The content of the article:
- Characteristics of autocompressors
- Compressor types
- TOP-6 car compressors
A car compressor is one of the important accessories that every motorist should have. You cannot do without it not only on a long trip, but also in everyday life, because you never know when the need to inflate tires may arise.
Of course, a classic hand or foot pump can be an alternative to car compressors, but they require significant physical effort and, most importantly, a lot of time. Therefore, we suggest that you keep up with the times and together figure out which characteristics are important in the compressor, what they can be and which ones are best to choose when buying.
Characteristics of autocompressors
Before going to the store for a car compressor, you need to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics that are important when choosing one. These include:
- Productivity - this parameter is indicated in the passport characteristics of each model and is measured in liters per minute. As an example, devices with a capacity of 30-40 l / min are suitable for pumping passenger car tires with a rim diameter not exceeding 14 inches. But for SUVs it is better to choose a device with a capacity of 50-70 l / min.
- Pressure - usually does not exceed 8 atmospheres, but when choosing an autocompressor, you should not give this parameter a priority. The fact is that in practice this parameter very rarely corresponds to the one declared by the manufacturer.
- Manometer - can be analog or digital. It is necessary so that the driver can accurately determine the pressure in the inflated tire and achieve the optimal value. That is why it is important that the pressure gauge has high accuracy and minimum error in the displayed measurements. Manometers differ in accuracy class, which can fluctuate between 0.2-4.0, while the smaller the number, the more accurate the device. Digital pressure gauges are an order of magnitude more convenient, more accurate and more practical than analog ones.
- Connection method - it is customary to distinguish between two types of car compressors, where some are powered from the vehicle's on-board network, and the second have a built-in battery. The latter do not differ in durability and performance, so it is better to immediately look towards the former. Such devices can work when connected to a cigarette lighter (less powerful models) or directly to the battery terminals (more efficient and powerful models).
- The length of the cord should be such that the device can be easily connected to all wheels of the car. In order not to miscalculate with the length, you can get a compressor with a built-in battery, but, as we have already found out, they do not differ in high performance and require systematic recharging.
- Body material - can be made of plastic or metal. It is not hard to guess that the latter have greater durability and reliability.
Note that modern autocompressors can be equipped with additional functions: a flashlight, all kinds of adapters, a compass, etc. However, their presence is of secondary importance.
Compressor types
All autocompressors, without exception, consist of a working cylinder, an electric motor and a pressure gauge. The devices differ only in the mechanism that is located between the engine and the working cylinder. As a result, there are two types of compressors on the market: diaphragm and piston:
- Reciprocating compressors are the most common type of car compressor that creates pressure due to the movement of a special piston. The advantages of such compressors include high power and the ability to operate at any time of the year. The disadvantage of piston autocompressors is considered to be low maintainability and the possibility of overheating when used for more than 15 minutes.
- Diaphragm compressors are less common autocompressors that create pressure to inflate tires by vibrating the rubber membrane. The advantages of such devices include low price, high maintainability and reliability. But among the shortcomings is the relatively low power and the inability to use in the cold, tk. the membrane loses its elasticity, becomes fragile and quickly deteriorates.
TOP-6 car compressors
In order not to waste time on independent selection of the most optimal compressor, we have prepared a small list of models in three price categories:
Up to 2000 rubles
Aggressor AGR50L
The device has a high-quality housing, a removable 5-meter hose for inflating tires and an LED lamp at the end, which is especially relevant in the dark.
The compressor has a capacity of 50 l / min and is powered directly from the vehicle's battery. An additional plus is the availability of a 3-year warranty. Price - 2000 rubles.
Airline X3
A Chinese car compressor that, despite its country of origin, has an excellent price / performance ratio. The piston and cylinder of the device are made of metal, which means a long service life. The capacity is 30 l / min, which looks quite a decent result for a single piston compressor. Price - about 1500 rubles.
From 2001 to 5000 rubles
AVS KS900
The capacity of this compressor reaches 90 l / min, and the hose tip is equipped with a deflator, which is especially important for SUV owners. However, the device has a disadvantage, which is reflected in overheating during prolonged use. Price - 3500 rubles.
ParkCity CQ9
Two-piston compressor with a capacity of 50 l / min. Its pressure gauge has a large scale, which is convenient, but before using it, it is better to check its readings with another device: no one has canceled its Chinese origin, which means there may be errors that it is better to know about in advance. The price of the device is 4300 rubles.
Over 5000 rubles
Berkut R20
A serious tool with a capacity of 72 l / min. The compressor is capable of developing pressure up to 14 atm and continuously operating for an hour.
The device is powered directly from the car battery. The autocompressor is made of high quality and durable materials. Price - 7500 rubles.
Aggressor AGR160
A real monster, capable of delivering up to 160 l / min, but the device in this mode can work for no more than 20 minutes. The compressor is made of high-quality materials, but it has impressive dimensions, which means that it is not suitable for every trunk. Price - 6500 rubles.
Conclusion
When choosing a compressor, you should not rely solely on its cost. The most correct method is to select a device based on the scheme of its operation. This means that a small budget compressor is inappropriate for owners of large SUVs, just as a large and expensive device is unnecessary for a compact urban runabout that only rarely leaves the city limits.
