One of the most common road troubles is considered to be a punctured wheel. And in the process of eliminating this problem, you can not do without a car pump. Cars with automatic tire inflation are still considered exotic, so the average consumer can not do without this tool.
Let's try to understand this issue and designate the main types of pumps for car tires. We also provide a list of the most sensible models that have distinguished themselves by their quality component and a large number of positive reviews from users.
Difficulty choosing
Almost all devices of this kind can be conditionally divided into mechanical and electric automobile pumps. In the first case, the source of energy is a person, in the second, a compressor. And the first and second options have both their obvious advantages and critical shortcomings.
Mechanical pumps
Here we are dealing with a foot or manual automobile pump. The first pumps air by pressing the foot on the supporting platform, and the second - by translational movements of the hands. Mechanical devices have a simple design and are independent of electricity, which is invaluable in some extreme situations.
In addition, hand and foot automobile pumps can not be called expensive. Even the most technically advanced mechanical models barely reach the cost of simple electrical counterparts. It is also worth noting that the pressure gauge in the foot pump works in real time and there is no need to stop the pumping process to take readings, as is the case with most electrical devices.
Despite some advantages of mechanical models over compressor ones, a good half of motorists consider them to be the last century and are squeamish about using them on the road. There are almost no extreme situations when the accumulator battery breaks down along with the tire, it almost does not happen on the way, and the usual pumping of the wheel can turn into a real cross for both the heart and the lungs of the owner of the foot pump.
Therefore, we will not consider this option. You can only briefly mention the most sensible models. These are Avtomash, Salyut-2M, GT-Auto SD-1031 and Airline PA-300. All these pumps cost no more than a thousand rubles. Domestic motorists respond rather warmly about these models and consider them reliable, efficient and inexpensive.
Electric pumps
Electric automobile pumps work from the cigarette lighter (as a rule), and therefore it would be more correct to call them compressors. Devices, in turn, are divided into membrane and piston. The former are gradually leaving the market, while the latter are actively contributing to this.
The electric automobile pump (compressor) is equipped with a motor and piston system. More reliable devices are models that work with direct drive from the engine without any adapters and adapters. But for greater versatility and practicality, manufacturers offer pumps that work precisely from a standard cigarette lighter, without regard to the features of the engine and the vehicle’s power system.
In general, here we have the same car pump with a pressure gauge, it only works due to the energy of the battery, and not the physical strength of the driver. We will consider this type of devices in more detail.
Tornado AC 580
This is one of the most budget options hailing from the Middle Kingdom. The Tornado car pump is deprived of some additional functions like a flashlight or electronic meters, but its main part works as it should and there are no complaints about it.
In addition, the model has a very good build quality. The body and piston made of metal significantly add reliability to the automobile pump and increase its operational life. The model is designed for wheels with a diameter of up to 17 inches, so there is no question of cargo or any specific transport.
Advantages of the pump:
- relatively fast inflation of tires;
- many nozzles in the package;
- high-quality assembly along with the use of metal in the structure;
- more than adequate price tag for available features.
The approximate cost of the model is about 1000 rubles.
“K60 pitch”
This automobile pump for passenger cars from a domestic manufacturer was distinguished not only by the efficiency of its work, but also by its original exterior. The minimalistic design allows you to attach the device even in the glove compartment. The developer has provided niches for hoses, nozzles and other accessories, making the model as ergonomic as possible.
Also, many motorists were pleased with the fully electronic control. And if other analogues need, as they say, to seize the moment and prevent pumping of the wheel, then it will be enough to set the necessary values and wait for the end of the procedure - the automation itself will turn off the pump.
Perhaps the only minus of the model that a good half of domestic consumers complain about is its cost. For those who "live" on the track, this is an indispensable purchase, and for those who roll out their car once a week, it is much more practical to look at a more affordable option.
Pluses of model:
- efficient and fast tire inflation;
- ergonomic and compact design;
- electronic control coupled with a clear display;
- memory availability (no need to set a value each time);
- There is a diagnostic function for the generator and the battery.
The approximate price of the pump is about 3000 rubles.
Aggressor AGR-35L
The model for cars from a domestic manufacturer is perfectly balanced in terms of price to return. "Aggressor" is a solid middle peasant among other competing analogues. Here we have an average cost and the same amount of functionality.
