Best 12v Onboard Air Compressor Buying Guide
To choose the best and most durable product, here are the highlights that you need to know when buying a 12V onboard air compressor:
Maximum air pressure
Maximum air pressure is the first factor to help you choose a suitable air compressor soon. This factor is significant because selecting a low-pressure product will make it difficult for your machine to operate.
Typically, the steady-state pressure will range between 30 and 200 PSI. The higher the pressure, the more suitable the tires for cars, trucks, or more. In general, depending on the purpose of use, you will choose the air pressure that is most suitable for you.
So make sure you check your vehicle's PSI requirements before purchasing an air compressor because this can help you buy the best air compressor model.
One of the 12V air compressors you might consider using is the ARB 12 Volt Twin Air Compressor.
This machine has a maximum pressure of 150PSI and works well with many vehicles, from SUVs and RVs to bicycles or sports cars. In addition, it also helps users to save significant energy compared to other models on the market.
Power capacity
Electric capacity is one of the most critical factors determining the efficiency of the compressor. It is easy to see if the product you choose does not come with a strong enough electrical capacity, it is probably useless to use it.
Pneumatic models will have an electrical capacity ranging from 2HP to 10HP. Of course, they will require a larger selector coder on some more significant and more special machines. However, make sure your compressor will have a minimum capacity of 2HP.
Electricity supply
The choice of power source is critical because it depends on how you use it. As you can see, a 12V air compressor will require you to use a cigarette lighter socket, so it is suitable for inflating car tires.
In addition, it has another option that is battery-powered, and you can recharge it at any time. This outstanding feature will suit most people who often travel because they will not need an electrical outlet. In particular, you can also choose it for checking and adjusting the tires.
Air hose length
When choosing an air compressor connected to a 12v battery or outlet, you need to click it on the tires to avoid dangerous situations. Therefore, the air tube length plays a vital role in ensuring that the air from the engine to the tire will not have any problems.
However, if you have had the opportunity to observe the machines, the power cord for the 12V compressor seems to be much shorter than the AC lines. However, we think that this is not too big of a problem and you can choose a machine with the right cord length.
One of the typical compressor products we would like to mention is the Vixen Horns Heavy Duty Onboard Air Compressor with air hose lengths up to 25 feet, ideal for you to use in reaching your tires.
Besides, you can ultimately choose projectors with cord lengths ranging from 10-12 feet. Of course, sometimes you may have to buy more to expand the tube during use.
Airflow
Airflow is a coefficient measured in CFM (cubic feet/min). This factor is the air compressor's total amount of air output. It is typical for the airflow speed provided by the air compressor.
To choose the best compressor, you need to select the higher CFM to operate the best compressor. A small suggestion for you in selecting the right product is to choose a CFM that is 1.5 times higher than the actual requirement.
Material
The material of the case will always come with a surface finish. You need to make sure that your 12V air compressor has housing support with good range handling to avoid overheating and damage to the compressor. Typically, steel and cast iron will be the best materials you can be resistant to temperatures.
Weight and portability
The characteristics of 12V air compressors are lightweight and portable. However, there are still models that are quite large and difficult to carry on the market. Therefore, you should consider choosing a lightweight model to best suit light jobs.
In addition, owning an air compressor with a small model is also convenient for you to store and move.
As soon as you need to travel long distances, you can store it in the trunk of your car. Typically 12V air compressors will range in weight from 2 to 6 pounds. So please consider and choose the product that is most suitable for you.
If you still do not know which product to choose, AIR LIFT 25592 Load Controller II On Board Air Compressor System is probably a good suggestion.
Noise level
No user seems to like the noise during work because noise can cause hearing problems and significantly affect the people around you.
Therefore, air compressors are no exception. To avoid these problems, we strongly recommend that you consider using a machine with a low noise level, ranging from 40dB to 60dB is more suitable.
Ability to auto-off
The ability to automatically turn off is not available to any 12V air compressor. However, we strongly suggest that you prioritize products with this feature because when the machine reaches the desired pressure, it will automatically turn off to avoid any mishaps.
This feature is helpful for those new to air compressors who do not have much experience with air compressors. If you are confused about which product to choose, Vixen Horns Air Compressor Onboard System is probably a suggestion worth considering.
Insurance
The warranty is always a significant factor in any product. And obviously, the 12V air compressor is no exception. Considering the warranty period will help you solve problems caused by malfunctions during use without any cost.
Besides, the warranty also helps users be more confident in the product they have spent money buying. Usually, air compressors will have a warranty period ranging from 1 to 3 years, so consider this factor before buying the product.
FAQs
To choose a good product, you always need to know a few essential factors and parameters. However, it will not take you too long as we have covered you before quite fully.
Also, for more information, here are a few questions we often get from users. Read along to find the correct answer:
Are onboard air compressors worth it?
Of course, it is incredibly convenient that you can save a lot of your time on-air compression for car tires.
What should I look for in a 12V air compressor?
In fact, the choice of air compressor depends on your needs. However, a few factors that you can consider when choosing a machine are maximum pressure, duty cycle, portability, gas system, and accessories included, and of course, cannot be ignored.
What size air compressor do I need for car tires?
To fill your car's tires, you need to use up to 32 psi for most cars, or about 35-37 psi more for a cold day.
How does a 12-volt air compressor work?
How does an air compressor work? Usually, a motor inside a 12V compressor will take air directly from the outside atmosphere and start pumping it into an object. It will make the machine less efficient when used by things that need large air volumes to achieve the required pressure level.
Do you need a tank for an onboard air compressor?
Usually, you will need to use an appliance that includes an auxiliary tank or use a twin compressor system. The use of this machine will increase vehicle mobility and increase aeration time from 15 to 200 psi.
Conclusion
Previously, we have fully covered the notes and factors that you need to know to choose the most suitable 12V air compressor for yourself. I hope you will soon find the right choice for you.
Finally, if you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below this article, because we will give you a specific answer as soon as possible.
In addition, please share this article with your relatives or friends if they are learning or need to own an air compressor.
Thank you for reading!
