Michelin programmable rapid tyre inflator

Sometimes it's a bit fiddly to remove the valve without letting air out of your tyres, but that's the same with most pumps Just like their tyres, this is a premium brand, so you’ll pay a bit more than for alternatives like Ring and the AA’s offerings, but you do get some neat extra features for your money, as you’re about to find out!Bought this to replace my twin barrel Michelin pump that disintegrated in less than a year. Not quite sure the situation where I may need to charge my phone via the USB whilst inflating my tyres....seems an odd feature that will never be used. In addition not sure when I may need to plug in another 12v device when there are often several available in modern cars. It’s very much a no frills option compared to the 12266 above, but if that’s what you’re after and you like the Michelin brand, this is a compelling choice.

A final added extra that’s well thought out on this Michelin pump is the instructions for use that are printed on the rear of the unit. The chances of having the instructions with you when you break down vary from person to person (in my case they’d likely be in the garage at home!) so knowing they’re always with the pump offers a little extra peace of mind. Something a little different now, in this cylindrical offering. The Michelin Rapid 12262 tyre inflator has a totally different design to the others above, and works well. Works exactly as it should, handy LED light so you can see what you are doing in the dark and the fact you can pre-set the pressure you require is very clever. So you can go do something else while it is pumping your tyre up. Very well thought out, great machine!

Correct tyre pressures minimise tyre wear, aid fuel consumption, and benefit roadholding and handling. It’s got the safety features you really need – lights for night use and an auto shut off facility when the programmed pressure is reached. It’s much better value for money than the 009518 mini compressor, but still more expensive than something like Ring’s premium RTC1000 and ever popular RAC635 which is fairly comparable to this one. Better than the Michelin foot pump, which was rubbish, which I had to glue together with Araldite. This one has a great connector to the tyre and appears to be very accurate. In the box, you’ll get the tyre inflator itself, plus a couple of adaptors for balls and inflatables (like air-beds and paddling pools). There’s a bag with this unit rather than the soft case some other manufacturers opt to supply, which may make it slightly easier to store away in the boot of your car if space is at a premium. So far so normal!