giving up on your old reliable vehicle

Do You Really Need An Air Compressor For Your DIY Car Repair?

13 May 2015

Glen Soto

If you are planning on working on your car in your garage at home, one of the features that you might want to have is an air compressor. But before you choose to purchase an air compressor to perform your own repairs, you'll want to consider the types of tools you intend to use, how much space you will need, and if an air compressor is the most economic choice.

What Will You Be Doing?

If you plan on performing bodywork, you may want to get an air compressor to help you run a dual-action sander. If you intend to engage in a lot of metal work, it is likely that you will need an air compressor. If you only intend to use the compressor to fill tires or use a nail gun, a purchase may not be worth it unless you go for a low-end price.

How Much Will It All Cost?

Are you still unsure about whether you need a compressor in your home? Research the tools you intended to use with your air compressor and then research how much electric tools would cost. Simply run the numbers and determine which option will cost you the least money. If you do not intend to use the air compressor at least once a month, it is likely a waste of money.

Do You Have Enough Space?

You will also need to consider whether you have enough space for your compressor in your home garage. Fortunately, in most cases, you will not necessarily need a large tank. If you have a very large tank, but a small motor, it will take a long time for your air compressor to reach capacity. However, if you have a compressor with a small tank and a fast motor, you will be able to get your work done much faster.

Do You Need a Portable Compressor?

If you often work on your car in a remote location or in an area with no nearby outlets, you could benefit from a portable compressor. However, portable compressors are often not capable of supplying power to certain tools, such as paint sprayers. Therefore, it may not make sense to get an air compressor because there wouldn't be one powerful enough to fit your needs. You'd be better off going electric.

Air compressors can be quite useful, but you do not want to experience buyer's remorse. If you need to fix something on your car that needs an air compressor, but you don't want to make the purchase, you should talk with an auto shop, like Central Body Co Inc.

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