The best in terms of functionality with a digital pressure gauge is Kachok K70. The optimal one among models with an analog pressure gauge is Aggressor AGR-50L .
A tire puncture is an annoying nuisance, especially when there is no spare wheel in the trunk, and the nearest service station is tens of kilometers away. In this case, there are two options left: call a tow truck or use a tire repair kit and a car compressor.
I studied the automotive compressor market in 2023 and selected the best models based on the ratio of features and cost. All compressors from the selection are equipped with a piston system – this is important, since they, unlike membrane devices, can operate in the cold. I’ll tell you what other parameters to pay attention to when choosing.
Criteria for choosing automotive compressors
Performance. The higher the compressor performance, the faster it inflates the tires. But along with productivity, the dimensions of the device also grow. To choose the best option, you need to consider the tire size.
For example, a model with a capacity of up to 10 liters per minute is suitable only for bicycles and motorcycles. Such a compressor will inflate a tire of size R13 for at least 20 minutes – and eventually overheat. A device with a capacity of 10-25 l/min will inflate an R13 wheel in 10-15 minutes , and 35-55 l/min in 2 minutes. Models with a capacity of 25-35 l/min are suitable for passenger cars with tires from R14 to R 17, 35-55 l/min – for crossovers and SUVs with tires up to R20, and 55 l/min and above – for buses and trucks c larger tires.We considered compressors with a capacity of 35-55 l/min.
Maximum pressure. Pressure on a pressure gauge scale can be indicated in atmospheres, bars and pounds per square inch, or psi: 1 atmosphere corresponds to 1.01 bar or 14.7 psi. For passenger cars, a compressor with a maximum pressure of 4 atm is sufficient, for SUVs – 5-7 atm , and for trucks – 10 atm.Our selection includes models with a maximum pressure of at least 7 atmospheres.
Principle of operation. The two main types of automotive compressors are membrane and piston. In membrane models, pressure is created by a rubber membrane. The advantages of such compressors are compactness and high wear resistance: there are no rubbing parts in the design. Disadvantages – low performance and poor performance in cold weather: at sub-zero temperatures, rubber elements lose elasticity.
Piston compressors pump air through the movement of a piston in a cylinder. The productivity of such devices is greater than that of membrane devices. But during prolonged continuous operation, they can overheat due to the strong heating of the air during rapid compression and the friction of the piston against the cylinder walls.
All compressors in our selection are piston.
Method of connecting to the network. The higher the compressor performance, the more energy it consumes. Compressors with low power – usually up to 180 W – can be connected to the cigarette lighter socket. More powerful ones – only directly to the on-board battery, they have their own fuse. There are models with a built-in battery, but due to low performance they are only suitable for cars with small wheels.
The compressors in our rating operate from a cigarette lighter or from an on-board battery.
Location and type of pressure gauge. Compressors are equipped with analog or digital pressure gauges. Models with a digital pressure gauge are more convenient, but more expensive. The pressure gauge can be located on the device body, air supply hose or air gun. In the first case, the pressure sensor is located in the cylinder, in the second and third cases it is installed in front of the fitting. Models with a pressure gauge on the body may overestimate the readings, since when the compressor is operating, the pressure in the cylinder is higher than in the hose. To find out the real pressure, such a compressor must be turned off.
We looked at compressors with both digital and analog pressure gauges.
Continuous operation time. Budget compressors are equipped with thin-walled cylinders designed for only 15-20 minutes of continuous operation. Expensive models have cylinders with thick ribbed walls; they provide good heat dissipation and allow the compressor to operate without overheating for half an hour or longer.
Protection systems. High-quality models have protection systems against short circuits and overheating – such compressors automatically turn off when the cylinder temperature exceeds a critical one. Some devices allow you to set the pressure to which you need to inflate the tire.
Length of cord and hose for air supply. The total length of the cord and hose should be sufficient to reach the rear wheels of the vehicle. The hose is attached to the wheel nipple using a threaded attachment or a flag clamp. The first option is more reliable, but takes more time. The second one is more convenient, but over time the rubber parts of the clamp wear out and begin to leak air.
Additional functions. The compressor can be equipped with an LED light and a deflator – a valve that allows you to quickly bleed excess air from the tire. Some models include adapters for balls, boats and inflatable furniture.