Best Air Compressors for Auto Repair Shop [Updated 2023]

Choosing the right air compressor for auto repair shop is not a simple task since you must compare many factors in addition to the compressor’s specifications, such as its cfm rating, psi, and tank capacity.

You need to pick an air compressor that can handle your needs, regardless of whether you need one for your auto body shop or want to use it at home.

To help you pick the right one, we’ve researched and put together a list of the best air compressors for auto repair shop.

So without further ado let’s have a look at these air compressors.

Best Air Compressors for Auto Repair Shop:

1. Powermate Vx PLA4708065 Single Stage Electric Air Compressor: 
2. DeWalt (DXCMV5076055) Two Stage Air Compressor: 
3. NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor: 
4. Industrial Air ILA1883054 30 Gallon Air Compressor:  
5. Ingersoll Rand SS5 60 Gallon Single Stage Air Compressor: 
6. DEWALT (DXCMPA1982054) 20 Gallon Portable Air Compressor:

1. Powermate Vx PLA4708065 Single Stage Electric Air Compressor:

The top air compressor recommended for auto repair shop is Powermate Vx (PLA4708065) and is due to its powerful performance, has high cfm, and has the biggest tank capacity of 80 gallons which offers continuous airflow so you can perform continuous operation with no trouble at all. As this compressor has a cfm rating of 14 CFM’s @ 90 PSI and 16.1 CFM’s @ 40 PSI so you can easily run the air tools like Impacts, hammers, ratchets, spray guns, for a longer period, which makes it the best air compressor for auto repair shops and also for automotive air tools. The Powermate Vx (PLA4708065)  has a horsepower motor of 4.7 hp that draws 15 Amp and has a maximum operating pressure of 155 PSI which is great.

The downside of this unit is its weight, which is 247 pounds so it is not very portable so I advise you to get a hand truck or something else to move it around if your work requires it. Durability is no issue as it is constructed from steel and cast iron making it a solid as well as long-lasting compressor. Because of its heavy-duty dual voltage induction motor It offers trouble-free operation and features a three-cylinder pump that has an aluminum head as well as a valve plate along with a wired formed belt guard to make sure that the heat dissipates quickly to provide efficient cooling of the unit for better performance. Some of the features that are included are a large intake filter with silencers, 12-Inch cast-iron balanced flywheel, a three-cylinder design, oil level sight glass, easily accessible oil fill, synthetic oil, oil-lubricated pump, Swedish stainless steel flex valve, and has a built-in on/off switch with a tank pressure gauge. 

Feature list:

• Maximum Operating Pressure: 155 PSI
• Tank Size: 80 Gallons
• Horse Power: 4.7 HP
• Style: Oil Lubed Belt Drive Single Stage
• CFM Rating: 14 CFM @ 90 PSI – 16.1 CFM @ 40 PSI
• Weight: 354 Pounds
• Voltage: 240 volts
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Dimensions: 31.5 x 34.75 x 77 Inches

Pros:

• Has High CFM Ratings
• Has A Heavy Duty Dual Voltage Induction Motor
• Largest Air Tank Capacity Of 80 Gallon For Continuous Operations
• Includes an Oil-Lubricated Pump
• Wired Formed Belt Guard

Cons:

• Heavy
• The Power Cord Is Not Included

2. DeWalt (DXCMV5076055) Two-Stage Air Compressor:

This two-stage Dewalt (DXCMV5076055) compressor is also great for auto repair shop as it is really powerful and can easily handle multiple pneumatic tools for ease of work. To provide you continuous airflow it delivers cfm at a rate of 15.3 SCFM @ 100 PSI and 13.5 SCFM @ 175 PSI and has a big tank with a capacity of 60 gallons to ensure smooth operation. So you can easily run sanders, impacts, cutting tools, ratchets, for a longer time. As a result, it is the best 60 gallon air compressor for automotive shops. This is a vertical air compressor with a weight of 400 pounds which is a lot and it does not have any wheels for portability so you might need something to move it around if you work in multiple areas.

The maximum operating pressure of this unit is 175 PSI which is good and comes with a horsepower motor of 5.0 hp and the great thing about its motor is that it has thermal overload protection which ensures to protect the motor from voltage fluctuations to prevent any damages. For a cooler running pump and consistent compression efficiency, it has a patented pump design and extra features of this compressor are wire form belt guard, oil level sight glass, low pump RPM, it is equipped with a tank pressure gauge with on/off switch, etc.  

