A lot of vehicles today are sold or equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) or run-flat tires to ensure against any tire issues on the road. This doesn’t mean, however, that you can abandon your good old tire inflator. Tires will always leak air one way or another, even if your tire isn’t punctured. A tire inflator will take care of this, no matter where you are. You will be able to check on the tire pressure regularly and control how overinflated or under-inflated the tire is. So, make sure that you have a keen eye for detail and a set of criteria to choose from. Here are things you must keep in mind when you want these tools:
The Difference between Tire Inflators and Air Compressors
There is not much of a difference between these two. It is primarily the size that makes them different. Air compressors are on the larger side, and they’re versatile, as they can be used around the house. They are also typically heavier than tire inflators. However, the larger they get, the less portable they are, and the more suitable they become for home and garage usage. They are a useful source of energy for filling tires, brushing tools, and supplying power for nail guns.
On the other hand, tire inflators are specifically designed to inflate tires as the name suggests, that’s about it. Unlike air compressors, they are portable, easy to use, and have an assortment of great features. One great feature is when changing your car’s fuel filter, an air compressor is a must-have. If you are considering purchasing one, then best that you check out the best air compressors review on BestOfMachinery.com for your guidance.
What Are You Going to Use It For?
Now that you know the difference between tire inflators and air compressors, decide what you are going to use your inflator or compressor for. Consider the uses suggested by air compressor specialists at https://www.ablesales.com.au/air-compressors-factory-direct/, like powering nail guns, new paint jobs, cleaning your equipment, filling your tires, and weeding. Doing so will give you an idea of how much power you will need and where you’re going to install the unit. Weeding with air compressors will require high air pressure, for example, while nail guns need the pressurized air of regular air compressors, so make sure to look up all the types of air compressors and tire inflators that will suit your needs best.
Battery
Because AC/DC cords make life harder, manufacturers make all your favorite units without cords, and this includes air compressors and tire inflators. Not having to think about navigating around cords as you use the unit will undoubtedly give you peace of mind. Of course, any battery-based unit comes with the downside of exhausting the said battery and having to recharge it, so make sure that the battery of your unit is large enough and remember that you’ll have to keep it charged at all times.
Pressure Gauge
Any tire inflator or air compressor you get will have one of these, but you have to check what type of gauge your unit has and whether it will be useful or not. The handle has to be comfortable and provide you with the right amount of control for when handling it. It should also have PSI, kg/cm2, a bar, and scales. You don’t want your tire to burst, and this gauge will give you an accurate reading of the pressure inside, so having one of these won’t make you worry about overfilling the tire.
LED Light
If you’re one of those people who like to work at night, then this addition will undoubtedly come in handy. It can also be useful if you’re driving at night with dim lights, and you get a flat tire. Your tire inflator will give you good lighting to work and see what you are doing while allowing you to be visible to other drivers on the road. LED light is not a must, but it is a perfect addition for emergency cases. It can also be of good use if you’re doing auto repairs in the middle of the night. So, consider these factors when choosing the right unit for you.
Location
If you’re getting a tire inflator, then you can easily put it anywhere, but the tricky part comes when deciding where to place your air compressor, especially if you’re getting a large unit. Large air compressors can stay in one corner of the garage with a long hose, but if you’re going to need them outside, then you should get a portable one.
What will make these units useful is knowing the right way to use them. Make sure you look for all the information on how to operate the unit before you use it and get a user manual. Also, don’t hesitate to talk to the seller about which unit will suit your needs best, as their expertise will certainly be useful.