This is an excellent air compressor. Better than what you may need.
This air compressor is a great product. It is probably better than what you may need. But as the saying goes, it never hurts to buy something better than what you need. You will never regret buying quality.
I keep this air compressor in the trunk of my Honda Accord. I chose this model because it has alligator clips that connect directly to the battery rather than the cigarette lighter socket. Now, my Honda has small tires, 205s. I suspect the smaller models, the kind that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter socket, will be powerful enough to inflate my tires. But I chose this model because I also have a sport-utility that has bigger tires. This air compressor is powerful enough to inflate large tires with ease. To get this level of performance, it is necessary for the compressor to have a powerful motor. This powerful motor draws a lot of current. More current than the typical lighter socket can provide. Enough to blow the fuse on a typical lighter socket. That is why the more power air compressors connect directly to the car battery with alligator clips.
Be careful when connecting this air compressor to your battery. Concentrate on the task. You do not want to mix up the polarity. Also, if your car has a small displacement four cylinder engine, your battery will be pretty wimpy. So keep your engine running while you operate the compressor, otherwise you might run down your small battery. All of this should tell you that this air compressor is not for everybody. These types of air compressors, the ones that connect directly to the battery terminals, are for those who know something about cars and batteries. You do not want to mix up the polarity when connecting. If you know nothing about cars, this compressor is not for you. In that case, get a smaller compressor that plugs to the cigarette lighter socket because you cannot mistake the polarity that way. It will be safer for somebody who is not a car person. But know that your socket driven air compressor is not going to inflate your tires as fast and as easily as this unit. There is always a trade off.
Speaking of trade offs, I chose this model over a competing model that has a coiled hose. This unit comes with an uncoiled hose. It is more flexible than the type that comes coiled like a spring. This unit, with its uncoiled air hose, is harder to store but it is easier to use during a stressful emergency situation. Yes, you will have to find a way to pack the hose neatly. But to me, it is better to put up with hassle while you're at your driveway packing the car rather than at the side of the road with a flat tire. So while the coiled variety packs easily and neatly, that coiled hose will fight you when you want to stretch it from the compressor to your tire. And that will happen at the most inconvenient time at the worst location. A model with a coiled hose is neater and packs better, so it is not necessarily a deal breaker. You just have to know your own situation. If you have a small vehicle and are short on space, sure, get a model with a springy, coiled hose. Just know the trade offs, because that springy coil will be harder for you when it comes time to actually use the compressor.
This unit comes in a nice box, but it does not come with a case. That should not be a deal breaker because it is easy to buy a cheap bag. Either keep it in its own box in your trunk or buy a small kit bag. I recommend that you keep all of the parts in one place because you do not want to be looking for parts during an emergency. Do what you can now to make sure that you do not add to your stress level during a road emergency.
Highly recommended. This is an excellent air compressor for those who know cars. The unit feels like it is of good quality and the performance is very good. The air hose is easy to use. The alligator clips are sturdy enough, though I would want them sturdier.
| Brand | VIAIR |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Tire Inflation |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Noise Level | 76 dB |
| Special Feature | Quick Inflation |
| Included Components | 120 PSI Pressure Gauge, Solid Brass Twist-on Tire Chuck, 10 Ft. Power Cord, 3 pc. Inflation Tips Kit, air compressor, Cloth Carry Bag, LED/power indicator, Dual Battery Clamps, 16 Ft. Air Hose |
| Item Weight | 4.5 Pounds |
| Maximum Power | 276 Watts |
| Capacity | 1.47 Cubic Feet |
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Brass |
| Product Dimensions | 9.8"L x 3.2"W x 5.6"H |
| Style | Air Compressor |
| AC Adapter Current | 20 Amps |
| Air Flow Capacity | 1.47 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Compatible Hose Diameter | 16 Feet |
| Model Name | 88P |
| Hose Length | 16 Feet |
| Manufacturer | Viair Corporation |
| Item Weight | 4.5 pounds |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | 88P |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Exterior | Painted |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 00088 |
| OEM Part Number | 00088 |
| Special Features | Quick Inflation |
