Not a stupid question at all. In my case, I'm one of those people who likes/has tools. So, I have a small air compressor at home that gets used for tire inflation regularly. I prefer to not dig around and unpack the compressor that comes with the car.

If you don't have a compressor, I'll quote the guy in line behind me at Home Depot: "If Norm Abrams has it, I need it."

 

Yes, good suggestion on the air compressor. I have seen others use one. No, I do not have one. The garage is already a: tool shed, bike storage, car hole, woodwork shop, deep freeze, garden tools and mower....so while I too like tools, I try really really hard to have just the ones that I actually use. I made a conscious decision at some point to go battery/wired for woodworking stuff instead of air tools, so I don't think an air compressor is in my future.

 

I use one of these :

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ryobi-18v-one-dual-function-cordless-inflator-deflator-tool-only-/1001420717

It's cheap and works pretty well for tires. Small and light so it's also good to move around for camping mattresses or air mattresses, soccer balls, kiddy pools, the possibilities are endless!

 

I was looking at the smaller version of the Ryobi one, would help with the kids' bikes too as right now I use a small hand pump for inflating balls and such.

Mostly I'm asking if the included compressor is made to last more heavy regular use, rather than a once or twice emergency use for a tire puncture in the middle of nowhere. Thanks for the replies.

P.S. How do you include a forum member's username in the post on this forum? Is that possible?

 

I've used the compressor that comes in cars for years. They work just fine. The only issue with these small ones is that 1) they are very loud, and 2) it's near impossible to get the charging cord rolled up and back in the small space they give you for it. It takes longer to do that than it does to inflate your tires 😂

 

Type @ symbol then start typing their username. A menu should pop up with matching names as you type and select the name you want.

 

Nice, thanks @Evan D

 

I use my Milwaukee tools tire inflator. I like the M12 battery system so I have this one. It is fast, accurate and easy to use. M12™ Compact Inflator

Or if you are into their M18 system they do a bigger/heavier version as well. M18™ 18V Cordless Tire Inflator | Milwaukee Tool

 

I still go into the petrol station for air. Do I feel guilty? Maybe a little. But hey it says free. It doesn't say free with a gallon of gas 🤣

 

I use the one that came with the car (just used it yesterday after changing to my winter wheel-set), but have two comments/frustrations:
1. As mentioned by @JRRF , it's near impossible to get the cable back in, under the compressor when I have used it, and I'm worried about wear and tear on the cable if I manhandle it too much.
2. The indicator/scale is very unclear/inaccurate and too low if you inflate the rear s to the 45PSI "Eco" pressure. It's only useful if you check and adjust with an accurate gauge afterwards.

I might go for a cheap, garage alternative.

 

45PSI "Eco" pressure

Wait, what? 45 is for rear tyres of a loaded car. See here

 

I have a portable, battery powered compressor I’ve used for years. Never used the P2’s compressor, but it only works while plugged into the car’s 12v in the trunk. The cable does not look long enough to reach the front tires.

 

I can confirm the compressor supplied cable reaches the fronts just fine. I've done my tyres numerous times.

 

Yeah, I’ve also got a small portable device. Set the target pressure, hit a button, and let it do the work. Only caveat is that the location of the traditional auto outlet in the car can make power a stretch to the front passenger side.

 

Also have one with display and target pressure setting -- the target feature is highly recommended as they are far easier to use. My lithium jump starter has a 12V socket dongle so I just tote the two around the car.

And for those in SoCal on SCE, you can now get a combo jump starter / compressor for free after rebate.

 

The compressor provided with the car works just fine. Battery powered portable alternatives are cheap on aliexpress too.

One caveat to add about the kit in the car though, is that the nozzle part is not a quick release type...therefore, a little bit of air does slip while turning it on and off the tire valve.

Also, for those who take the car somewhere else (i.e. tire shop, gas station etc) to inflate or check tires, be aware that the pressure you see after moving the car is slightly higher than what it should be. The manaul mentions this, and if I recall correctly, recommends checking and inflating after the car has been stationary for 3 hours minimum.

 

I just use a bike pump, no annoying noise or cord management. It's actually way more effective than you might think if you have a half decent pump

 

And imagine the size of your arms if your tire is down to 20 PSI….💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

 

I’ve used the compressor that came with the car and it worked great.
I’ve also used a bike pump at home so I don’t have to deal with packing the wires of the compressor. Bike pump actually works very well and does not take too long either.

 

Wow, thanks everyone! Sounds like a portable tire inflation kit would be fine, but I don't really need to get one if I use the compressor in the tire kit. The manual bike pump idea is quaint, but since I don't have currently own one, if I were to buy something I might as well get for one of the battery powered ones.

 

Every home could use a small air compressor IMO. I keep a $100 Kobalt job in my garage and it’s perfect for the occasional tire inflation when the weather changes, etc. I’ve always considered the one in the car for desperate times away from home only…

 

Yes"Polaris604, post: 167986, member: 11488"]
Probably a stupid question, but I'm one of those that used to take my old cars "to the dealer" for every schedule service interval and they dealt with ensuring the tire pressure was right every time. I've occasionally inflated at a gas station, but....I don't go to gas stations anymore unless my mower needs me too (and its days are probably numbered!). So for inflating at home or on a trip, do you guys use the 12v compressor that comes with the tire repair kit to inflate regularly, or something else? I see that portable tire inflators are a thing and not very expensive, so that's probably the alternative, but am I buying something I already have?
[/QUOTE]
Yes I do use the 12V compressor. It's rather noisy and takes time but actually does the job as it should.
From my viewpoint a good alternative instead of visiting a gas station, without needing any gas

 

Should always check your tire pressure in the morning. or when its cool. Never check it after you been driving for awhile.

 

Just a small issue but I purchased a Michelin tyre inflator and pressure indicator yesterday . Wanted to check the pressures as the car felt a little hard.
Disappointed to find that the only 12v outlet is in the boot on the left hand side and the 3m cable on the pump does not allow me to reach the front right tyre… can’t find any other 12v outlet in the car?

 

I think you got a crummy version of the inflator. Because the one I have on this car and my previous car has no problem reaching the front tires from the plug in the trunk.

 

My sense is that 12v accessories are becoming less prevalent not more. And of course as most are well aware, in an EV without an alternator, the last thing you want is additional opportunities for phantom 12v draw. I imagine if they could, they might remove even the 12 volt outlet in the trunk. I have a digital pressure gauge that I bought before TPMS systems that I keep in the car as well.

 

The poster was talking about using an aftermarket Michelin inflator, not the Polestar supplied one.

 

I just use a bike pump 😂

 

Yes I do use the inflator delivered with the car although not often because tires do not seem to deflate fastly and I visit the Volvo concession for maintenance every 30.000 km + for changing winter and summer wheels. But before a longer trip (holidays) I check and complete with the small inflator. Yes it is noisy, not fast but it does the job and it's in any case faster than going to a gas station.

 

and it's in any case faster than going to a gas station.

And most gas stations here charge for air.