Air compressor recommendations

[SBAnt13]

I was washing my car yesterday, then after drying it, left it in the sun. Of course, some water then came out of the taillights and the side mirrors, dripped down the side and left some lovely water marks (really hard water here). I remember getting my last car washed at a local place that used an air compressor to blow out the water from all of the little hiding places, and I'm thinking that's a really good idea. We also have some bicycles that don't get ridden much and it'd be nice to top off their tires every few months, and I'm pretty sure there's other uses I haven't thought of yet. Any recommendations for a cheap, reliable, compact air compressor? Should I just go buy one at Home Depot or Costco? Thanks in advance!

 

[clement_ghost]

I'm a mechanic and I do a lot myself so a few years ago I bought a 24 gallon 5hp Ingersoll Rand 115V air compressor with a cast iron oiled pump.

Now I regret not to have bought the 60 gallon one because when you use something that needs flow like sand-blasting, die grinders, buffers, paint guns, etc... The compressor always pumps.

Depending your needs, I think you should get youself the same compressor my father has. I think its a CampbellHausfield, 15 gallons electric 110V with a sealed pump. That way its gonna make enough air for your needs and you can get a pneumatic impact wrench to change your wheels and/or make some light mechanic on your luxurious CX-9...

 

[table5511]

I highly recommend getting one with a metal tank (vs a cheap constant running tankless one). They are pretty cheap. The pancake style tank would be fine.

 

[BOOSTR]

A 200+mph leaf blower will do a quicker and more effective job. Works on engines,wheels, mirrors, lights, and all annoying crevices that like to retain water.