Re: Tire inflator for home?
I have two pumps, one is plug in AC and the other is 12V.
My 12V pump is about as cheap as it gets....Deluxe, it comes complete with flashlight and amber light. It rides in my trunk.
My AC pump is better quality...but not a professional unit and I think cost around $60.00. It's tossed in a bin at home and is about the size/shape of a shoebox.
There was a time last winter when I was nursing a slow leaking tire for a few days.
I brought both pumps with me just in case.
One day I went to my car after work and it was dead flat to the rim.
There was no AC outlet nearby and if I'd moved the car at all in that condition it would have surely broken the bead, requiring a tire change right there.
So I got out my trusty 12V pump and it got me by.....but just barely.
After about 10 minutes of pumping the rim was a couple of inches off the ground.
I'd guess maybe 15lbs pressure.
Once the rim was off the ground I was able to drive the car 100 feet to an AC outlet to use the other, better pump.
My other pump ran it up to 51 PSI in about 3-5 minutes and I drove home.
Next day I had the tire fixed in my scheduled maintenance.
Bottom line....
For me a 12V pump does not deliver the volume and pressure I need.
Also, I have 8 tires on two vehicles to service and don't think a 12V model would hold up.
BTW
Be sure to get yourself a good, reliable tire gauge. Don't take for granted that the built-in pressure gauge in the pump is accurate.
I use a good quality digital and cost around $30
Efficient drivers do it better.
1003 miles a tank personal record. 74MPG calculated. HCH1 CVT
Last edited by Hot_Georgia_2004; 05-23-2006 at 02:58 PM.
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