There is a large abundance of automobile compressors on the market, so it is not easy for car enthusiasts to make a choice. This item should be in the trunk of every car owner. After all, no one is immune from minor troubles on the road. But not every device is able to meet modern requirements and standards. Our experts have compiled a rating of the best car compressors, which includes the most reliable models. Once you get acquainted with their characteristics, choosing a car compressor will no longer be a problem for you. The review presents the best companies from a wide range of price categories.
zast-HDR
Any compressor can pump up a flat tire. One is faster, the other is slower, but they will let us down: we haven’t seen frankly unsuitable models for a long time. Therefore, the buyer usually chooses a product that, say, will fit in the spare wheel well. Or focusing on design: bright and cute. And most often they take what is cheaper.
Well, what if the tire went flat? So much so that you got off the seat called the hump? There are protrusions on the wheel rims that hold the inflated tire. Compressor manufacturers love to boast about the high performance of their products, but the buyer will not count liters per minute! But he will immediately appreciate the ability to return the tire to its place. And this is interesting to check.
Thread or latch?
What is the best way to connect a compressor to a valve? Should I screw the brass bushing onto the external thread of the valve or just snap the “faucet” on?
The threads on the valve may be clogged, covered with oxides, or simply overgrown with dirt. And if you fail to screw the threaded bushing of the compressor hose to its full depth, the rod will not press on the spool rod, which will cause very high resistance to the air flow - it will leak out through the loose thread.
It is much more convenient to use the nozzle, which is often called a “faucet” for its external resemblance to the titanium train faucet. The principle of operation is that when the handle is turned, its eccentric presses on the rubber bushing. Its internal diameter is reduced and tightly grips the valve thread, ensuring tightness even with dirty, clogged or stripped threads. Inside there is a rod that presses on the spool rod.
- Examination of budget compressors - here.
10 “jocks”: compressor examination
WHICH CAR COMPRESSOR IS BETTER: TEST RESULTS
The performance of the compressors was assessed according to several criteria. We measured the inflation time of a wheel of size 215/65R16 when powered by a voltage of 13.8 V from a network source with a fixed current strength. Noise measurements were carried out with a Bruel & Kjær 2230 sound level meter.
To evaluate the performance of the compressors, the time the tire sat on the disc's hump was measured. The rated performance (l/min) is not very informative; moreover, during inflation, due to natural leaks, some of the air comes out, but the speed of landing on the hump immediately indicates the real performance.
Additionally, the accuracy of the pressure gauges was assessed by comparing them with a reference device.
Hand pump device
Force majeure situations may occur along the way, but there is no need to call a tow truck, since you can inflate the tire yourself using a hand pump or a foot-type device. Such devices as standard include a cylinder, a rod and a hose with a special fitting. The package often includes a pressure gauge, and all elements are connected to each other using levers.
The pumping device has a pedal or handle for ease of use.
The principle of operation is simple - the pedal or handle is at rest at the top, the piston is located at the bottom of the device. When a person presses on a pedal or handle, the valve closes the channel and air flows into the tire. Since it is impossible to understand by eye the degree of inflation of a car wheel, the pressure is monitored by a pressure gauge. The device can be purchased separately, but usually a car tire inflation pump already comes with a pressure gauge. It is convenient to carry such a car pump with you and, if necessary, quickly pump up the tire.
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alca
Germany
The declared indicators are 20 l/min; 7 bar (100 PSI); 15 A
price, rub. 1800
alca
Convenient and compact. The plastic casing protects against burns. To connect to the valve, a threaded coupling with a plastic tip is used: screwing is convenient. But the garland of adapters hanging on it gets in the way. The wire is long enough to reach the rear wheel. The hose is soft and comfortable, but gets very hot during operation. The pressure gauge is built-in, with a double scale, and its readings are inaccurate: at a pressure of 2 bar it shows 1.75. In terms of time - the worst result. It’s also definitely the last one when it comes to seating tires on humps.
The best high-performance compressor for SUVs and commercial vehicles from R20
Powerful devices for inflating tires on off-road cars and industrial machines, capable of operating in extreme conditions.
1
BERKUT R20
Rating:5.0
- type: piston
- inlet flow 72 l/min
- maximum pressure 14 atm
- connection type: to battery terminals
- voltage: 12 V
Average price: RUB 10,261
A device for restoring pressure in tires of sports cars and SUVs used in racing and for traveling over rough terrain. The compressor is designed with a platform for off-road use and an air filter that will keep dust and dirt particles out of the mechanical components, extending their service life. The end of the long twisted hose is equipped with a fitting and a high-precision pressure gauge. Steel air valves, aluminum cylinder and fluoroplastic rings increase the reliability of the device.
Peculiarities:
- long flexible hose and power supply cable;
- dust-proof design;
- set of adapters;
- durable metal mechanism.
