Are you using the right air compressor in your workshop or garage? Air compressors are a must-have tool for automotive work, making tasks quick, easy, and cost-effective.
In this article, we outline the most common applications for an air compressor in an automotive workshop. We also explain how to choose the right air compressor for your needs, including the best option for various scenarios.
Common Applications of Air Compressors in Automotive Workshops
Air compressors are used in automotive workshops for a variety of tasks.
Powering air tools
Air compressors provide a reliable supply for operating air tools, such as impact wrenches, ratchets, grinders, sanders, and more. Air tools are lighter and more durable than electric and battery-operated tools, also offering consistent performance without overheating.
Air compressors are great for loosening stubborn bolts and cutting or sanding metal surfaces. With air-powered tools, you can increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance safety in your workshop or garage.
Spray guns
Compressed air is the preferred method for powering any paint sprayer, achieving a high-quality paint finish with consistent airflow. It is important to use the correct filtration when using compressed air for spray painting so the highest air quality is achieved for a perfect paint finish.
Tyre Machines
Compressed air is critical for most tyre machines, using it to remove/install the tyre onto the wheel as well as inflating the tyres to maximise vehicle safety and performance.
Cleaning
Compressed air is ideal for removing dust and debris from your workspace. Using an air nozzle is great for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, making each vehicle look its best.
How to Choose the Right Air Compressor
Choosing an air compressor depends on air pressure (PSI), air volume (CFM), tank size, and air purity requirements.
Air pressure (PSI)
Choose an air compressor that can match the tool with the highest PSI rating. Some tyre machines require 145 PSI (10 bar) operating pressure while others only require 115 PSI (8 bar). If your tools or paint booths need different pressure levels, you can use pressure regulators to manage them.
CFM requirements
The CFM measures the volume of air your compressor can supply. To calculate your total CFM requirement, add up the peak air consumption of all your end-use tools, accounting for tools operating simultaneously.
Tank capacity
If you have an air receiver tank, you can store compressed air to reduce how often the compressor needs to run. The tank size (in gallons) should be roughly one-quarter to one-third of the CFM output.
Air purity
If you need a very high level of air purity (class 0) for paint spraying, you may need an oil free air compressor. With no oil to contaminate the air, you won’t need as much filtration and can still achieve a very high-quality finish. In most cases though, correct filtration can achieve very high-quality compressed air, and an oil free air compressor will not be necessary.
Best air compressor for air tools
Variable-speed air compressors offer heavy-duty performance with direct-coupled designs, providing reliable and consistent airflow as well as the main advantage of being able to slow down and speed up in real-time to match the air demand. This is crucial when operating multiple air tools simultaneously or intermittently.
Our product recommendation is PneuTech’s RSCR series of direct-drive variable-speed compressors. These flagship compressors demonstrate superior design, power efficiency, cutting-edge technology, and proven engineering.
Best all-rounder air compressor for automotive workshops
Rotary screw air compressors are a great option, delivering a steady airflow and consistent pressure when operating multiple tools at once. For sensitive tasks like paint spraying, you can also opt for an oil free rotary screw air compressor or incorporate dryers and filtration systems.
- Continuous airflow
- Energy efficient
- Low maintenance and long lifespan
- Quiet operation
- No overheating
- Options for high-purity air.
Product recommendation — Vixen Integrated Air Compressors
The Vixen Integrated Air Compressors are an excellent choice for automotive environments. These air compressors feature a high-efficiency permanent magnet motor, an energy-saving dual cooling system, and a direct connection without gearing. Altogether, these features ensure significant energy savings and reduced maintenance.
Discover the Vixen Integrated Air Compressors >
Your guide to choosing an industrial air compressor
If you’re purchasing an industrial air compressor for the first time or looking to upgrade, it always helps to have advice to guide you through the process. Inside, you'll get information and advice on the types of industrial air compressors, how they work, oil-free vs oil-lubricated compressors, and the full PneuTech range.
To get your free copy of the guide, simply click below.
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