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I've been using the portable < $15 compressors for decades without a problem. They work plenty fast for filling up that 3-4 psi drop with seasonal temperature changes. Never had one break down on me. Including a modern "slime" branded fancy digital one.
This is a VERY old thread but I will respond ... PLEASE sell the car, if you are not able to put air in the tires(or KNOW where to go to do this) you should NOT be allowed to have a Driver's License.
I think the following should be included in the Driver's License Road test:
1. Know how to check ALL fluids and add as needed.
2. Know how to check air in the tires and add as needed.
One of the small leg operated pumps will do too, will also give you good quads and gluts to show off.
No, seriously the cheapest way is to use the free gas station pump. BUT by driving there you are warming the tire and the set pressure is supposed to be cold pressure. So you have two options. 1st measure the PSI with your own gauge at home (the gas station gauge is often wrong), then when you get to the gas station, measure it again and adjust for the difference.
The other way is to go to the gas station last thing in the day, overfill by 3-4 psi, drive home slowly, then in the morning check the pressure and if still high then let some air out.
I personally try all 3 options, the leg operated bike pump is good when I just want to add one or two PSI. Otherwise I just use the gas stations.
I tried using one of those free gas station air stations twice. Both times, the chuck was so worn out I was losing more air than I was gaining. Bought a $38 (on sale) mini compressor that had a built in air gauge at Sears and was able to fill my tire in a minute or two. The air pressure gauge also let me know I was low on air in one tire, which led me to finding a nail. Of course, this happened on the one vehicle we own that doesn't have TPMS with individual tire pressure readout.
Just pull up to the big service doors at any shop that sells tires, they will be happy to drag a house out and fill your tires to the correct pressure and answer any questions you have about tires, without making you feel like a dummy.
Especially Discount Tires. They even fix flats for free.
Not to get into an arm wrestle, and I've already posted my 50Cts to the OP's wonderment, but I must disagree with your opin on 'lighter compressors'. I have 2: one is an old B&D that is 20+ years old and still pumps up any tire on my 3 cars & 3 motorcycles. The other one is a couple years old, not as well built, but fills over sized tires on Vette and X5, and fits in the trunk cubby in the VetteVert with non-RFTs.
Fix a flat is the product of last resort, imo. And while a 'real compressor' is nice, the OP is challenged on putting air in the tires, so a nice used Porter-Cable is probably not on their holiday wish list.
GL, mD
I agree. The $38 Sears 120 volt compressor I have does a competent job in a few minutes. And it has a pressure gauge built in.
It won't be five years until November. Much closer to four when I replied.
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