Mini Compressors

March 2008

Under-inflated tyres result in poor handling, braking and an increased risk of a blow-out. They can hit your wallet, too – research shows running your rubber at 20 per cent below the correct pressure (typically 6psi) increases tyre wear by a quarter. Fuel use goes up by three per cent – and tyre life is cut by nearly a third, too!

So, checking your pressures at least once a week makes sense – and a mini-compressor will enable you to top them up quickly and easily. New designs provide impressive performance, and are very user-friendly, with decent leads and good storage. But which is best?

The Test

We used each compressor to inflate a tyre from 20-30psi against the clock, checking the accuracy of the gauge before and after. These two figures were combined to get an error rating. Finally, features such as hose and wire storage, lamps and adaptors, air-release valves and pressure presets were balanced against price.

Contacts
Auto Unique (Metro, Ring) 0870 027 3434  www.auto-unique.co.uk
Draper 023 8049 4333  www.draper.co.uk
Halfords (Michelin) 08457 626625  www.Halfords.com
ITC  01604 646433 www.international-tool.co.uk
Michelin 0800 591 859  www.michelin.co.uk
RAC 0870 607 0197  www.rac.co.uk
Ring Automotive  0113 213 7389 www.ringautomotive.co.uk
Saxon (Metro) 01488 689400  www.saxonind.co.uk
Tool Shop Direct (Draper) 01482 499955  www.toolshopdirect.co.uk

Verdict

The Ring RAC600 combined a great spec with a low price and excellent performance to win from the hard-charging Michelin Hi-Power. Even though it’s expensive, the Michelin Rapid was good enough to take third.

Top 3

1. Ring RAC600 Automatic Digital Air Compressor
2. Michelin Hi-Power Tyre Inflator
3. Michelin Hi-Power Rapid Tyre Inflator

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