Feature list:

• Maximum Operating Pressure: 175 PSI
• Running HP: 5.0 Hp
• CFM Rating: 13.5 SCFM @ 175 PSI – 15.3 SCFM @ 100 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 60 Gallons
• Weight: 400 pounds
• Voltage: 230 Volt
• Phase: Single
• Power Source: Electric
• Dimensions: 40 x 31 x 80 inches

Pros:

• The Patented Pump Design Provides Cooler Running Pump
• Thermal Overload Protection For Protection Of Its Motor
• For Continuous AirFlow, It Features 60 Gallon Tank Capacity
• Features Wire Form Belt Guard

Cons:

• It Is Heavy
• Does Not Have Wheels For Portability

3. NorthStar Gas Powered Air Compressor:

If you prefer a very powerful compressor for your auto repair shop, the NorthStar is the right choice for you. Featuring a Honda GX390 Ohv motor, which has a 12 horsepower output and operates at a maximum pressure of 175 pounds per square inch, this unit is not only ideal for farming equipment repair but can also be utilized for an auto body work, roadside service, or roofing work. Low vibration technology ensures that the compressor has a long life span, performs in a smooth manner while working, and the bearings of the pump’s crankshaft are located at the ends for less wear. There is a big air tank capacity of 30 gallons in this stationary air compressor, allowing it to run continuously, while also having a very high CFM rating compared to the rest of the list.

In terms of CFM, the delivery rate is 24.4 CFM @ 90 PSI, 18.7 CFM @ 175 PSI, and 26.8 CFM at  40 PSI. It is the best air compressor for mechanic shops. Because of its cast iron construction, this Northstar is quite a durable compressor. Finally, it has a v-style cylinder design and a pump head made of FC35 Grade cast iron, which ensures a consistent amount of cooling and durability for years to come. This compressor also includes features such as a sight glass so the oil level can be viewed, a large flywheel for cooler operation, Swedish steel valves, a steel belt guard, and a liquid-filled pressure gauge.

Feature list:

• Maximum Operating Pressure: 175 PSI
• Flow Rate: 18.7 CFM @ 175 PSI – 24.4 CFM @ 90 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 30 Gallons
• Horsepower: 12 HP
• Drive: Belt
• RPM: 1,300
• Fuel Capacity (gal): 1.6
• Engine: Honda GX390 OHV
• Pump: Cast Iron
• Drain System: Manual
• Dimensions:  41 x 40 x 19 Inches

Pros:

• Comparable to other models, it has the highest CFM rating 
• It Has A Cylinder Design That Is V-shaped For Efficient Cooling
• Construction With Cast Iron For Durability
• Low Vibration Technology
• Belt Guard Made Of Durable Steel
• It Has A Low Oil Protection Feature

Cons:

• It Is Very Expensive Then All The Models In This List

4. Industrial Air (ILA1883054) Belt Driven Air Compressor:

Likewise, the Industrial Air (ILA1883054) is a great air compressor since it provides a tank capacity of 30 gallons, which is quite impressive and ensures continuous airflow for all of your tools. A 1.9 horsepower dual voltage motor powers this Industrial Air model (ILA1883054), which is wired for a 120-volt outlet, but can also be converted for a 240-volt outlet and can provide an impressive pump performance. This is one of the best air compressors for auto tires. Furthermore, this is a portable air compressor that comes with pre-attached pneumatic tires so that it gives you the flexibility to move it around easily while at work, and as for the weight of this compressor is 190 pounds.

In terms of CFM, it offers 5.7 CFM at 90 PSI and 7.0 CFM at 40 PSI with a maximum operating pressure of 155 PSI. Additionally, the compressor uses a twin-cylinder pump with an aluminum head and valve plate so that the heat can be easily dissipated as well as to increase the compressor’s efficiency. With the onboard controls, you can quickly reach the quick-set regulator, which has pressure gauges and on/off switches. This air compressor contains several features that are an oil-lubricated belt drive pump, a cast iron cylinder body, a sight glass to view the oil level, highly durable stainless steel reed valves, easily accessible oil fill, 12-inch balanced flywheel, automotive-style ball bearings, and a cast iron crankcase. etc.

