12V Tire Pump

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ConnecticutYankee @ Mar 6 2007, 07:07 PM) [snapback]400980[/snapback]</div>

I have one by Michelin, but I don't know if it's availlable over there. It works great, It has a built-in digital tire pressure gauge. According to a test I read, The Michelin was the only one with an acceptable precission and performance. I allways have it in the compartment under the floor of the back and use it every 3-4 weeks to check/correct tire pressure.

 

Costco has a pretty good one for $50., but has alligator clips. You could put a outlet adaptor on it if you want to go that way.

 

ConnecticutYankee,

There are a bunch of them out there. You should be able to get on that runs off 12 volts for around $10. Try Wally world if all else fails. These things work good at helping to maintain your tire pressure too. Lot better than trying to find a coin operated machine.

I personally have a portable power pack. 12 volt power supply with a compressor inside the housing. Got it for $20 at Menards when on sale. The advantage is that you do not have to worry about the wires when airing up the tire. Plus, you can jump start people with this. Not sure I would even want to try jump starting someone with the PRIUS seal lead acid battery.

Hope this helps.

 

Howdy ConnecticutYankee

I do have experience. I bought a professional analog tire gauge and a 12v portable compressor both of which I keep in the driver's side storage bin in the cargo area. I use the compressor to maintain my selected tire pressures and had found the inexpensive "pencil" pressure gauges inaccurate. I bought the gauge from Racer Parts Wholesale {online} and the compressor at a local WallMart. As I recall, the gauge cost about $30 and the compressor about $20. They both date back to my 2004, traded for my 2007 touring Edition.

I found it both inaccurate and uncomfortable {like on your knees on the drive, especially on a wet day} to try to use the 25¢/5-min. Service Station compressors - usually required 2 or 3 quarters to service all 4 tires. If you order a pressure gauge, be sure to get one with 60#s or greater capacity to allow for the Prius spare.

Here they are:

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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hard_working_student @ Mar 6 2007, 01:47 PM) [snapback]401013[/snapback]</div>

I have no experience trying to jump start a car with a Prius and intend to keep it that way. I read that hooking up a Prius to another car just provides a trickle charge. It would take a couple of hours before the other car could be started. I carry a portable power supply with an inverter that I bought at Pep Boys. It has an air pump, jumper cables, and a light. It can be recharged from house current aux power in the car.