Tyre inflators - which one?

BallandChain

I've been going round in circles looking on the web at different tyre inflators. Can anyone recommend one that isn't too noisy, too bulky and automatically cuts off when the desired pressure is reached? I've looked at a few and some meet a couple of requirements. The Halfrauds rapid tyre inflator sounds good but the casing isn't very solid.

Please don't say go to your nearest garage as I live in the sticks so need one at hand. Not sure if there is anything else I should consider when buying a tyre inflator so are there any knowledgeable experts who can help? Do all the tyre inflators just plug into the cigarette lighter or can they be run off the mains too? Thank you kindly for any help!

vikingaero

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/204570/air_compressors_mini.html

I would recommend the Michelin Twin Barrel Foot Pump as a non-electric alternative.

Andy_Hamilton

I like my michelin Hi-Power rapid tyre inflator. It's a really well made but of kit and not overly loud.

The first time I used it it failed to get the tyre pressure correct. After turning it off and on it worked well. I don't know if the pump has a memory/computer which computes pressures better. I have checked my pressures using very accurate guages and worst case my compressor has been 1psi out.

BallandChain

Funny enough I looked on Auto Express. The Halfrauds inflator and RAC200 have cheap plastic casing. The ITC doesn't say if it runs off the mains and doesn't say how quick it inflates and doesn't look as if it automatically cuts off. The manual foot pump would take a fair bit of time to blow tyres up that's why I'm looking for electric. Thanks for your help though.

BallandChain

Andy_Hamilton wrote: »

I like my michelin Hi-Power rapid tyre inflator. It's a really well made but of kit and not overly loud.

The first time I used it it failed to get the tyre pressure correct. After turning it off and on it worked well. I don't know if the pump has a memory/computer which computes pressures better. I have checked my pressures using very accurate guages and worst case my compressor has been 1psi out.

Is this the one?


http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/Store/Product/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=148

Andy_Hamilton

Yep but i'm sure it's cheaper in halfords.
I do a lot of offroad driving when I have to drop pressure to 8psi then refill rather large tyres and i'm not hanging around half the time as others. They also have a very good deflation button on the bit you screw onto the tyre.
I always prefer to buy better and only buy once.

BallandChain

Thanks for that Andy. I didn't want to buy cheap as you only get what you pay for! Forgot to ask, it says there is a power cord (runs off the mains) does it have the cigarette lighter option too?

Andy_Hamilton

Mine only runs from a cigarette lighter socket but the cable is more than long enough.

tomstickland

Foot pump or track pump is quicker.

epninety

Tomstickland is right, a decent foot pump is at least as quick as most of the air pumps out there. If you really want to buy a quality one there are a few about if you know where to look. Note that neither of these is auto cutoff, and neither should be run from a cigarette lighter socket - clips onto the battery instead as they current draw is high.

I have one of these - I had it about 8 years and it's never missed a beat. Will run continuously without problems (try that with a halfords unit!), is quick and not too noisy.

If I was buying a new one though, I'd get one of these instead - pricey but very quick, quite well made and not too noisy.

I know these aren't exactly what you are looking for, but worth considering if you want to only buy once, IMHO.

vikingaero

The reasons I recommended a manual footpump are that:

The electric pump spends it's time in the boot of your car. But the time you come to use it it may be damaged or the hose has split or perished.

Even with the quietest pump I don't think your neighbours are going to appreciate you inflating the tyre with it at 6am or at midnight.

With a footpump it's easy to buy replacement parts if they get damaged.