The main problem with all compressors is that they run hot. The friction that occurs when air molecules are squeezed together generates heat. This heat can be felt at the copper line that connects these two items together, as well as in the motor, and compressor head. That is also the reason why most compressors have cooling fins and a piece of metal pipe at the outlet to allow the heat to dissipate and to avoid the hose from getting too hot.

It is normal for parts of the air compressor to get hot sometimes, especially if you are running the compressor for an extended period or if it is particularly hot outside. The best thing is to keep the compressor in the shade, run it for a limited amount of time, and not to exceed the duty cycle that is mentioned in the technical details. 

What to look after when buying a compressor ?

1) Warranty. A premium brand should provide 4-5 years warranty which will make the higher price worthwhile. This is hard to find nowadays.

2) Output in liters per minute (lpm). The more the better of course. Everything from 50lpm upwards should be fine. Some will show a rating in cfm (cubic feet per minute). 2.3 cfm = 65lpm.

3) Duty Cycle: Air compressors heat up when running so most have a limited consistent output before they need to stop and cool off. This run time in-between cycles is called a duty cycle. Manufacturers typically represent run time with a number, such as “20”, which means you can run the compressor for 20 minutes every hour. sometimes they show a percentage. 20 minutes would indicate a 33% duty cycle. Keep this in mind when you are using the compressor every week. Avoid exceeding the duty cycle time as in a short period of time it would overheat / destroy the compressor.

4) Quality of the coiled hose, pressure gauge, and clip-on chuck.

5) Automatic pressure shut-off function. This makes the compressor stop automatically when you are not engaging the trigger. 

6) inline fuse and thermal overload protection. Will come standard with premium models.

Below a typical specs example of a Bushranger Black Max:

Duty cycle is 30 minutes @40psi at 24°C ambient temperature. Obviously the ambient temperature will be much higher for us here in the UAE, so you will need to take that into account. Keep the compressor in the shade while using (or even on the inside of the car if possible) and keep your engine running. These compressors are rated to work most efficiently at 13.8 Volts, so your alternator should be running. 

Below i will be going through most of the brands we have encountered in the club, and how we can rate them:

Premium Brands (****)

Brands like ARB, Bushranger, TJM, Dobinsons, and Mean Mother, are the most famous premium brands that will be providing a quality unit that should last years. ARB and Bushranger/Viair have the advantage that you will find spare parts for them, so if you are interested and savvy, you can rebuild your compressor later on.  

Price range of these compressor is from 750 AED upwards up to 2500+AED. The main reason why they cost more is due to the quality of materials used, higher duty cycle of their compressor, and of course marketing as well.

The Mean Mother Adventurer is the only brand/model we know of in the UAE that offers 5year warranty, hence this model has become very popular in our off-roading community. It's fast as well (rated at 160lpm) and costs around 750AED. We have heard about a few models failing but were replaced within warranty.

ARB has the single cylinder unit for about 1000AED, while its big brother will be around 2,700AED.  They have by far the best quality of hoses and gauges.

Bushranger has a range of different models with output ratings from 52lpm up to 72lpm.  (Black Max for 800AED and Max Air III for 1120AED). The Max Air III  has an automatic pressure shut-off. Their compressors are extremely reliable, but i have never been impressed with their yellow plastic coiled hoses and clip-on, except for the black hoses they use on the old SuperMax and the newer Max Air III model. Their smallest model (RV Air for 599AED) is the minimum in terms of output flow (52lpm) and will take quite some time to inflate your tires, but should work fine.

Midrange Brands (***)

If you are after a budget model which still performs amazing, head over to Dragon Mart and haggle to get yourself a great compressor that will either last 2-3 years or 2-3 weeks...  

The "Golden Camel" brand with its red compressors, sold in single cylinder and double cylinder models are fantastic performers for the price (200 AED for the single big cylinder 160lpm, and 280AED for the double cylinder compressor (300 lpm). Yes the hoses break, the electrics fail sometimes, and it won't be the most reliable compressor, but for that price it's worth a try if you want it. You will find the hoses also separarely in DM, and if you are a bit handy with a soldering gun you might make an attempt to replace the switches or solder a wire back on.

They now even have a mighty big 4-cylinder unit, but we have not been able to get feedback of these units for a longer period of time in use. 

 The problem nowadays is that you have even "fake" Golden Camel compressors, who look 100% identical, but their quality is even more of a question mark. I recently bought one and it started overheating and shutting off after only two tyres. The vibration coming from the compressor makes me wonder about the tolerances used in the manufacturing process. On the other hand i also have a single cylinder Golden Camel that has been going strong for 3 years now and never failed. 

Vitaly is a brand that basically re-labels these Chinese compressors and sells them at a higher price in hardware stores like ACE and Speedex. Again they are a bit of a gamble and the only advantage you will have is you will get at least 1year warranty through these stores.

Brands/ Models  to avoid:
-The smaller "Golden Camel" Compressor. Absolutely worthless. Also sold under the "X-Cessories" brand name.

-Mini compressors to connect to the cigarette lighter: Will last only a few drives. Not made to inflate weekly from 15 to 35psi, unless you want to wait for 25mins or longer. Will overheat easily because of this. These are made for sedans and bicycles.

The Black and Decker and Michelin models seem to work better, but it will take you upwards of 25 minutes to inflate your tires. If you happen to have one of those, i strongly recommend to only inflate to about 25psi you can then drive to the nearest petrol station and use their compressor.

If you are in the market of buying a new compressor, i hope this article can shed some light and useful information that will guide you in the right direction.