accuracy of your device at a service station.

Types of compressors and their features

The market offers car enthusiasts a wide range of automotive compressors, but all models are divided into two large groups:

Each auto compressor has its own advantages and disadvantages. Based on them, the driver will be able to decide for himself which is the best auto compressor for inflating tires. Let's look at each type in more detail.

Piston auto compressor

The design of such units includes a special piston, which produces air through reciprocating movements. In such compressors, the buyer should pay special attention to the shaft and connecting rod.

The best choice would be a compressor where the connecting rod is located directly on the engine shaft.

If the structure has a plastic connection, it is no longer possible to talk about reliability and long service life. All parts must be made only from high-strength materials (stainless steel).

If the model uses plastic or similar fragile materials, it is not worth spending your money on it.

The key advantages of piston auto compressors include:

high power (perfect for servicing various trucks);
ease of use;
If the operating rules are followed, it can last for many years.

Despite all these advantages, devices of this type have several disadvantages. Repairing a piston compressor is very expensive, and in some cases they won't be able to repair it at all. Due to high loads, the compressor tends to overheat, so the user will have to tirelessly monitor its operation.

Diaphragm compressor

As the name suggests, the main part in such units is the membrane. It also makes reciprocating movements and also pumps air. The membrane is made of rubber, which is characterized by increased wear resistance. In addition, if it wears out, you can always quickly replace it. The advantages of diaphragm pumps include:

reliability and durability;
simple and cheap repairs;

It would seem like an ideal option, if not for several important features. Firstly, membrane compressors have low power, so their use for large vehicles is not particularly justified. Secondly, the device cannot work in frost and cold weather. You will have to have a heated garage if you want to pump up your car's tires.

Some important buying tips

Now that you are familiar with the basic characteristics and types of compressors, you can pay attention to additional functions. Many models are equipped with useful options. We recommend choosing an auto compressor with an automatic shut-off function. You do not have to control the pumping process, because the device will turn off on its own.

A thermal control sensor will be no less useful. Overheating can damage the device, so monitoring the operating temperature is extremely important. Many models are equipped with a flashlight.

This is especially true if you need to pump up your tires at night or in a confined space without light. There are models with air pumping.

This option is useful if you need to quickly deflate the tires.

Choosing an auto compressor is not an easy task, so you should carefully approach the purchase, while analyzing all the features of the desired model with analogues.

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Source: http://jrepair.ru/interesnoe-na-jrepair-ru/shini/kak-vybrat-avtokompressor-dlya-podkachki-avtomobilnykh-shin

Choosing a car compressor for inflating tires

Automotive compressors are a system for inflating wheels, replacing hand and foot pumps. They have become widespread due to their wide functional features and the possibility of being used for domestic needs.

Concept and purpose of a compressor

A compressor is an automated mechanical device with an electric drive that serves to continuously pump compressed air under pressure.

The design feature of the compressor is that its actuator is a piston system similar to an internal combustion engine, capable of supplying compressed air at low speed, but under high discharge pressure.

Main technical characteristics of a car compressor

Classification of the main parameters of a piston compressor:

performance;
operating discharge pressure;
dimensions;
number of pistons (one - two piston);
type of measuring device (electronic or mechanical);
type of power supply for the compressor (remote from the built-in battery or from the car’s electrical network) The figure below shows power from the electrical network of a car with a mechanical pressure gauge and a non-threaded tip.

Productivity is an indicator of the rate of air injection by a compressor over a certain period of time, and the time of continuous operation of the equipment should also be included here. It is measured in liters per minute (l/min).

The average performance required to pump air into car tires with a diameter of 14–16 inches should be from forty to sixty l/min. This indicator will allow you to operate the compressor in normal mode without overloading it and, accordingly, without reducing its service life.

And the time to fully inflate a wheel with a diameter of 14 inches will be 10 minutes, for a wheel with a diameter of 16 inches 15 minutes.

Discharge pressure is also an indicator of the compressor.

But in most cases, this characteristic is not taken into account, since most piston compressors create sufficient excess pressure in any case.

The main task of a compressor for an average car is to create a pressure of at least 3 atmospheres, which the compressor successfully copes with even with minimal pressure injection characteristics.

Pressure gauge. As mentioned earlier, they come in electronic and mechanical varieties. Equipment with an electronic pressure gauge has more advantages compared to a mechanical one. The readings are calibrated by the equipment manufacturer and the smaller the reading step, the more accurate the pressure gauge. During compressor operation, a pressure gauge with an arrow will give less accurate readings, unlike an electronic one.

