A 12 volt air compressor connects to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter, a battery or a portable power pack. You can carry it in your car or backpacking gear, and it is handy for inflating tires on cars, trucks and bicycles. The device has a pressure gauge for adjusting the air pressure to the correct level.
It is ideal for inflating large inflatable rafts, pool toys, air mattresses and other large objects that are too big to be hand-pumped. The device also can be used to run tools such as nail guns. Some models are capable of supporting tire inflation valves with Schrader fittings while others have valves that fit onto standard bicycle and motorcycle tubes.
Anyone that has ever used a tire inflator knows how important it is to have access to air when you need it most. A small, light-duty, 12 volt compressor will help you save time, money and keep you from being stranded when the unexpected happens.
Three Types of 12 Volt Compressors
Handheld: hand-held and portable, these compressors fit easily into a toolbox or glove compartment. These models are best for occasional use, as they have a limited capacity for continuous work. The maximum pressure that these compressors can reach is 139 PSI (pounds per square inch). These models have an average price of $50 to $80.
Truck-mounted: mounted in the bed of a truck, these units are used to inflate tires on large trucks and trailers. They typically reach pressures between 250 and 400 PSI. Truck-mounted compressors can cost anywhere from $500 to more than $1,500, depending on their size, power and accessories.
Stationary: these are permanently installed at gas stations or body shops. These units are capable of reaching pressures up to 2,000 PSI and may cost upwards of $2,000.
Technology and How It Works
Air compressors have been around for hundreds of years. They are used in many industries but are found especially in body shops and garages where people need to inflate tires, tools, and other items that require compressed air. The process is simple: Compressed air is pumped into a tank, which then pushes the air out through a small nozzle. This can be done very fast and is used in applications such as spray painting or inflating mattresses.
Compressors achieve three different pressures: low-pressure (used for brake bleeding), medium-pressure (used for inflating tires), and high-pressure (used for paint spraying). These pressures are achieved by forcing the air through a valve that opens at different rates depending on how much pressure is needed.
Pick Up the Air in Your Tires
The great thing about this device is that it is extremely portable and easy to store. And since it is a 12 volt, the motor is very small and energy-efficient compared to a standard home air compressor. Because it is one of the lightest compressors on the market, you should have no problem moving it around or taking it with you around your work site. It offers up to 90 PSI, so it can provide plenty of air for inflatables, footballs and car tires, as well as other household needs where an impact driver or other tool needs extra pressure.
12 volt air compressors are usually inexpensive, light and portable tools that you can find in any auto parts store or online. The best one costs around $40 but can vary in price depending on the brand and features. Before buying a 12V compressor, make sure it meets the needs of the user; some models are designed for car repair while others are intended for use by campers and boaters.
A Convenient Tool to Have In the Garage, the Car, or Around the House
The most important feature of a 12 volt air compressor is that it must be portable. The motor has to be able to run on 12 volts DC (direct current), which is produced by the car’s battery. Most 12 volt compressors are designed for this purpose, with only minor modifications needed for use in cars or trucks.
Next, check for versatility. A good air compressor should come with different nozzles for inflating various types of tires — car tires, motorcycle tires and so on. It should also come with various attachments for blowing air through tubes into hard-to-reach places like TVs or even computer chips. You might not need these special features now, but you will when you least expect them to break down on you.
They Can Inflate Tires, Sports Balls and Other Inflatables
The portable 12V air compressor is just what you need for car tires, swimming pool toys and sports equipment. It inflates tires on bicycles, motorcycles and automobiles. You can inflate beach balls, rafts, sports balls and other inflatables with the air pump’s highest capacity. The air pump is equipped with a 12-foot power cord to reach an outlet in your garage. The rubber feet stand up to regular use.
When choosing an air compressor, it’s important to determine what type of inflation you’ll be doing most often. For example, if you’re planning on using it in a garage setting, then a standard tire inflator is usually the best choice. On the other hand, if you will be using your air compressor outdoors more often than not, then a heavy-duty model may be more appropriate. And of course, don’t forget that there are many uses for an auto air compressor that goes beyond just inflating tires–you can use it for blowing leaves off your driveway or yard as well as for filling up inflatable toys, mattresses and other items around the house or yard.
When Using This Sort of a Compressor, It Is Important to Know Your Capabilities
There are many factors to consider when choosing a compressor. The most important factors are your budget, the tools that you will be using the most and how much power you need.
Truck drivers must have a portable air compressor in their vehicles. This is needed for tire inflation and brake bleeding. Air compressors are used by mechanics and those who do their own repairs on cars and trucks. They are also used for inflating sports balls, air mattresses and pool toys. You can find a number of compressors available at auto repair shops and many truck stops have rental compressor units for truckers to use for free.
