Mini tyre compressors tested
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Halfords Rapid DigitalTyre Inflator Price: £34.99 Pressure added: 16psi Contact: 0845 057 9000 www.halfords.com Rating: ★★★★
Products
How we tested them
Verdict
WHEN it comes to compressors, the easier they are to use, the more likely you are to check your tyre pressure. We looked for quick pumping, which we tested over two minutes on a 13-inch tyre. We also wanted an accurate gauge, and took into account easy storage as well as supplied adaptors and accessories such as lights and power sockets. Prices are the best online at the time of the test.
SERIAL winner Ring takes another victory with its latest RAC 635, which topped the pump test. The Michelin High Power Rapid took second from the Halfords Rapid Inflator, thanks to its comprehensive package.
TOP pumping earns this Halfords unit a place on the podium. Like our top two, it can be set to stop at a given pressure and it has our preferred screw-on air line which cuts air loss when disconnecting. The gauge was accurate and storage easy to use with a generous cubby for the lead and neat slot for the hose. An effective five LED light completes a good package.
Sakura 12V Digital Air Compressor Price: £29.99 Added: 13psi Contact: 01488 689400, www.saxon-shop.com Rating: ★★★
1. Ring 12v Preset Digital RAC 635 2. Michelin High Power Rapid Tyre Inflator 3. Halfords Rapid Digital Tyre Inflator
THIS Sakura compressor is noticeably smaller than our top three and comes in a nylon, drawstring bag. It’s handy for keeping everything together, but offers limited protection. It was a touch off the pace in the pumping test, but we liked the accurate gauge with presets on the top of the unit which made it easy to read as it worked. Storage could be better, but the five LED worklights worked well.
RAC 12V Compact Inflator
Halfords Rechargeable Multi Purpose Inflator
Clarke Cordless Compressor with Spotlight Plus Car Starter
Price: £12.50 Added: 10psi Contact: 0203 474 0909, www.racshop.co.uk Rating: ★★
Price: £54.99 Added: 14psi Contact: 0845 057 9000, www.halfords.com Rating: ★★★★
Price: £35.98 Added: 10psi Contact: 01992 565300, www.clarkeinternational.com Rating: ★★★
AS its name suggests, this compressor is tiny, which makes it great for glovebox or boot storage, but using it is seriously compromised. It comes with cigar lighter and battery terminal crocodile clip connections, but there’s no on-board storage. The compact casing also means the air line is only around 10cm long, so the pump will be hanging on most wheels. Pumping is slow, and a keen price can’t overcome the drawbacks.
IT’S not cheap, but you do get a fair bit more than just a compressor with the first of our cordless models. The addition of 12v and USB sockets makes it a portable power source, although we couldn’t get the latter to charge our iPhone 5S. As a tyre inflator it’s user-friendly and works well, plus there’s a mode for inflatables and a deflate option. If you can use its extra capabilities, it’s worth the price.
YOU get plenty for your money with this cordless Clarke unit, which can be used to revive flattened car batteries via the cigar lighter. It can also charge USB-powered devices, including Apple kit. There’s a spotlight and LED worklights, which are handy when working at night. However, all these additions compromise its tyre pumping, which was relatively slow. Storage for the short hose is fiddly and there’s no room for all the accessories.
www.autoexpress.co.uk
12 November 2014 75