A compressor with an electronic pressure gauge can be programmed by the owner to automatically stop when a certain pressure is reached. This function is not only convenient, but also makes the process of inflating the tire safe. This manifests itself in the uncontrolled process of tire inflation by the owner. The function protects the compressor from damage when operating in the maximum permissible mode.

The disadvantage of a dial pressure gauge is that it is difficult to determine the pumped pressure during its operation. But this is not considered a serious drawback; the main thing is the accuracy of its readings. The scale fluctuates in the following range: 0.2; 0.6; 1.2; 2.5; 4.0. The unit of pressure measurement on equipment comes in three types:

atmosphere (kilogram/square centimeter);
bar = atmosphere, the difference between them is a hundredth (kilogram/square centimeter);
Psi - (lb/in2). And it corresponds to 0.14 atmospheres.

Mechanically, pressure gauges are also calibrated after leaving the factory, but over time they become confused and require verification to clarify the correctness of the readings. This can be easily done at a tire service center by comparing the tire inflated there with the readings of your own pressure gauge!

How to choose a device and aspects that require attention when purchasing a compressor

When choosing a device, you should not make a mistake and choose a quality manufacturer. A good, high-quality compressor does not have to be expensive. The price of this device is not at all an indicator of its capabilities. Russian manufacturers produce automobile compressors, whose prices are very affordable and the quality does not lag behind foreign suppliers.

It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the compressor is made of good materials, that there is a serial number of the product and a copy of the supplier’s quality certificate.

The compressor body must be metal, the piston pair made of high-alloy hardened steel (these indicators are determined either intuitively or by the weight of the equipment), rubber seals made of high-quality, non-cracked rubber, and preferably brass tips.

Brief overview of the Russian compressor market

Similar compressors from foreign manufacturers will cost more and this, as mentioned above, is not an indicator of quality. It’s just that components and delivery of equipment from abroad impose their own amendments to the final cost of the equipment. Let's consider compressors from Russian manufacturers in order of combination of their cost and characteristics.

Compressor BERKUT R A small-sized device with a good performance of 40 l/m at a maximum operating pressure of 10 atm. It has several nozzles and an extended hose, has good equipment and a relatively expensive price tag of 2800 rubles. Weighs a little 2.1 kg. Like most people, it has a portable suitcase.
Compressor BERKUT-R15 . The operating pressure of the device does not exceed 7 atm. The productivity is small - 30 l/m. It has a large number of attachments and a relatively low cost of up to 2000 rubles. The noise level is low, good stability during operation.
Compressor brand AGGRESSOR AGR-30. Its developed pressure is 8 atmospheres, has a metal body, runs on 12V, and has a capacity of 30 l/min. We see that, having a small capacity, a piston compressor develops impressive pressure. The purchase price is approximately 2500 rubles.
MUSTANG. Manufacturer: Moscow defense enterprise, which has been producing products since the times of the USSR. Excellent performance and developing working pressure. The arsenal includes a strong portable suitcase and attachments of different sizes. The compressor is powered from the battery using clamps, this is due to the fact that it consumes a large current during operation, about 14–15 amperes. The manufacturer took care of crocodile ticks for convenient connection to the network. Good performance affects the rate at which it heats up during continuous operation, so you need to monitor the temperature of the compressor and not overload it. The fairly low prices for models from this company with a combination of quality - from 2,500 rubles - allow the manufacturer to successfully sell them.
Automotive compressor IKAR 707 . Low price - from 1000 rubles per product, low characteristics, productivity 30 l/minute, maximum discharge pressure 5 atmospheres. The compressor housing is not metal, which is not an indicator of reliability and long service life. If you use it for domestic purposes and rarely, it will fully justify its cost.
Automotive compressor MONSON – M 1 . A good candidate for purchase in terms of quality and price. Current consumption is 9 amperes, runs from a cigarette lighter, a fairly long electrical cord, and a tire inflation hose. The characteristics are average, productivity 30–40 l/m. working pressure 5 atm. It is quite enough for a passenger car. It has adapters (albeit plastic) and a mechanism for releasing excess pressure. Inexpensive price from 2000 rubles.

When purchasing, it is better to count on long-term operation of the compressor. Because the possibilities and scope of application, like the “appetite that comes with eating,” are revealed during operation. And it can be useful in various situations and at any time.

Having one or several cars in the family, is it worth mentioning its necessity for car enthusiasts?

