Old car, modern pump
06/09/2025
The correct tire pressure is important for safety when driving, but also for the longevity of the tire and fuel economy. Nevertheless, many drivers, even those with classic cars, drive around with under-inflated tires.
There are many reasons for this. For example, many service stations today do not offer the option of inflating tires or charge money for doing so. And at home, where the classic car is spared from everyday wear and tear, the compressor may be missing. Foot pumps are bulky and usually not to hand when you need them.
A possible solution? Small battery-powered compressors that can be easily stored in the car and allow you to safely inflate the tire to the required pressure.
It's quick and easy. Screw on the hose, pre-select the desired tire pressure on the device and pump. Usually only a little is missing, perhaps 0.2 or 0.3 atü. The device we use does this in just a few seconds. For a whole tire that is practically empty, it takes longer, of course, and at some point the device, which weighs around 900 grams (dimensions 15 x 10 x 6.3 cm), runs out of breath, meaning that the battery needs to be recharged via USB. But usually only a little is missing and just reading the exact tire pressure gives a good feeling.
Incidentally, such air pumps are available from many manufacturers and suppliers, and of course they all have their specific advantages and disadvantages. The photographed "Xiaomi Air Compressor 2 Pro", however, has already proven itself in our tests, at least with the classic model.
