PUNCHY MAINS AND 12V TYRE INFLATOR BLOWS IN
“Inflation times were more impressive than in our 2016 test”
Ring RAC660 Dual Power Preset Tyre Inflator Price: £79.99 Rating: ★★★★★ Time to inflate from 20-30psi: 1min 21secs (mains); 1min 48secs (12V)
Contact: 0113 213 2000, www.ringautomotive.co.uk
RUNNING tyres at the correct pressures saves money on fuel and minimises wear, plus it improves braking and handling, and cuts emissions. An inflator makes it easy to check pressures and top up, and there are lots of 12V cigar lighter socketpowered units. But this new Ring is rare, operating on 12V or 240V mains power.
The RAC660 is much bigger than the RAC635, which won our Issue 1,445 test, so it could be tricky to store in smaller cars. Still, it’s not heavy, and a rubberised handle makes it simple to carry.
There are familiar Ring controls for the pressure presets, scale (psi, bar or kpa), LED light and on/off switch. The mains lead is separate, while the 12V lead and cigar lighter plug fit into a space beneath the device. An eight-piece adaptor set connects to the front outlet for air beds, footballs and the like.
Mains and 12V inflation times from 20-30psi were more impressive than in our 2016 test; only Ring’s own SUVfocused RAC830 still has the edge.
A fan ran constantly under mains power, the cool running helping deliver more grunt. The blue-backlit digital display was clear unless the viewing angle was acute and the readings were just 0.5psi high at 20 and 30psi, matching the RAC635.
As a result, it would have finished third in our test; as discounts are applied over time, it could easily improve on that.