Feature list:

• Maximum Operating Pressure: 155 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 30 Gallons
• Flow Rate: 5.7 CFM At 90 PSI • 7.0 CFM At 40 PSI
• Horsepower: 1.9 HP
• Weight: 190 Pounds
• Style: Belt Driven Compressor
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Dimensions: 24.75 x 24.75 x 49.75 Inches

Pros:

• For Continuous Operation, The Air Tank Has A Capacity Of 30 Gallons
• With Built-In Pneumatic Wheels, It Is Easy To Move
• Simple On-Board Controls 
• Pump With Oil Lubrication
• This Motor Features A Dual Voltage Induction System

Cons:

• There Have Been Complaints Of Defective Models From Some Users

5. Ingersoll Rand SS5 60 Gallon Single Stage Air Compressor:

This is also a recommended air compressor for auto repair shop as it features a big tank capacity of 60 gallons to make sure you can run air tools for a long period of time. In terms of maximum operating pressure, it delivers 135 PSI which is very good but the weight of this compressor is 310 pounds so portability will be an issue as it does not have tires to move around. So you might need to get something to move it around. As for the motor, it is a 5 horsepower motor and has a cfm rating of 18.1 CFM at 90 PSI which is more than enough for most tools.

This Ingersoll Rand air compressors is also regarded as the best air compressor for mobile mechanic. The build quality is great as it is constructed from durable cast-iron and includes many other features such as has enclosed belt guard to provide additional protection, oil sight gauge, automatic start or stop pressure switch control, is easy to change the filter, and comes with a manual thermal overload protection of the motor, etc, 

Feature list:

• Maximum Operating Pressure: 135 PSI
• Horsepower: 5.00
• Tank Capacity: 60 Gallons
• CFM at 90 PSI: 18.1
• Power Source: Electric
• Voltage: 230 Volts (AC)
• Amps: 21.5
• Lubrication System: Splash
• Tank Outlet: 1/2 Inch
• Weight: 310 Pounds
• Motor Phase: Single
• Material: Metal
• Dimensions: 20 x 30 x 71 inches

Pros:

• 60 Gallons Tank Capacity For Continuous Use
• Has Automatic Start And Stop Pressure Switch Control
• Constructed From Durable Cast Iron
• Enclosed Belt Guard And Thermal Protection

Cons:

• Is Heavy And Not Have Tires For Portability
• Some Users Complains Of Getting A Defective Model

6. DEWALT (DXCMPA1982054) Portable Air Compressor:

The DEWALT (DXCMPA1982054) has pneumatic tires pre-attached to a handle so portability is no problem. A total of 5.7 CFM of airflow can be delivered at 90 PSI and 7.0 CFM at 40 PSI with 155 PSI as the maximum pressure and with a horsepower motor of 1.9 HP. The 20-gallon tank size makes it so you won’t run out of air and you can use it for a variety of tasks including nail guns, nuts, bolts, etc. It is built with a heavy-duty dual voltage induction motor that is wired for 120-volt outlets, but it can also be converted to 240-volt outlets. For durability, this air compressor features a cast-iron cylinder body that is highly thermally stable.

For efficient performance, it boasts an aluminum head equipped with a valve plate as well as a high flow regulator. This model is also equipped with other features, such as a quick connect air outlet, automotive-style ball bearings, a balanced flywheel, and an oil fill that is easily accessible, durable Swedish stainless steel reed valves, and oil level indicator, etc.

Feature list:

• Maximum Operating Pressure: 155 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 20 Gallons
• Horsepower: 1.9 HP
• Air Flow Rating: 5.7 CFM @ 90 PSI – 7.0 CFM @ 40 PSI
• Weight: 166 Pounds
• Dimensions: 32 x 21 x 32 inches
• Stage: Single Stage
• Pump Type: Oil Lubricated
• Power Source: Electric
• Voltage: 120 Volts

Pros:

• The Motor Is Dual Voltage And Heavy Duty
• Built-In Tires Provide Easy Portability
• High Flow Regulator Provides Improved Efficiency
• Size Of A 20 Gallon Air Tank
• Is Oil Lubricated

Cons:

• None

Conclusion:

Above are the top recommended best air compressors for auto repair shop and i hope that you will find the right one for your need. If you have any questions then comment below and also if you find this article helpful share it with your friends.