Owning an air pump for your car is one essential accessory you should think of investing in. Some car owners see this as an unnecessary expense that can be avoided but, this is far from the truth. So, overlooking this primary gadget is wrong. This single item will protect you from any embarrassment relating to flat tires. Therefore, having one in your truck can save you and get you back on the road quickly.
What is an Air Pump and How it Works
The “Air Pump” was invented by Otto Von Guericke in 1649. An air pump is a device used to pump out air. It contains a part that moves such as the piston, impeller, etc which drives the flow of air. When air is moved, an area of low pressure gets created. Which then fills up the pump with more air.
Reasons why you should own an Air pump
Portable air pumps for tires come in handy all the time. Like situations where you get stuck with a flat tire. And then, you can’t make it to the gas station to use one. Another reason for you to own an air pump is for you to occasionally monitor your tire’s pressure. This will help you keep track of your tire’s condition and prolonging its lifespan. Inflating your tire yourself is 100% hassle-free and at the same time will help you save your money.
How to Use Your Portable Air Pump at Home
These are the operating instructions when using an air pump for your Car.
- To begin, make sure the power switch is at the OFF position.
- Open the dust cap to reveal the tire valve and attach the pump’s valve connector. Screw the air chunk into the tire’s valve system till it latches properly.
- Connect the power cord onto the 12V cigarette lighter Socket.
- Select the display unit (usually PSI) by pressing the “M” button.
- Use the plus and minus buttons to adjust the pressure. Then, wait until it stops flashing.
- Turn ON the power switch. Inflation has begun.
- The compressor will stop inflating air once it reaches the set pressure. Now, turn OFF the power.
- Remove the valve connector from the tire’s valve. Note that the tire will start releasing air until the connector is completely out. This is completely normal. Then, replace the dust cap.
6 Things to Consider before Choosing a Portable car pump
When shopping for an air pump online, you should go through the specifications of each pump you wish to buy. Review the list of things to consider when settling for your desired car pump below. Then, match these factors to the product specification listed on the seller’s website. When all these are carried out, you would be able to select the best air pump for car. There are a couple of websites which research and come up with best available portable car pump online and RevExpo.com is the one of the site and which listed handpicked best air pumps for Car.
1. Air Pressure
Before buying a car pump, you should consider how much air pressure you need. Knowing the right air pressure provides smooth rides, long-lasting tires, and prevents blowouts. Therefore, to know your tires maximum pressure, check the sides of the tire. It will read as “Max. Press. 35 PSI”, for instance. However, it is wrong to inflate your tire to the maximum PSI (pound per square inch). Rather, inflate with the optimum PSI. Which you will find on the sticker, in the door jamb, or inside the owner’s manual.
An appropriate compressor can deliver 100 PSI and inflate your tire from 0 to 35 PSI in four minutes. While a 150 PSI can fill up your tire in two minutes.
2. Accessories
Go for an air pump that comes with different nozzle sizes. Do not overlook this as it may come in handy and become useful in the long run. It would be useful to go for air pumps that come with different other accessories or kits. Also, remember to purchase a pump that will fit your tire valves. Anything outside this will pose problems. Because you would not be able to sufficiently fit the pump’s valve connector onto the tire. Therefore, making it difficult to pump the tire.
3. Pump Display
Decide on the display you can work with, either the standard gauge display or the digital gauge display. Digital displays are very useful at night since it displays discrete values. Choose a display you would be able to read values from accurately and at the same time easy to understand. Also, consider a model with a flashlight in cases where you have to inflate your tires at night.
4. Machine Design
Some pumps produce noise and vibration due to their compressor, whenever the power is turned ON. But now, manufacturers are starting to redesign the air pump machine to eliminate noise and vibration caused by the compressor. Therefore, if noise and vibration is an issue for you. Then, go with a pump that creates little or no vibration and noise.
5. Automatic Stop-Pressure
Purchase a pump that will automatically stop once the pre-set pressure is reached. This will provide accurate pressure for your tire. Also, it will prevent over-inflation of your tire and rule out any form of guesswork. For convenience, you should get a hose whose length can go round the four tires. This will make the job fast, save time, and easy to operate.
6. The Power Cord
The power cord is the power source of the pump unit and so, it is an essential feature to consider. Make sure it can deliver the power required by the pump otherwise, you will under power your unit. A power cord must be compatible with its pump. The cord would be of a certain size and, established by the air pump it is powering. In other words, the power cord for your air pump should be of the right size for the pump.
Conclusion
In choosing a good quality portable air pump for your tire that will provide many years of service. Ensure you lookout for these few factors mentioned above.