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Tires can pull at the most inopportune moment. Therefore, the pump is always included in the list of mandatory equipment of any machine. Previously, these devices had a very simple design. For swapping wheels applied the force of arms or legs, depending on the device. But they all took a lot of time and effort. Especially in those situations when the car is on huge wheels with an impressive radius. Not every driver is able to quickly pump up the wheel with a hand or foot obsolete pump. And imagine that behind the wheel of a fragile girl. Because manufacturers have come up with more modern and sophisticated devices for tire inflation. With the current diversity it is not so easy to determine how to choose the right compressor for pumping your car tires. To do this, explore the types of devices and the basic requirements for them.

Recommendations for choosing a compressor for the car.

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What it is

The compressor is needed in the garage and on the road. After all, if on the way a tire suddenly comes down, and there is no service station nearby, it will not be possible to go far on lowered wheels. Such devices for a car cost a bit, but they serve for many years if you have made the right choice of compressor. Automotive compressor is a modern pump that allows you to pump up and inflate tires. That is, it is suitable for lightly and fully deflated wheels. You just need to know how to choose the right and reliable automotive compressor. Structurally, this is quite a simple device. But it is extremely important that in its production quality components are used, and the appropriate assembly is carried out. This will ensure a long service life and high efficiency. A compressor or pump consists of:

• enclosures;
• electric motor;
• pressure gauge.

These are the main elements of modern autocompressors. Each manufacturer can use additional components that extend the functionality.

Design features

Before you choose the right car compressors, you need to figure out what they consist of, and what functions each of the main components performs.

1. Engine. The most important element is considered the engine. It receives electricity through the built-in rechargeable batteries, or is powered from the network. For this purpose, a connection to the on-board power network through the cigarette lighter is provided.
2. Housing Experts and experienced motorists advise buying compressors, the casing of which is made of high-quality metal. Support legs can remain plastic. The main thing is to keep the device confidently on the surface, and over time the case would not collapse or rust. This is true in the case of the use of cheap plastic and metal, not able to resist corrosion.
3. Pressure gauge. Depending on the model and manufacturer, compressors are equipped with mechanical and digital pressure gauges. They are used to monitor tire pressure levels and monitor pumping. Practice shows that mechanical pressure gauges are more reliable and durable. But digital devices are more accurate and have less error. Digital devices should be chosen only in those cases if you buy an expensive pump from a trusted manufacturer. In cheap Chinese models there may be problems with the pressure gauge, because of which the data on the device will not correspond to reality.

Additionally, these devices are completed:

• magnets on the legs;
• hoses and tubes;
• interchangeable nozzles;
• automatic switches;
• flashlight;
• backlight, etc.

Не всегда разумно переплачивать за дополнительные опции, которые по факту автовладелец не будет использовать. Обращайте внимание на надёжность, качество работы двигателя и точность показаний pressure gauge. Это намного важнее, чем фонарик или какой-то изысканный дизайн.

Types of devices

All automotive compressors are divided into two main types:

• membrane;
• piston

Each option is widely used among motorists, because the obvious leader or outsider among them is impossible to determine. In this case, the devices differ significantly from each other from a technical point of view. And outwardly, not everyone will immediately understand where the piston pump is and where the diaphragm pump is. So that you understand the difference between the devices, as well as were able to make your choice, we will consider each type separately.

Piston

Already from the name it can be understood that such compressors produce air supplied to the tires, due to the operation of the piston. Inside the camera, it performs reciprocating motion, that is, moving forward and backward. The design of the piston device also provides for the use of the shaft and the connecting rod. Not everyone knows, but they are the key components and important aspects when choosing a device. Experts advise to buy such compressors, where the connecting rod is located on the motor shaft. If the design uses a plastic connection between the elements, you should not count on long-term pump operation. Be sure to check what materials are used when creating these parts. It is better not to take plastic, galvanized and other fragile products, since you only spend money in vain.

