Which gauge and air compressor should I buy for checking tyre pressures?

QUESTION

Hi John,

Thanks for the timely reminder on checking tyre pressures - I went to the webpage and read through the advice, very useful.

Best tyre pressures for extended life, boosted safety and maximum grip >>

I noticed towards the bottom of webpage that you had a couple of recommended items, tyre pressure gauge, 12-volt air compressor and tyre puncture repair kit. I wanted to know if you have tested the compressor.

There’s seems to be significant variation in quality of compressors. So it makes it hard to know if it is going to fail when stuck out bush or on the side of the highway.

I’ve been using an Ozito rattle gun for a few years with no problems. Plus the ARB unit is on back order of 1,500+ and I need something now.

Happy to buy on your recommendation if you can swear by them mate.

Cheers,

Jason

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ANSWER

Hey Jason,

This one specifically - yes and no. This is the same unit they manufacture by the bazillions in China. I’ve got three of them - one I bought and two I got given. The way it works is: Some Aussie retailer orders 10,000 of them and they negotiate what colour they want the bits and what bag they want it in, and what branding they wat (customisation options) and then they ship them here in 40-foot containers. The retailer buys them for, like $50 a pop and sells them for $200 or something.

This is just a more direct way of getting one at a lower cost, and certainly less than the next step up - the $600 ARB jobbie.

They have worked pretty well for me. I look at it like buying Ryobi instead of Makita in power tools.

The other way I look at this is: It doesn’t hurt too much to bin it after three years, or something, and go again with all new hardware (as it would with a $1500 ARB job). Of you could buy two and keep one on hand as a backup, and still be in front financially.

The ARB one is certainly better in many ways - but it’s like tradies versus DIYers. Tradies are high-volume tool users. A DIY-er is unlikely to experience a durability problem with your Ozito rattle gun, whereas a mechanic would probably kill it quickly. To me this is like tour operators or Canning Stock Route adventurers (ARB comp) versus recreational 4WDers who get out in the bush for a few days a month (Chinese comp).

In the latter case, if your tyres are at 25 after off-roading, and the compressor fails, drive slowly (under 60) to the nearest servo. 60km/h = 1km/min, so even if it’s 60km to the nearest servo it’ll only cost you an hour. Or carry a bicycle pump like this one: https://amzn.to/3maSfXW

If the prospect of physical exercise lacks appeal, just shove this in the car as a backup: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-12v-240v-dual-power-inflator_p6290556?gclid=CjwKCAjwu5CDBhB9EiwA0w6sLRCOMs0eCdRJlpyh2WQaYafwB5dlqgnRyAkBO1jXml8spQBnEIVL9RoCu_4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Hope this helps,

JC

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