Natural selection clearly demonstrates that Russian manufacturers are in no way inferior in quality and technical characteristics to imported equipment of the same price category.

Source: https://pricurivatel.ru/vybor-avtomobilnogo-kompressora-dlya-podkachki-shin.html

Autocompressor for inflating tires, how to choose an autocompressor, selection criteria. How to choose a car compressor for inflating tires?

Despite the fact that all types of automotive compressors have the same purpose, they differ in their usability and efficiency.

That is, a compressor with a capacity for passenger cars is completely unsuitable for use in trucks. This device differs even between vehicle classes, for example, between a regular sedan and an SUV.

Therefore, when choosing a car compressor, you should be very careful. More on this later in the article.

Autocompressor for inflating tires, what type they are, advantages and disadvantages of piston and membrane autocompressors

Automotive compressors are divided into piston and membrane. In compressors that use a membrane, air is pumped using reciprocating movements performed by a rubber membrane located on the piston.

The cost of automotive compressors that use a membrane is quite low, which is the main advantage of these devices. However, such compressors are inferior to piston mechanisms in operating speed and maximum possible pressure.

In addition, this type of compressor changes its behavior at low temperatures, since the rubber membrane becomes brittle, hard and loses its elastic properties, which leads to equipment failure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lTdD3uKSWk

Most of the compressors sold and produced are piston ones. The pressure in them is created using a moving piston.

The best proven design is one in which a metal piston connecting rod is attached to the electric motor shaft, without the use of additional plastic bushings, various connecting rods and adapters.

The service life of these automobile compressors is the longest. It is worth noting that the use of a Teflon ring on the piston also increases the life of automobile compressors.

Characteristics of auto compressors for inflating tires, what we pay attention to when choosing a unit

There are a number of basic characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing a car compressor:

Performance.
Injected pressure.
Type and availability of pressure gauge.
Connection method.
Pressure gauge scale pitch and its graduation.
Cord length.
Built-in modern gadgets.
Adapter kit.
Device reliability.
Price.

compressor performance

This parameter is measured in liters per minute. Therefore, when choosing a device, you should take into account its tire diameter and performance. For example, for 14-inch tires, a device with 40 liters per minute is quite enough.

For larger tires, it is advisable to purchase a device that can inflate up to seventy liters. In addition, manufacturers often indicate volume figures, without specifying the usual volume or under pressure.

Usually the first indicator is used, so this aspect needs to be clarified with the seller.

discharge pressure

When choosing a car compressor, many car owners give preference to compressors with a maximum pressure rating, but this is not always correct.

The problem is that most manufacturers overestimate (sometimes very significantly) the characteristics of their products. So, some devices indicate a pressure of 20 atmospheres, but this is simply unrealistic.

The real limit is eight atmospheres. As for passenger cars, 3 atmospheres is enough for them.

presence and type of pressure gauge

By type, pressure gauges are either digital or dial. Accuracy in this case is the determining indicator. Therefore, the device error should be minimal. There are a number of classes of pressure gauges depending on the error: 0.2; 0.6; 1.2; 2.5; 4. The device with the lowest number will be the best.

As for accuracy, it is advisable to purchase a compressor with a digital pressure gauge. Why? Because when inflating the wheels, the device constantly vibrates, which causes the needle to jump on the analog screen.

In addition, the presence of two scales on the dial gauge makes the display overloaded with data and makes it difficult to read.

Digital pressure gauges provide information at a predetermined rate with maximum accuracy. In addition, there is simply no vibration. Another advantage of electronics is the ability to limit the required pressure (for example, two atmospheres). The compressor will switch itself off when the tire is inflated.

connection method

In this regard, automobile compressors come in two variations:

Which operate from the car network.
Which operate from a built-in battery.

Compressors that operate from a built-in battery can be charged from a simple outlet, but their charge will not last long - you can pump up two or three wheels, but then you will have to charge them again. Of course, electric compressors are preferable.