Such pumps break down quickly, and nobody wants to repair them. If you want to take a really high-quality unit, then rely only on stainless steel. It is reliable, high-quality and durable material. Regarding the strengths and weaknesses of piston compressors. They have a number of objective advantages, among which are:

1. High power. Performance is a different number of units, depending on the specific model. It can be 40 and 55 liters per minute. The most powerful models allow you to work with trucks and special equipment.
2. Sure work under any conditions. The devices are not afraid of heat or severe frosts, so you can always restore normal pressure in the tires of your car without any problems.
3. Long service life. It will be so if you competently approach the issue of choice and buy a really high-quality product. And not necessarily to give him a lot of money. Here the price is not an indicator of high quality.

But do not forget about the shortcomings. Piston devices have their drawbacks. Namely:

• in case of breakdowns, the repair is expensive, or the device is not recoverable at all;
• you need to monitor the work of the device, not allowing it to overheat (overheating leads to breakage);
• choosing a good piston pump is more difficult.

The similar compressor works from the lighter, or has other power supply. It also depends on the manufacturer and specific model.

Membrane

As in the case of the previous type of compressors, here the main component also reciprocates. Only here we are talking about the membrane. Membranes are made on the basis of rubber, which is an important advantage. Pumping several tens of liters per minute, the device can work for a long time. Even if the membrane wears out, you can change it yourself. This is a consumable item that is not worth much money. There are several main advantages of such compressors:

• long service life;
• excellent maintainability;
• ease of use;
• wide range of;
• simpler choice.

But there was not without flaws. Despite the solid time of continuous work, many motorists notice two key disadvantages.

1. 1. Power. In terms of power, membrane devices are noticeably inferior to piston counterparts. But if you need to maintain a regular passenger car, you are unlikely to feel a power shortage.
   2. Resistance to frost. In case of severe frosts, you should not count on the help of a membrane pump. Apply such devices in the garage, where the temperature is above zero. At negative temperatures, if you need to pump up the wheel somewhere on the track, the membrane may not work.

Certain conclusions can be made now. Membrane devices are not highly resistant, because they are more suitable for garage use. If you need a reliable pump that will help in any situation and in any weather, it is better to trust the piston type.

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Additional nuances

It is impossible to fully understand how to choose a really good automobile pump, that is, a compressor, relying only on knowledge of the types of devices. To do this, you must pay attention to additional issues. Motorists should be interested in:

• pressure gauge;
• power wire;
• Main characteristics.

Go through each item separately.

Manometer

We have already said that the choice of a device for pumping car tires in terms of a manometer implies two options:

• mechanical;
• digital.

At first it may seem that it is not so important how to pump up the wheels with the help of an automobile compressor if the tires are connected simply with a quality and reliable unit. But the pressure gauge plays its important role, without which it can not do. The fact is that automakers give specific recommendations for different situations regarding tire pressure. And drivers must follow them to ensure good grip and minimal fuel consumption.

Experts note that modern digital manometers are far superior to mechanical ones, since they are capable of providing more accurate data and displaying them on the screen. Companies have ceased to develop and improve the switch models, so when using them, such problems may arise:

• due to the strong vibration of the arrow can not accurately determine the pressure;
• it takes a long time for the arrow to stop and get a result;
• The error is much higher than that of digital models.

Open the technical data sheet of the selected pump and look at the information on the pressure gauge. Here the error is indicated. The lower it is, the better for you. If you have already managed to buy a device, it is recommended to check the accuracy of his testimony in the service station.

Power cord

How effectively a compressor will work depends on its characteristics and quality of workmanship. Regardless of the power source, always choose units with a long wire. This will allow you to move it to different wheels of the car without unnecessary manipulation and switching. When choosing a car compressor, the driver is faced with a controversial power issue. Manufacturers offer several options.

