Following another internal problem with my cheap tyre pump that resulted in tyre pressure going down again, I think it's time to get something semi-decent.

I currently have a cheap Halfords one (it was a present) with an in built pressure gauge in bar and psi.

The pressure was never consistent or accurate, the valve broke after a few months and had to be replaced and it has blown internally twice now.

Can anyone recommend me a reasonably priced one (£20 - £40) that will overcome these issues? Speed is not really an issue for me as I check the pressure fairly regularly and they only ever need a 'top up' as opposed to 'a lot' of air.

I've read the What Car test on these, but does anyone have any real world experience of any of these (or other models)?

Thanks.

I always use a stirrup pump, bought initially for my bikes.

Cheaper and better alternative in my view. Soon pumps up car tyres, motorcycle tyres.

After the last round of garages jacking up air prices ,I bought a cheapo.Gauges not up to much,but then I've got my old faithful, present from dad when I passed my test. Out of interest (but no use to me & lots of Derv folks), are the old take a plug out jobs still around.

I've got the rac one ranked 1. Works fine for what I want. I note the review comments on the gauge being inaccurate but mine seems fine

Gauges ( pocket sized / stick in the ashtray -best use for it ,from an ex smoker) are cheaap and last for yonks. Mine (as said ) was present from my dad when he found out I'd passed my test ( somewhere like 1966, and no red flag man had long gone). I'd trust it's accuracy over yer average garage forecourt slung around thing any day of the week.

I bought a Ring RAC (630 or 640, can't remember) which seems to be pretty good, gauge is within 0.05 bar accuracy. Only criticism is its a little bit too big to fit in the net on the boots RHS.

I bought a Ring RAC (630 or 640, can't remember) which seems to be pretty good, gauge is within 0.05 bar accuracy. Only criticism is its a little bit too big to fit in the net on the boots RHS.

Well the RAC600 (which i've just looked and i got for ~£18 from ebay in 2010) sits nicely in the strap above the little cuby hole on the right of the boot (Octavia vRS)

I'd recommend the Michelin 12V Digital Tyre Inflator 12250 which is #4 in that review. They are accurate, don't go wrong and who cares if it take 3 minutes instead of 2.

In the review, the Draper is #3 yet that has a 250psi scale, so you have to use an external gauge.

In the review, they say the #1 Ring Automotive RAC600 "In-built gauge wasn’t 100% accurate" so you have to use an external gauge. They're not kidding. A mate of mine went though a number of these. The first one was 3psi off!

The #2 in the list (Michelin Hi-power Rapid Tyre Inflator 12262) is a fantastic piece of kit but it is bulky as they say.

Thank you everyone. Some good comments based upon personal experience - just what I was after.

Keep them coming in please.

After the last round of garages jacking up air prices ,I bought a cheapo.Gauges not up to much,but then I've got my old faithful, present from dad when I passed my test. Out of interest (but no use to me & lots of Derv folks), are the old take a plug out jobs still around.

I have one but it's 18mm plug thread ex Fordson tractor-----------I'd never trust an in built guage whoever made it, but good enough to get home to a proper one

Another satisfied user of the Ring RAC600 here. Works well and seems accurate, based on testing with one of the pencil-type gauges. It's a little fiddly to tidy up, as the cubby hole for the cable is only just big enough - you just have to mash it all together and stuff it in (so to speak). The cable is a decent length and would reach all the car from the front 12V socket, though on both my old Octy and now the Yeti I find it easier to use the boot socket for the rear tyres (the boot's already open to get the compressor!)

It's a little fiddly to tidy up, as the cubby hole for the cable is only just big enough - you just have to mash it all together and stuff it in (so to speak).

Yes - that's a very good point

I bought a cheapo one from Wilkinsons about 7 years ago. It cost me £7.99. The glass for the guage is broken (dropped it on the floor) but it still works perfectly and it's had plenty of use over the years.

Phil

I'm still using a Halford's one my parents bought me over 15 years ago. Gauge is a bit dodgy, but it works perfectly all the time.

It's a Halfords one that I've had no end of problems with in the 3.5 years I've had it!

Obviously unlucky.

Am hoping to look at all the options and recommendations fairly soon. So thanks to everyone for their comments.

Another vote for Ring RAC600.

Bought it from Motorworld a few years ago and had no problems, I can't remember how much it was. It came top of AutoExpress tests when I was looking for one.

there is a VAG group one for the puncture kit. I got one with my CitiGo. Pretty good bit of kit

I got the mitchelin one #2 that I got of a mate for £10 ain't used it myself but my dad says its a decent bit of kit he keeps in his taxi

I think I have the Ring RAC630. Works well. Only bought recently so not had any time to really see if it lives up to its reputation as being one of the best 12v inflators out there.