It is also worth noting that the model boasts excellent assembly and quality materials: a durable and shockproof case, a massive and at the same time comfortable handle, as well as a long-term manufacturer's warranty. Such high-quality offers in this price segment are a rarity.
Advantages of the model:
- reliable and monolithic design;
- pressure gauge on two scales;
- the presence of a bypass valve to stabilize the pressure;
- food both directly from the storage battery, and from the cigarette lighter;
- flashlight;
- wide range of operating temperatures - from -40 to +80 degrees.
The approximate cost of the model is about 2500 rubles.
AVS KS750D
Despite its more than affordable cost for the segment, the model is surprisingly high performance. The pump is quite worthy of servicing SUVs and other rather big equipment with impressive tires.
There are no additional "chips" or auxiliary functionality here, but the model copes with its primary task perfectly. It is also worth noting that the device is equipped with an automatic overheat protection system, which is implemented here not for show, as in most Chinese devices, but it works as it should and responds to the situation on time.
Pluses of model:
- productivity is about 75 l / hour;
- thoughtful and really working system of protection against an overheat;
- high-quality assembly;
- long cable;
- Attractive cost for this performance.
The approximate price of the pump is about 2300 rubles.
Autoprofi AK-65
This model feels great in the trunk of an SUV or other commercial equipment where good pump performance is required. The device meets all the basic requirements of car owners and at the same time is not so expensive.
The Chinese model was distinguished by a thoughtful and high-quality two-piston air supply system, which provides the design with good performance, as well as high inflation speed. In addition, the device is not afraid of temperature changes, which is extremely important for some Russian regions.
Advantages of the model:
- two-piston system;
- comfortable handle and ergonomic design in general;
- long wires and hoses;
- wide range of operating temperatures - from -35 to +80 degrees.
The approximate cost of the model is about 3200 rubles.
Berkut R20
This is perhaps the best that can offer a segment of hand compressors. Despite its high cost, the Berkut pump enjoys enviable popularity among domestic motorists and owners of SUVs in particular.
The model was distinguished by extremely high-quality assembly and good materials. The device is quietly ahead of its competitors in both performance and price. Also, the model received a lot of additional and convenient "chips". The anti-vibration stand alone is worth what, which greatly facilitates and simplifies the entire swap process.
Of course, the cost of the pump is three times more than that of competitors, but exceptional quality has never been cheap. And the device is bought mainly for working machines, which do not stand idle in the garage for a day.
Pluses of model:
- excellent performance;
- extremely high-quality assembly and materials used;
- the presence of an air filter;
- anti-vibration pillow;
- excellent performance;
- long warranty from the manufacturer.
The approximate price of the pump is about 8500 rubles.
Wester LE 050-150 OLC
This stationary model proved to be excellent in professional hands and will look good in the backyard of some tire fitting or in a garage for several cars. The 50-liter receiver provides an enviable time for continuous operation and quietly serves almost any automotive equipment. Naturally, it will not pull the BelAZ fleet, but it copes with off-road vehicles and other commercial equipment perfectly.
In addition, the model showed itself very well in working with a pneumatic tool, so the compressor can also be called universal. In addition, the pressure is freely adjustable and without problems the required number of bars is set.
Advantages of the model:
- excellent performance;
- roomy receiver at 50 liters;
- the ability to regulate pressure;
- weight of quick-release adapters for all types of tires, as well as pneumatic tools.
The approximate cost of the model is about 9000 rubles.
Summarizing
Choosing compressor pumps, you must first of all rely on your requests and the fleet of serviced cars. If we are talking about a family that has several cars at its disposal, and large ones, then it is not worth saving on such equipment. Your choice is the Golden Eagle on the road or, in extreme cases, the older models from AVS.
When a car rarely leaves the garage and drives off, as they say, on holidays, it makes no sense to go bankrupt on an expensive and high-performance model. Simple compressors, albeit not so fast, but still cope with the task, and save you a considerable share of the family budget. In this case, you can even consider the mechanical options, especially if we are talking about a male driver.
In addition, it is worth considering the fact that more or less sensible electric compressors simply can not cost less than 1000 rubles. And if the seller in the store convinces you of the opposite and is trying to foist another no-name consumer goods, then be prepared to throw out the purchased model in a week or two, or even earlier.