Rwee, to me that only serves as more evidence that the “Smart” is misnamed… {
@jtsanders
I have had the Black and Decker air station AC compressor for as long as I can remember and after two hose changeovers, it is still going strong. I am going to guess, over thirty years. So yours should have lots of life left. Unlike the wimpy DC counter parts, they run for long periods and can be used to to fill tires compatibly quickly. I was happy to see my truck came with an AC outlet in the bed which makes it worth while to take it camping. My only problem with it is the “all nitrogen” feature has never worked. ;(
“no tpms is THAT sensitive. That’s totally exaggerated”
That was from the people on the Smart car board. And they were saying that if the pressure is more than a half pound different from tire to tire it will set off the light.
I know that when I set the pressure on my smart car I have to be two pounds light before the light will shut off, but if I drive on the highway and the tires warm up the light will go off again. I’m at the point where I ignore the stupid light, and just check my tires every month.
" I’m at the point where I ignore the stupid light, and just check my tires every month."
Join the crowd (2010 Insight). I refuse to double my tire costs by keeping the TPMS operational.
I saw this one at Harbor Freight and it looked a little expensive but was wondering if it would work well for filling tires. I would post the direct link but my stuff never seems to post if I put a like. Go to the HF website, then search “12Volt 150 PSI Compact Air Compressor”. You should get 2x results for two compressors that look the same. I saw this in the store once and and the specs are better (flow rate, etc.) than some of their smallest 120V units.
As with anything at this store, I would wait until they had a sale or I had a nice 25% off coupon before jumping. I like the fact the Bell one at Wal-Mart is fan cooled and doesn’t cost as much as this one. Not the Harbor Freight is of Snap On quality but it looks like a neato little unit.
I got this model a few years ago and really like it. For a portable air compressor, it’s fast for inflating tires.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/QIN0/HV40A2/N0710.oap?ck=Search_N0710_-1_-1&pt=N0710
It does draw 15 amps, so you need the alligator clip adapter to connect right to the battery.
I like HF, but I’d rather spend my money on a AAA membership. I’ve never had any use for a 12VDC air pump. In the interest of full disclosure, I do have a compressor in my garage and I do monitor my tire pressure regularly. Any flats I’ve gotten needed replacement (doggened granite curbs) or a plug. A 12VDC would not have helped.
This looks a lot like the one at HF. I don’t remember but wonder if it requires a direct connect to the battery. If so, I think I would be better off with one of the two $20 range ones pointed out at Wal-Mart. The convenience of just being able to plug it in is worth something.
I used my old Green Slime branded one to top off 4x tires on a vehicle that doesn’t see a ton of use yesterday. The first two tires were not down by much but the 3rd required a little more air. It was pretty warm after this so I let it sit and cool down before proceeding to the 4th tire which didn’t need too much.