Tyre inflation pumps - what do you use?

[ThisIsChristoph]

All petrol stations near us either have crap or paying inflation stations - or both (the continent where I grew up had free pumps everywhere) so I am looking at purchasing a pump/compressor. Which (small/compact) type/model would you advise? There’s a lot out there online but I’d be happiest with advice from some discerning fellow Cali users. Thank you!

 

[Jester]

This is what i use bulky but reliable and accurate.

Makita DMP180 18V LXT Inflator with 1x 3.0Ah Battery, Charger & Tool Bag

Makita DMP180 18V LXT Inflator with 1x 3.0Ah Battery, Charger & Tool Bag Available from ITS.co.uk with fast delivery and 5 star service

its.co.uk

 

[sidepod]

I guess it depends on your home facilities? I have a compressor and airline in the garage. Cheap enough to buy/setup etc, doesn’t take up too much space. May sound OTT but worth it.

I also have one of these which I leave in the car/van. Very good if a tad decibely

DeWalt DCC018N-XJ 18V Li-Ion XR Cordless Inflator - Bare - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Compact, high performance inflator with high pressure hose, auto shut-off and bright LED light. Hose inflates items like tyres in approximately 400 seconds. Digital gauge with high pressure auto shut-off enables preset to desired PSI. Automatic shut-off prevents...

www.screwfix.com

 

[Corradobrit]

Been using a VIAIR 88 for the past 10 years. Operates on 12v either with direct connection to battery or using a ciggy outlet with the right connector. 120psi so can also use to pump up bike tyres.

 

[dspuk]

I just use the free one that came with our Cali - we have the 18” wheels so got the inflation kit. Have since added the spare myself, but the kit comes in handy for the pump that is inside it. Noisy and cheap but works perfectly fine.

 

[CaliforniaPhil]

The Makita is great if you have makita kit and batteries around, expensive if you haven't.

If in doubt I go to Which or Auto Express reviews. I have one of the Ring 12v ones, works ok.

Best 12V tyre inflators 2024 | Auto Express

Which of these plug and play inflators deserve a place in your boot?

www.autoexpress.co.uk

 

[edocali]

I use this one - does the job

WindGallop Digital Car Tyre... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083R15ZDV/?tag=eliteelect-21

 

[B J G]

As I already have Ryobi tools/batteries I purchased a bare (no battery include) Ryobi tyre inflator.
Quite a few battery inflators on the marker now which saves having to drag wire about.

As I have air suspension I have looked at taking Air from that source but not got beyond the looking phase as yet. Viair compressor.

 

[soppelsa]

I've gone for the Makita 5ah tyre inflator after blowing the cigarette lighter fuse on my Grand California using the supplied tyre inflator.
Incidentally the 20 amp fuse is under the passenger seat and awkward to get to.
VW do not provide a fuse list they simply say ( refer to the dealer)

 

[Calimili]

Lots of fancy but blky compressors suggested here.
I had an Airman "Tour" , which I bought and carried along with my Motorbike. Now it sits on the driver's door of my Cali, as it is very small, light and portable. Since i own it for 12 years, I can say it is durable. Maybe it is not the fastest, fanciest, but small, portable , durable, 12V with a long cable to reach the rear wheels when you plug it in the 12V socket near the shift lever. it has a pretty accurate gauge, and a little pocket with a door to house reduction for inflating balls, etc. It's up to 4 bars, so plenty even if you run 3,7 bars 215/60-17

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

This one has been fine for us.

 

[MajE]

This one has been fine for us.

View attachment 110266

+1 for this one. Reliable and easy to use.

 

[willwander]

Cheapo from Halfords. Works fine.

 

[Hedley Wright]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B095C3Y3P8/?tag=eliteelect-21

Compact, I keep it in the drawer under the rear seat.

 

[Kayleigh]

Call me old fashioned, but I use one of these for home use. In the van I have a basic foot pump that I keep with the jack and good quality mechanical pressure gauge

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Any digital one from Halfords, Ring, RAC, AA.

Just go for the one thats on offer.

 

[David and Chris]

I have been using this, which works well either from the mains or through 12v.

Halfords Advance Tyre and Leisure Inflator | Halfords UK

Shop the latest Keep your car tyres inflated to the correct pressure with the help of the Halfords Advanced Tyre and Leisure Inflator. Easy to use, the inflator comes with a wide range of settings and can be used to inflate and deflate tyres. at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

 

[WelshGas]

Slime Smart Emergency Flat Tyre Repair Puncture Air Compressor & Sealant Kit 4010699218835 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Slime Smart Emergency Flat Tyre Repair Puncture Air Compressor & Sealant Kit at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[phil keegan]

Got this cordless one on eBay. Already had batteries for other tools. Cordless is great for the Cali also has an adapter for bike tyres.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Shacko]

This one has been fine for us.

View attachment 110266

+1. Very handy pump, well built and accurate

 

[Californication69]

Only paid £75 in Oct 2020.

VIAR 00093 90P Portable Compressor Kit​

£195 now !

 

[Californication69]

I use this one - does the job

WindGallop Digital Car Tyre... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083R15ZDV/?tag=eliteelect-21

I have one of these to do wife’s car when at home. They give up after 11 months, so i get a free replacement from Amazon every 11 months.
Been doing this for 3 years now !

 

[Velma's Dad]

I use the Ryobi 18v battery one. Yep call me a cheapskate for not going Makita.



But any of the battery-pack tyre inflators is IMO a good choice, you can whizz round your vehicles (and in my case my car transporter trailer) without having to faff around plugging in and out of 12v sockets.

 

[PaulBastowski]

All petrol stations near us either have crap or paying inflation stations - or both (the continent where I grew up had free pumps everywhere) so I am looking at purchasing a pump/compressor. Which (small/compact) type/model would you advise? There’s a lot out there online but I’d be happiest with advice from some discerning fellow Cali users. Thank you!

I use the portable unit linked below. It’s been working well. The battery is very small, so I carry a 3m usb-to-usb-C cable, which I plug into the unit and the van and then I can charge without interruptions. It’s only good for too ups. I don’t expect to inflate a fully flat tire.

It’s also good for just checking tire pressure. You turn it on, connect to the tire and it tells you the pressure. If you then press the inflate button it will get very loud and start inflating (slowly).

I’m happy with it.

Carsun Air Compressor 12v Air Pump For Car Portable Tyre Inflator Electric Motorcycle Pump Air Compressor For Car Bicycle

Carsun Air Compressor 12v Air Pump For Car Portable Tyre Inflator Electric Motorcycle Pump Air Compressor For Car Bicycle - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

a.aliexpress.com

 

[PaulBastowski]

I use the portable unit linked below. It’s been working well. The battery is very small, so I carry a 3m usb-to-usb-C cable, which I plug into the unit and the van and then I can charge without interruptions. It’s only good for too ups. I don’t expect to inflate a fully flat tire.

It’s also good for just checking tire pressure. You turn it on, connect to the tire and it tells you the pressure. If you then press the inflate button it will get very loud and start inflating (slowly).

I’m happy with it.

Carsun Air Compressor 12v Air Pump For Car Portable Tyre Inflator Electric Motorcycle Pump Air Compressor For Car Bicycle

Carsun Air Compressor 12v Air Pump For Car Portable Tyre Inflator Electric Motorcycle Pump Air Compressor For Car Bicycle - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

a.aliexpress.com

Tire=tyre sorry for the auto-incorrect