Such devices can be connected to the cigarette lighter or to the battery (using wires with clips that fit onto the terminals). Compressors that are connected to a battery have more power, so purchasing them seems more feasible.

calibration of the pressure gauge scale and its pitch

Try to choose pressure gauges that do not have prohibitive pressure values. Give preference to pressure gauges with a division value of 0.1 atmospheres. By the way, after purchasing, check its readings by comparing them with those displayed after pumping up at the service station.

cord length

The length of the cord should be such that you can easily reach all the wheels of the car. There are models with a built-in battery, when purchasing which you don’t need to think about it at all, but in this case you need to understand how much battery charge you will have, and you shouldn’t forget about its loss of capacity over time.

availability of built-in modern gadgets

Many devices can be used not only for inflating wheels; moreover, it is not always necessary to inflate them completely. Many functions may turn out to be much more in demand than they seem when purchased. Automotive compressors can be equipped with the following options:

Shutdown - this option is triggered either when the wheel is inflated to a certain extent, or when the device overheats, if it is equipped with a special thermal relay.
Evacuation of air - this will help the owner in situations where it is necessary to roll up an air mattress or similar equipment.
Bleeding air - a special valve is responsible for this function.
Flashlight – Built-in flashlights are the most common, which are especially useful at night.

adapter kit

When purchasing a car compressor, pay attention to the availability of various adapters that will give you the opportunity to pump up a variety of rubber products - toys, boats, mattresses, balls, even turning the car compressor into a vacuum cleaner.

reliability of the device (what metal is the cylinder made of, is there an air filter, how is the piston connecting rod installed)

To make sure that the device you are purchasing is reliable enough, pay attention to its design features, which are indicated in the data sheet:

What metal is the cylinder made of? The best option is high-alloy steel, the best option is stainless steel, the cheapest option is aluminum alloys.
Installing the piston connecting rod. A reliable option is on a metal shaft, the worst option is through plastic bushings and adapters.
The presence of an air filter at the intake port of the car compressor.

price

If we talk about the cost of compressors for tires, prices vary from 300 rubles. for Chinese products of dubious quality and up to 1000-1500 rubles. for a normal device.

It is not recommended to buy the cheapest product, since its quality leaves much to be desired.

They may well fail the owner at the most inopportune moment, for example, when a tire has a flat, but there is no tire service nearby.

It is advisable to purchase a normal compressor from 1000 rubles. The body of this product is made of steel, unlike Chinese plastic ones. As a rule, the kit includes additional attachments, for example, for inflating soccer balls.

In addition, a cheap Chinese car compressor will inflate a completely flat tire in five to ten minutes, while a normal one will take two to three minutes. As you can see, the time difference is significant.

How on Aliexpress you can choose and order the desired compressor for inflating tires (Electronic tire inflator in the search) with free delivery and a good price

Finding the required product on AliExpress can sometimes be very difficult. The most important thing is to be able to correctly use the search engine and sort products on the site. To find the product you need, you can use one of two methods:

Search using the search bar.
Search using the panel for selecting products by characteristics.

As a rule, the first option is much more convenient, so to search for the product you are looking for, enter its name in English in the search bar. In this case it is “Electronic tire inflator”. Please note that when you enter the first letter in the search bar, suggestions will appear that include your query. Then click “Search”.

A page with search results opens in front of us. There are not many results, only nine.

The product sorting panel is located in the center of the page. Here you can enter the price, the required quantity and indicate the country where the goods need to be delivered.

The next line allows you to indicate the following selection criteria:

Online sellers.
Items included in the sale.
Sale of goods by piece.
Highest rating.
Free shipping.

In the third line you can see the following sortings:

By price.
According to the seller's rating.
New items.
By the number of orders.
The best choice.

In our case, you need to select “Only by piece” and “Free delivery”, and then sort the goods either by descending price or ascending order. The following picture opens before us.

We select from the proposed products the one that best suits our characteristics and click “Buy”.

Next, fill in the delivery address in English and click place your order.

Then we pay for the goods in any way convenient for you and wait for the seller to process our order, pack it and send it.

Source: http://prosedan.ru/avtokompressor-dlya-podkachki-shin-kak-vybrat-avtokompressor-kriterii-vybora

How to choose the right car compressor for inflating tires

The car is complex, so breakdowns cannot be completely ruled out. And it’s good if they can be noticed in time and the faulty part can be replaced in a timely manner. However, it also happens that a breakdown occurs unexpectedly, for example, a small puncture in the tires, due to which air comes out of them.

In such cases, a car compressor for inflating tires can help, thanks to which you can maintain their “vitality” while driving to the service station. They can also inflate tires in normal conditions, because structurally it is the same pump. How to choose the right car compressor? More on this below.

Choosing a car compressor

First, let's figure out what models there are. They are divided into electric and foot. The first type operates from a cigarette lighter or directly from a battery and does not require any effort when inflating tires.

The foot compressor has to be pressed systematically, which is not very convenient. Therefore, it is better to choose an electric device. Of these, the most popular are piston compressors, namely double-piston ones.

