How to choose a tire inflation compressor
Content
On modern cars, the need to pump up the wheels often rarely occurs - tubeless wheels hold pressure perfectly. Despite this, it is extremely important to carry a compressor with you, because you may need it tomorrow. Next, we will analyze the device of automobile compressors, and which one is better to buy.
Types of Compressors
The simplest automotive compressor consists of the following parts:
- corps
- pressure gauge showing current and pump pressure
- cylinder
- piston electric motor.
Today the market provides two types of pumps: electric and mechanical.
The electric pump is convenient in that when you press the start button, it independently pumps air. His work is based on the interaction of an electric motor and a piston pump. The pump is powered by a cigarette lighter or a 12-volt car battery. Among other things, in such compressors there are cut-off gauges that do not allow pumping pressure above the set, a red light, a marker light, the ability to pump inflatable boats.
By design features, compressors are divided:
- rotary
- membrane
- piston.
Due to their low reliability, diaphragm pumps are practically not used; they were completely replaced by modern and inexpensive piston pumps. The high reliability of the piston pump is that the piston rod is driven by an electric motor.
The main advantage of the electric pump is its ease of use. Tire inflation is done at the touch of a button, on average, one wheel from zero swings in a couple of minutes. Among other things, the compressor allows you to pump 8 atmospheres in any season.
Regarding the disadvantages: the piston and cylinder wear out, the parts do not change separately. When the electric pump is running for more than 15 minutes, it must be allowed to cool down. Special attention is paid to cheap compressors, the quality of parts and fittings of which is frankly weak: their performance is extremely low, pumps overheat faster, sudden breakdowns are likely.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing
Given the fact that the choice of automotive compressors is huge, you must use the above list of criteria by which you can choose the right pump.
Pump speed. The characteristic is calculated in terms of pumping per minute. In this case, it is liters per hour. A capacity of 10 liters per minute is only suitable for bicycles and motorcycles. For passenger car tires with a radius of up to 16 inches, an electric pump with a capacity of 25-35 l / h is suitable. For SUVs 40-50 l / h. In this case, it takes less than 5 minutes to pump one wheel from scratch.
Maximum pressure. The budget compressor has a threshold of 6-8 kilograms, which is quite enough for the average car enthusiast, since the maximum tire pressure does not exceed 3 atmospheres.
Food. All compressors are powered by a 12V car cigarette lighter. It is desirable that the package includes clamps for the battery, which is extremely convenient when there is no way to connect to the main connector. In addition, the cigarette lighter is often designed for 8 amperes, while compressors have a current strength of 10-12A. Cable length should be 3 meters minimum. The compressor only works when the car starts or the ignition is turned on.
Type of mounting on the nipple. The quick-release checkbox is convenient, but consists of fragile plastic elements that wear out quickly. It is better to choose with a brass fitting or an all-metal clamp.
Overheat protection. Most compressors are equipped with a protection function in case of overheating, which is important for long-term operation of the pump.
Type of pressure gauge. A compressor with an analog pressure gauge is cheaper, but there is a risk of receiving incorrect pressure information. Digital more accurate, allows you to equalize the same pressure on all wheels.
Advantages and disadvantages of the foot pump
The foot pump is fundamentally different from the compressor in that the air is pumped due to the physical strength of a person. In this case, you can choose one of two: manual or foot.
The design of the foot pump is simple: in a cylindrical sealed housing, due to the “scissors”, the piston moves, pumping air. It is important. so that such a pump has an arrow gauge that controls the current pressure.
Advantages:
- simple construction
- affordable price
- reliability.
Disadvantages:
- low efficiency
- it takes a lot of time to pump car wheels
- dimensions.
Which compressor is better to choose
Knowing the main parameters of the compressors, we will figure out which one to choose from a wide list of offers.
ELEGANT FORCE PLUS 100 043 – the average cost is $20. The rotary piston compressor has a potential of 10 atmospheres, a capacity of 35 l / h, a hitchhiking function, a flashlight and an arrow pressure gauge, and a cord length of 270 cm. The budget compressor does its job well, takes up little space in the trunk.
VOIN VP-610 – $ 60. This “car" has a capacity of 70 liters per hour! It can be used both for cars and trucks. 5 meter wire with the ability to connect the compressor to the battery, contribute to comfortable operation. The case is made of dust-moisture-proof materials.
RING RAC640 - $55. The golden mean: compact and durable plastic body, digital pressure gauge, piston engine for tire inflation, rotary for boats and mattresses.
Questions and answers:
How to choose a compressor for tire inflation? Performance and pumping pressure are important factors. The higher the capacity (l / min), the better, but an unnecessarily powerful compressor is an unnecessary waste.
Which tire inflator is the best? For wheels 13-14 inches, a pump with a capacity of 30 l / min is sufficient. For SUVs, 50 l / min is suitable. For trucks - from 70 l / min.
