Hi guys can you please share your experience with car tyre inflators, I’m actually sick of using petrol pump inflators which are almost always inaccurate. Price is not an issue , I’m Happy to spend for a good inflator.
I have no experience with inflators as I have never owned one, I have seen some inflators connect to ac power some connect to car 12v socket, which ones are the best?
accuracy is quite important to me. Your recommendations will be much appreciated
All the hardcore members of 4x4 group swear by ARB kit. Super expensive, but they claim it's buy-it-for-life products that are dependable in the bush. But they go off on 2-3 week middle of nowhere trips.
I didn't really need that though so got a Michelin cigarette plug one for $75'ish on offer which has been fine. Super slow but works fine.
I was then advised to get a direct to battery compressor instead and got the XTM one for $99 which has been good too.
I don't use them enough or depend on them for survival to warrant an expensive purchase. Does the job fine for occasional offroading.
Michelin cigarette plug one(amazon.com.au) for $75'ish on offer which has been fine. Super slow but works fine.
I've got one of these in the boot in case I puncture my tyre (no spare in the boot). Lucky I haven't had to use it yet, but I'll keep it in mind that it's super slow lol
Use any inflating device and get one of these to check the pressure…
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/michelin-michelin-digita…
That is what I was going to suggest. Any inflator will work, it’s just what you check the pressure with. Get any inflator and spend up on a more accurate pressure gauge.
Kind of agree, but I’ve seen cheap compressors cause problems ranging from popped fuses through to melted compressors and a burnt out socket. Although, most of them were guys tying to air up 4x4 tyres.
If OP is a townie I would just get a pressure gauge to test pressure weekly and do the occasional fill up at the servo.
Agree. Just use the servo air and use your own gauge.
I use my Ryobi 18v battery one it inflates pool toys, car tyres , scooter tyres and even my bed mattress when I go camping.
Great not to have to worry about using your car battery port 🤣
I recommend this , its what i use currently and find it very useful. pumps up tyres extremely quickly as its got 2 pumps internally , comes with a digital gauge included and my actual favorite feature is right on the tip its got an air deflator nozzle so you can get the exact amount you need. Oh and its got a light on the front so if you find yourself out in pitch black its handy.
standard 12v cigarette adapter , but personally i just use a powerbank with the adapter so i can go with it on the fly. really good for track days so when your done for the day will save you a nice chunk of time.
I like my ARB twin compressor, but it might be overkill for passenger car tyres!
The good ones have battery clips so you need to plug it directly to your car battery to work. This is due to the high current draw then what your cigarette lighter plug can supply (>10amps). I used to have a permanently mounted ARB inflator/reservoir for my diff lock and tyre inflation on my 4WD. In my hatchback I now just have a supercheap one with a cigarette plug because it's more convenient and simpler if my wife needs to use it. It's slow but it gets there.
You could buy 10 different gauges and chances are they would all be different…
Whatever you buy - stick with it and learn its inconsistencies..
I have 2 metal types - both I've had since the 80s and had calibrated few times, but that was back when I was racing
https://pdbimg.choice.com.au/Pro-Kit-Stetho-Gauge-RG2712_1.J…
https://www.campingand4wdwarehouse.com.au/wp-content/uploads…
Since when did you have to pay to read Choice reviews?
https://www.choice.com.au/transport/cars/tyres/review-and-co…
I used to have a Bushranger in my 4wd for 12 years, but it was hard-wired as it needed a bit of power. For my new 4wd, I got the "Bushranger 55X23 Max Air III". Also hard-wired. For my daily driver, I've got a "Michelin Programmable High Power Rapid Digital Tyre Inflator" which works fine from the ciggie socket but is a bit slow.
Imo, most important is a good tyre gauge, keep an eye on your tire wear patterns and use the 4PSI-rule
Get a good gauge. Use any air compressor.
It’s hard to screw it up unless you hook up the air and leave it on too long. Put it on for a few seconds, check the pressure, repeat. By the time you’ve done a couple of bursts you’ll get a feel for how much more time it’s going to take to get the 0pressure right by seeing how much it went up for each burst. If you go over a bit, let some air out by depressing the centre of the valve. It’s not rocket surgery. Road cars don’t really need to be more accurate than a psi or two from the desired pressure.
The XTM one from BCF is great value for money and rates well against some of its big name competitors.
I bought it based off this review (2016) and have been happy with it
This is the one I would get from SCA - https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/xtm-4x4-accessories-xtm-… - as it can check the tyre valves at an angle.
Just pump your tyres at the servo to 36 & check them when you get home & the tyres are cold & all 4 are out of the sun. Set them to 32. I like to set mine to 30 as I have Toyo's & I give them heaps & they heat up more; the main thing is to set all 4 types to the same pressure. I have temp senses in my tyres
main thing is to set all 4 types to the same pressure
It is standard practice, but may not be allocable if tyres are different front to back or there is a large load in the back.
The best Viair you can afford, or a Ridge Rider from Supercheap - one is on sale atm. SCA have easy returns. The more exp ones are quite good. I would lean more towards spending more to get something that inflates quicker, more heavy duty, over the cheaper ones that take a long time and overheat. Heavy duty ones connect off the battery direct.
Do not really bother with the built in gauge, just get a good separate gauge that's 20-30 bux. Or you can use a separate gauge and compare to the built in and you'll know how far off the reading is. Don't overcomplicate .