Let's stop at them.

Cylinder

So, if you are already in the store and choosing a pump to inflate tires in emergency or work situations, then you need to pay attention to the following aspects. Find out what material the cylinder is made of. This is usually indicated in the documentation that came with the device.

More: How to choose bolts and nuts for stamped wheels

It is best if this material is high-alloy steel. Stainless steel is an acceptable option. If the cylinder is made of an alloy with aluminum, then it is better to refuse the purchase.

Piston connecting rod

Now you need to pay attention to the installation of the piston connecting rod. Ideally, this is done without any adapters. If this is done using various connecting elements, regardless of their material of manufacture, then it is better to bypass this option.

Atmosphere scale

Also, do not forget about the pressure indicator scale, since when pumping you will have to pay attention to it. On some models this scale reaches 20 atmospheres.

There is simply no point in having so many units, since most tires will not withstand such volume.

In addition, using such a device will not be very convenient, since the needle on the scale twitches when pumping, and it is very difficult to determine the required division, since they are located very close to each other.

The best option would be a compressor with a scale indicating approximately 5-7 atmospheres - most modern tires will not withstand more than this indicator. This device is much more convenient to use.

More: How to put studs on your tires yourself

Price

Don't forget about the cost. Prices for compressors start from 300 rubles. Such devices, as a rule, are of low quality - this applies to both assembly and manufacturing materials, so you should not skimp when purchasing. In addition, a cheap model can fail at any time, which should not be allowed.

The cost of a normal compressor is 1000-1500 rubles and more, depending on the place of purchase. You can buy such a device without fear, but only if it meets the above requirements.

Most often they are made of steel, less often of stainless steel, and the build quality is much better than that of cheap analogues. There are practically no plastic elements in their design, which improves functionality and increases service life. Another plus is that most often the kit comes with different attachments.

It is also worth noting that high-quality compressors inflate tires much faster than cheap ones - in just 2-4 minutes.

Conclusion

The convenience of inflating wheels, as well as the efficiency of this process, depends on the car compressor, so it is not recommended to save on the purchase.

More: How to choose the right wheels for tires

Ratings, comparisons
Wheels
Tires

Source: https://kolesadom.ru/kak-vybrat-avtomobilnyj-kompressor-podkachki-shin/

How to choose a car compressor for inflating tires

Publication date: June 06, 2016.

A sudden flat tire can catch you at the most inconvenient moment, when every second counts. And if previously conventional foot pumps were used to solve such problems, today they have been replaced by more modern and easy-to-use devices.

A compressor for a car is, by and large, the same pump, but it only functions thanks to an electric motor that is powered by a cigarette lighter or battery. Thanks to this, the process of inflating tires takes seconds, and there is no need to apply physical force.

When deciding whether or not to buy such a unit for your car, it is undoubtedly better to purchase this useful device, since the range of its use is not limited to tires alone.

For example, it can be used for an inflatable boat, when carrying out paintwork and for much more.

But before you go to the nearest store for “new things,” it is better to familiarize yourself with the recommendations that will tell you how to choose a compressor for a car, depending on the characteristics of the device and the type of vehicle.

There are only three types of compressors: piston, membrane and rotary.

Piston compressors

Piston compressors for car tires have a design similar to an internal combustion engine. Only in this case, with the help of a piston installed on the crank mechanism (or simply “connecting rod”), air is pumped in, and it comes into motion thanks to an electric motor.

Healthy! The connecting rod must be made of alloy steel, but some manufacturers do not comply with this condition, which is why the devices quickly fail.

It is believed that piston auto air compressors show the greatest efficiency due to reduced losses (unlike membrane analogues). However, this indicator directly depends on the specific model and manufacturer of the unit.

Among the main advantages of piston models, it is worth highlighting the ability to “produce” quite high pressure, up to 8 atm. In addition, the operation of such compressors does not depend on the ambient temperature, so they can be used both in hot weather and in severe frosts.

If we talk about the shortcomings, it is worth mentioning the following points:

Most models of piston compressors do not have a ventilation system, which causes dust to accumulate in the mechanism, which helps to reduce pressure. As a result, the performance of the unit also decreases.
If a piston or cylinder breaks, it will be impossible to replace these parts.

It is also worth paying attention to the fact that automobile piston pumps (compressors) are subject to heavy loads when inflating tires for minivans or SUVs. To prevent this from happening, you just need to choose between a single-piston and a double-piston model.