2
Aggressor AGR-8LT
Rating:4.9
- type: piston
- inlet flow 72 l/min
- power 480 W
- maximum pressure 8 atm
- connection type: to battery terminals
Average price: RUB 9,771
The device will provide compressed air to pneumatic tools in a home workshop and is suitable for inflating tires of SUVs, heavy trucks and tractors. Excellent for proper tire fit when using tubeless tyres. The long 10-meter flexible hose is equipped with a gun with an accurate pressure gauge and a metal quick-release fitting. With a productivity of up to 72 l/min, it is equipped with an 8-liter receiver, which turns off when filled with air.
Peculiarities:
- high-quality cooling of the case;
- presence of a receiver;
- protection of the housing from corrosion;
- silicone oil lubrication.
3
Aggressor AGR-160
Rating:4.8
- type: piston
- inlet flow 160 l/min
- power 600 W
- maximum pressure 10 atm
- connection type: to battery terminals
Average price: RUB 8,765
The pump pumps 160 liters of air per minute and can operate continuously for up to 20 minutes. Equipped with a short cable, the length of which is compensated by an 8-meter polyurethane hose. It remains elastic in the cold. A gun with a deflator to equalize pressure and a pressure gauge with double graduation is attached to the end. Equipped with a fuse and thermal relay. Non-replaceable silicone oil is used for lubrication. The handle is equipped with a protective cover that reduces its heating.
Peculiarities:
- spontaneous operation of the deflator;
- design with oil as a lubricant;
- noticeable heating of the hose at the attachment point;
- two-scale pressure gauge.
4
AVS KS900
Rating:4.7
- type: piston
- inlet flow 90 l/min
- power 350 W
- maximum pressure 10 atm
- connection type: to battery terminals
Average price: RUB 3,750
A high-performance auto compressor that can operate for more than 5 years after modification (according to user reviews). It consists of installing the missing thermal relay and replacing the bearings with high-quality ones. The model's performance of 90 l/min is sufficient for inflating tires, painting, and providing air for pneumatic tools. The insides are protected from dust by a primitive filter like cardboard. The entire mechanism is made of metal, and the rings to reduce friction are made of fluoroplastic. With adapters it turns into a device for inflating boats, lifebuoys, mattresses, and balls.
Peculiarities:
- high-performance oil-free model;
- high-precision pressure gauge with a pair of scales;
- rubber feet for vibration damping;
- 5 meter hose with deflator.
5
Airline X6 CA-070-17S
Rating:4.6
- type: piston
- inlet flow 70 l/min
- power 336 W
- maximum pressure 10 atm
- connection type: to battery terminals
Average price: RUB 3,748
Powerful two-cylinder compressor that needs minor modifications. Due to rapid heating, it is advisable to install a fan, and before operation, check that the rubber bands near the pistons are installed correctly. Equipped with a short (3 m) frost-resistant hose and a non-heating soft handle. The adapters will allow you to inflate bicycles and motor vehicles, mattresses and other watercraft, carry out painting, anti-corrosion treatment of surfaces and purging of the vehicle's power system.
Peculiarities:
- poor build quality;
- no cooling or thermal protection;
- short 3-meter hose;
- soft bag for transportation.
6
Hyundai HY 1765
Rating:4.5
- type: piston
- inlet flow 65 l/min
- power 180 W
- maximum pressure 10.2 atm
- connection type: into the cigarette lighter socket
Average price: RUB 4,090
An assistant for inflating the wheels of heavy equipment, painting work and supplying pneumatic tools with compressed air. The mechanism is capable of pumping up to 65 l/min of air without causing acoustic discomfort. Like the less productive Hyundai HY 1645 model, it does not require oil and is characterized by enviable durability. A bright LED light will illuminate the nipple at night. A fuse will protect the device from overloads.
Peculiarities:
- compact oil-free design;
- wear-resistant fluoroplastic ring;
- dust-proof design;
- built-in flashlight.
A low-power compressor is only suitable for passenger cars and two-wheelers. High-performance models, pumping from 60 l/min, will provide air to pneumatic tools, allow you to paint and prime the surface, blow something out, and even perform household sandblasting.
def
The built-in LED flashlight immediately went on strike. The pressure gauge is small and the font is hard to read. In this case, preference is given to the PSI scale, which is inconvenient for Russians. Accuracy is low. But there are adapters for inflating balls, balls, etc. The appearance is quite decent, and practically does not heat up during operation. But the tire takes a long time to inflate, and all of the above advantages are secondary.
AVS KS900 - a universal solution that produces 90 liters of air per minute
One of the most powerful models of 2021 is suitable for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The voltage reaches 12 V. The scope of application is practically unlimited - tires of different radii, soccer balls, mattresses. The device can even be used for painting work. The power is amazing - 350 W. 90 liters of air are produced per minute, but the disadvantage is its solid weight of 4.5 kg. The delivery set includes a set of nozzles, a 5 meter extension hose with a deflator and a storage bag.
