12v Air Compressor

12V Air Compressor

If you’ve ever gotten a leak while you’re driving down the road, you know how handy a 12v air compressor can be.  These air compressors are small, lightweight and very portable.  The basic idea is that you plug one of these air compressors either in to your cigarette lighter for power, or connect it directly to the battery and it’s able to pump air in to your tires, regardless of where you are.

These 12v air compressors were created out of necessity.  A traditional air compressor runs off of a/c (alternating current) that you would find in a home at either 120 or 240 volts.  However, you can’t bring your home (or a home air compressor) with you on the road.  So, thus the need for a good 12v air compressor.

There are a few things to look at when you’re comparing different 12v air compressor models.  First, do you plan on using the compressor on a regular basis?  While most people would instantly say no to this question, others will reply with a resounding yes.  Off-road enthusiasts will very often air down their tires as they get on to a trail in order to provide better traction.  Subsequently, however, you will have to air up the tires before you leave the trail.  So, if you plan on using it often, or plan on using it to air up larger tires, consider a higher end model.

Higher end models will have an electric motor that drives a piston cylinder in order to generate the pressure.  Often times, they may even contain some oil as a lubricant for that piston.  They are usually louder, and heavier, with little to no plastic on them.  Look for an metal (cast) constructed version.

How much CFM do you need?  CFM or cubic feet per a minute is the amount of air flow that the compressor is able to expend at a given pressure.  Basically this is the magical number to rate the air flow of compressors.  If you plan on using air tools, or you want to air up your tires as quickly as possible, you will want to aim for an air compressor with a higher CFM rating.

Do you need a hose?  Many 12v air compressor models include an air hose from the factory.  However, the quality of the hose is also something that you may want to take in to account.  A cheap hose can become easily damaged in the back of your car, or when out using it.

Does it have a locking chuck?  That little end piece that you press on to the tire stem to let the air out is called a chuck.  Even with high-end models, the tires will take a while to air up.  You should plan on spending up to 10 minutes, per a tire.  If you don’t like the feeling of bending over, pushing that chuck on to the stem for 40 minutes, get a model that has a locking chuck attachment.  This will allow the chuck to lock on to the valve stem, and makes for a much more pleasant experience.