PRESSURE POINT

KNOW RIGHT TO BLOW RIGHT WHEN IT COMES TO SELECTING THE BEST AIR COMPRESSOR. AIR COMPRESSORS BUYERS’ GUIDE

- TRISTAN TANCREDI

A PORTABLE air compressor is an essential tool for the avid four-wheel driver. It’s one of the most frequently used accessories, as situations constantly arise beyond the black stump that require a quick tyre-pressure change. They’re lightweight, easy to store, simple to use, and they won’t sting the hip pocket too much – plus, purchase the right attachment and you’ll be inflating your campsite mattress in next to no time.

Gone are the days of over-inflating the spare for emergencies, with a variety of different compressors now on the market. 12-volt electric compressors are by far the popular choice, but there are also engine-driven and battery-operated compressors to suit different needs.

So, if your adventures include traversing sand, dirt, mud, rocks and tarmac, there’s no reason to opt out when it comes to acquiring a portable air compressor.

WHY COMPRESSED AIR?

ALTERING TYRE pressures changes the size of a tyre’s footprint, with larger footprints improving traction in softer surfaces like sand and lowering the risk of getting bogged or stuck, and smaller footprints ideal on highway runs. To ensure tyre pressures are safely, securely, accurately and quickly modulated, it’s essential to have a no-nonsense tool that can be relied upon when the situation dictates.