Kachok
A convenient body with a handle, bright colors, a molded plastic hose with a well-thought-out folding pattern - in general, it looks decent. Pressure gauge - with a monochrome LCD display. The controls are convenient and clear. The required pressure is set using the keys. Once it is reached, the compressor switches off - good! Alas, the readings are far from reality: 1.8 atm instead of the real 2.0. But the voltmeter doesn’t lie. As for the time of pumping and landing on the hump, the results are modest. And the price is not good.
How they checked
For examination, we purchased a dozen products at prices ranging from 1,900 to 4,000 rubles - they are presented in our photo gallery. The test method is simple: use a compressor to inflate a wheel with a tire measuring 185/65 R15 to the specified pressure. There are two reference points: 2.0 and 2.5 bar. We record the time it takes the compressor to complete the task, as well as how much it heats up during operation. The accuracy of readings from standard pressure gauges was assessed using a standard pressure gauge. In addition, we evaluate whether they are convenient to use and note various technical features.
airline1
Neat design, there are clamps for laying the hose. Built-in pressure gauge, “two-tariff”. The font size is quite readable, but preference is given to the PSI number system, which is unusual for us. The hose end is with a traditional threaded coupling. The two-piston design allows you to quickly inflate the tire - second result! It's louder than the others. I confidently placed the tire on the hump. The case and the plug with the wire almost did not heat up. The long hose is convenient, but it would be nice to lengthen the wire. Overall a very decent option.
dollex
Champion in pressure gauge accuracy: he was the only one that gave the correct value. And the scale is convenient and easy to read. He places the tire on the hump very confidently (second result!), but it takes too long to inflate the wheel. Among the advantages, we note a plastic housing cover (so as not to get burned), an LED flashlight, as well as a car fuse built into the wire. There are minor assembly flaws: the flashlight does not fit tightly to the body, which is distressed by sharp edges. Overall the impression was pleasant.
BERKUT R17 is a powerful compressor with the possibility of continuous operation for 30 minutes
The car compressor has a powerful filling, which is placed in a compact case that will not take up much space in your trunk. The noise level is no louder than your voice. Continuous use is possible for 40 minutes, after which it is worth allowing the mechanisms to cool down. The manufacturer provides a two-stage protection mechanism: a fuse prevents overload, and automation helps to avoid overheating. The dust-proof housing covers all parts, increasing their durability.
A high-precision pressure gauge allows you to find out the current pressure. If necessary, excess air can be removed using the DEFLATOR valve. Together with BERKUT R17 you receive a set of fittings and a carrying bag. Connection is only possible to the battery terminals. The design is based on wear-resistant materials, strong aluminum and stainless steel.
berkut (1)
It lands on the hump faster than anyone else, and makes noticeably less noise. It is also a leader in the quality of materials and assembly. The quality of the design is noticeable in the small details: we note the plug with finger pads, the pressure relief valve with a convenient brass tip, as well as the well-chosen length and cross-section of the wires. It hardly gets warm. And everything seems to be good, but the impression was spoiled by an inaccurate pressure gauge with an inconvenient double scale. Otherwise he would have been a champion.
Is it possible to adjust the pressure?
With such quality of soldering, it is not surprising that the compressor does not work.
With such quality of soldering, it is not surprising that the compressor does not work.
A compressor with a digital pressure gauge is always equipped with an electronic pressure sensor.
A compressor with a digital pressure gauge is always equipped with an electronic pressure sensor.
sor
This neat, compact product is a champion in inflation speed! He lands on the hump quickly, one of the first. Additional adapters are provided (attached to the body) for inflating balls and balls. But the numbers on the pressure gauge are small - this is a consequence of double digitization. The required scale, as luck would have it, is located closer to the center: here the distance between the divisions is even smaller. The thickness of the arrow corresponds to 0.2 kPa. It lowers the pressure by exactly this amount. Otherwise everything is very good, but expensive.
Car compressor test: ranking the 7 best models
Jumper K50 - model with built-in pressure gauge and performance filling
The rating of automobile compressors is supplemented by a powerful Russian-made model with a built-in pressure gauge for monitoring the internal tire pressure. The yellow color is moderately bright and contains a reflective coating. Attaching to the nipple occurs via a brass fitting. There are several of them as standard. The K50 is supplied in a durable material packaging suitable for transport and storage.
The continuous operation time is 30 minutes, after which the compressor must cool down. The shock-absorbing support simplifies use and reduces the load on the system mechanisms. Power comes through the cigarette lighter. The power cord reaches two meters in length, which opens up the possibility of using it remotely from the machine.