Single piston compressors

Devices of this type are used for wheels up to R15. Their working pressure is 3 atmospheres. This is quite enough for passenger cars. However, most car owners are not satisfied with the loud noise and relatively low service life of such compressors. And even the low cost does not particularly change the situation for the better.

The short life span of “patients” is explained by the fact that manufacturers, in pursuit of reducing dimensions, reduced the productivity of the unit, and some of the elements even began to be made of plastic. The result was more of a decorative device that would turn sour after the first winter, rather than a functional compressor.

If you still decide to purchase a single-piston compressor, pay attention to the materials from which its cylinder and other elements are made.

Double piston compressors

Another thing is a two-piston automobile compressor, which meets the needs of both SUV owners and car drivers.

Two pistons operating in antiphase can significantly improve the balancing of the device, and the doubling working chamber reduces the rotation speed of the electric motor without loss of performance. It is also worth noting the low noise of such a compressor. This can be achieved thanks to low rotation speed and rolling bearings.

In addition, such models have improved heat dissipation and overload protection. Two-piston automobile compressors with automatic shut-off are very popular and have a long service life.

If we talk about the price of the issue, then a single-piston unit will cost you about 500-800 rubles, and a two-piston unit will cost you about 2,500 rubles. But, if you take into account the fact that the first one will quickly fail, then you don’t lose anything in terms of money.

Diaphragm (vibration) compressors

Vibration compressors differ from piston analogues, first of all, in their design.

To pump and pump air, they use a special membrane fabric, which is tensioned and relaxed using an electric drive, thereby creating the necessary pressure.

In addition to the membrane, two more bearings are involved in the operation. As you can see, this design is much simpler than described above.

Thanks to this, the service life of such pumps is longer, since there is simply nothing to break in such a mechanism. But, even if for some reason the membrane itself fails, you can easily replace it yourself. Another advantage of such models is their low cost.

If we talk about the disadvantages, then it is worth considering the following disadvantages:

The rubber membrane material loses its elasticity at low temperatures, which is why vibration compressors are not suitable for use in winter.
The maximum pressure that such units can create is only 4 atmospheres (this is only enough for passenger cars).

Typically, membrane models are used for wheels no larger than 14 inches.

Rotary compressors

This type of automobile compressor has not yet gained widespread popularity, and they are extremely rarely used for inflating tires. However, such models are easy to use and reliable.

In addition, the performance of such models is several times higher than their piston and membrane counterparts, so rotary compressors are most often purchased not only for inflating wheels, but also for inflatable boats and other large items.

Among the disadvantages of such pumps, it is worth highlighting the high cost.

In addition to the type of compressor, before purchasing it, you need to pay attention to the features and characteristics of the device.

Characteristics of compressors that are worth paying attention to

Before purchasing a unit, ask the seller for documents for the selected model and carefully read the characteristics specified by the manufacturer. In addition, the following must be taken into account:

For a passenger car, it is better to choose a 12-volt automobile compressor, this will allow you to connect the unit to the car’s cigarette lighter. There are also models powered from a standard household network or from a battery.

Healthy! The power of the compressor, which is connected to the battery through “crocodiles,” is significantly higher than the device powered by the cigarette lighter.

The cable length from the power source to the compressor must be at least 2 meters. A shorter wire will cause inconvenience.
The cylinder in which the piston moves must be made of high-alloy steel or, in extreme cases, stainless steel. Models made of aluminum alloys are not recommended to be purchased.
The piston connecting rod must be installed directly on the metal shaft and not through plastic bushings or adapters.
Almost any hose for a car compressor is equipped with a pressure gauge, however, you need to pay attention to its type. Pointer models are inconvenient, since during the operation of the compressor the pointer begins to vibrate, making it impossible to determine the pressure. Therefore, preference should be given to digital models. It is precisely these pressure gauges that are usually equipped with units with the ability to automatically turn off.

If on the pressure gauge you see a maximum pressure value of 20 atmospheres, do not rush to rejoice. This parameter is not possible for either a piston or a membrane compressor, therefore, most likely it is a Chinese counterfeit or a product from a seller who wants to pass off wishful thinking.

In custody

When purchasing a car compressor, try to choose models from large manufacturing companies that have proven themselves in the market. Such devices, which are simple in terms of design, are very often counterfeited, so you should be vigilant.

Source: https://avto-moto-shtuchki.ru/oborudovanie/77-avtomobilnyj-kompressor-kakoj-luchshe.html