Michelin 12260 Hi-Power Tyre Inflator and Detachable Digital Gauge

Long lead to comfortably reach your tyres. I like it that it uses a metal attachment for the tyre-valve as it is less likely to wear-out compared to what happened with another make (Pro-User) which after years of good service, failed due to its worn-out plastic attachment that fits on the tyre-valve. Also, the deflation valve is a clever addition saving complexity and cost as it allows one to lower the tyre pressure. The detachable gauge is also handy for measuring pressure of all tyres without having to carry around the air-compressor. Pleasantly quieter than the my previous compressor and comes with a spare fuse. LED lights can be useful at night, and also the (indeed small) pressure gauge dial is illuminated with a gentle blue light. Note that the detachable gauge uses 3 button LR44 batteries (supplied) for illumination and measurement purposes when detached. However, when the gauge is attached to this compressor, it is supplied with electricity by the compressor. Last but not least, comes with a comprehensive and well written instruction 12-page manual in good English. As many other gadgets of its kind, it's made in China but reassuringly it's a Michelin product with a UK support phone-line (which I checked and it works) to support its 1 year warranty. I will update review if I have any reservations at a later point. All in all, well designed, good brand and good value for money compared to other similar products.

Having owned a Michelin Tyre Inflator for approximately five years and having found it to be reliable, I chose to upgrade to this model, as the detachable digital gauge offered useful additional possibilities.However on receipt of the order, the batteries in the detachable gauge were dead. I replaced them with some new ones, but the readings were inconsistent and could not be trusted, although to be fair, more accurate readings were in evidence once the tyre inflator had been connected to the tyre and been powered via the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket.Bearing in mind my above uncertain experiences with the detachable digital gauge, I decided to purchase an alternative one and consequently chose the Michelin Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge. It was rated highly in Amazon reviews and in trade publications, with an accuracy level of within approximately 1 psi and although quite expensive, I find that it serves its purposes well.The Michelin Hi-Power Tyre Inflator is sturdy and robust, sufficiently weighty to prevent it jumping around when inflating and compact enough to facilitate easy in-car storage. The screw-on tyre valve connection is a vast improvement on the push-on type, which was a feature of my earlier Michelin Tyre Inflator.Inflation proved to be speedy and once the correct pressure had been achieved, I, personally, found that it was important to make some allowance for air loss during the process of disconnecting from the tyre and found that this was largely dependent upon trial and error during the first few attempts, but the consequent air loss became relatively consistent, with practice. (When matching the readings on my Michelin Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge with those on the Michelin Tyre Inflator Gauge, I found that an additional 2.5 psi above the required psi on the Inflator Gauge before removal of the tyre valve connection screw, would result in an approximately accurate reading (of the required psi) on the Michelin Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge once the connection had been removed. It is important to remember though that speed at which the connection screw is removed has an important bearing on this result and I did not unduly rush this process.)Overall this ought to be a five star product, although I am obliged to give it four, as I do not believe that the inadequacy of the batteries for the removable Digital Pressure Gauge at the point of purchase are what one would expect from the Michelin brand name, with an otherwise professional product of this type. The fact that others have mentioned this in their reviews also suggests that quality control mechanisms have not sufficiently been applied to this product. (However it is important to note that when I purchased the Michelin Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge due to problems encountered with the detachable one contained with this inflator, it had pull-out tabs for the purchaser to initiate the batteries. This would so easily have resolved the problems encountered by myself had this proved to be the case with the Tyre Inflator's Detachable Digital Gauge.)

This tyre inflator looked quite complicated on first opening the box however when I used it for the first time is was very simple. There is plenty of cable to reach from the 12v in-car socket to the tyres (although you do have to use it through the door on the same side as the tyres) The gauge measured the amount of pressure going into the tyres (a choice of 3 measurements including PSI)and is handy to disconnect from the main unit to measure tyre pressure without having to take out the whole unit. It appears it can also be used in the dark if the unforeseen happens...there are little lights on the front of the main unit! It also comes with a number of adaptors to put air into other items like footballs and inflatable beds etc. All in all a worthwhile purchase...and saves having to drive down to a garage forecourt every time you want/need to check your tyres.

This is a superb product. It is compact; the power cable fits inside a cavity underneath it; and the inflator hose wraps around it. After following the instructions on the first occasion, I have found it easy to use. It is powered via the 12v socket below the dashboard, and the cable is more than long enough for the estate car I use it on mostly. It pumps up the tyres quickly enough (4 mins from fully deflated to inflated), and the gauge gives clear PSI/Bar/kPa readings. It also has a light for night time use. The noise level is low. It is so much easier to use this than going to a petrol station (limited space; queues; cost).

Bought one of these as a back up when out and a bout camping/touring and it has been used on almost everything from bikes to tents and vans. Seems very powerful for its type and inflates quickly and surprising quietly compared to other ive used, also very functional with the accessories and very long power lead. Also the pressure gauge is exceptionally accurate and easy to use (backlit display) along with the handy led lights in the unit.Downsides are it only lasted 6 months of gentle and careful use before the hose and nozzel assembly split and broke (i look after my tools). In the photographs it appears to be made of brass but on the supplied units its just plastic. Great service from amazon to replace it promptly but the jury is out on how long this new one will last.