1. Through the cigarette lighter. Such devices operate from the automotive network. Very convenient in terms of operation, as well as have average power. If you have a passenger car or some kind of SUV, the power of the onboard network will be more than enough.
2. From car battery. There are some gadgets that connect to the car battery. The principle of operation is similar to the previous version, although here we are talking about more powerful models. You can quickly pump all 4 wheels, spending a minimum of time.
3. Autonomous. Provide for your own built-in rechargeable battery. This is a good choice, because in theory, in the absence of any power source, you can use the battery charge. But such pumps are not designed for continuous operation. For a compact city car is suitable, but not more.
4. Combined. The most acceptable and objectively best choice, since the driver himself can choose from which source to power the compressor.

If you decide to stay on models that operate from the cigarette lighter, be sure to specify one detail. Each cigarette lighter has a fuse designed for a certain amperage. If the compressor exceeds this value, connecting to the on-board network will be potentially dangerous.

Specifications

Each autocompressor manufacturer has certain technical parameters. If you carefully approach the question of how to choose the right car compressor, do not forget to focus on this point. There are two key indicators:

• performance;
• maximum pressure.

Productivity is measured in liters per minute. The higher this value, the more impressive in size the wheels will be able to pump the device. But do not abuse the increased productivity. Such compressors will take away excess electricity from the on-board network or battery, but in fact it will not bring any special benefit. Many motorists prefer models whose performance ranges from 40 to 80 l. / Min. For cars, crossovers and even large SUVs, this is more than enough. But with maximum pressure, manufacturers often slyly, overestimate real values. Therefore, the characteristics indicated in the technical passport often do not correspond to reality. Yes, and experts themselves say that this parameter should not be paid special attention.

An exception may be models where the specified pressure is too low. Typically, pumps have an indicator of about 8 - 12 atm.

Receiver

With the help of a receiver, car compressors accumulate air. Many popular pump manufacturers produce devices with a receiver with a volume of 3 liters or more. Due to this additional component, you get not just a pump, but a more functional device. Their actual use for:

• tire complex works;
• drawing graphic images on the car body (airbrushing);
• equipping the machine pneumatic system.

This functionality is chosen by professionals. Ordinary motorists who buy a pump especially for periodic wheel pumping do not need a receiver.

Automatic shutdown system

Experts and experienced car owners strongly recommend buying compressors that have an automatic shutdown system. This is a convenient feature, where a special sensor is responsible for the timely termination of the pump. In addition to it, you can also take a device with a piston overheating control system. As you understand, this is relevant only for piston models. Since overheating threatens to damage the unit, reliable protection from such situations does not interfere.

Secondary functions

On the main and necessary functions of the automobile compressor we have walked. Now let's talk about useful additions. They are not included in the list of mandatory, but sometimes they can expand the functionality or simply increase the practicality:

1. A bag. Many models are already initially equipped with a bag for storing the pump. It is convenient and compact, so you will not have to fold the compressor into a bag or store it open. Practical, convenient and often free.
2. Torch. Drivers are skeptical about the presence of a flashlight on the compressor, because they believe that the manufacturer simply increases the price of the unit. But in fact in some situations it helps a lot. This is true at night on the highway, when going on nature, fishing or to the country. Although sometimes it is better to just buy a compact flashlight and always keep it in the glove compartment just in case.
3. Additional nozzles. With their help, the tire inflation compressor turns into a device for pumping balls, mattresses, swimming pools, etc.
4. Air exhaust function. But this addition can be useful. By pressing the corresponding button, you quickly blow off the excess air from the wheels or lower mattresses, pools and other inflatable things. In the case of tires, it is possible to control the pressure in parallel, and not turn off the compressor, remove air with a nipple, and then check the readings again with a pressure gauge.

As you can clearly see, the choice of automotive compressor can not be called a simple matter. This device is of great importance in the daily operation of the car, and can also significantly help in everyday life. Try to use only high-quality pumps with technical characteristics that can meet the needs of your vehicle with a small margin. There is no need to overpay for parameters and functions that in reality will not come in handy to you.