5+ Best Air Compressor for Auto Repair Shop {Expert’s Review}

Our auto repair shop has a lot of work or tasks to do and an air compressor is needed to make those tasks easier. Hence we need the best air compressor for auto repair shop so that we can easily operate our air-powered tools like Impact Wrench, Air Ratchet, Spray Gun, Blow Gun, Brad Nailer, Grinder, and many more.

But without proper knowledge choosing an air compressor for your auto repair shop can cause a huge loss. Because automobile repair shops require large capacities of air compressors so you may have to invest 1000 dollars of your hard-earned money.

And nowadays there are plenty of compressor brands present with thousands of different models. And it’s quite confusing to find the best air compressor for an automotive shop.

That’s why we have come up with a list of the 6 best air compressors for auto repair shops with proper review and guide so that you can easily decide on one, according to your need.


But before selecting an air compressor you need to know about your requirements so that it will fulfill all of your needs:-

  • Which air tools you are using and how much air pressure is required to run. If you have lots of tools then you should go with higher HP, PSI, and CFM.
  • How long you have to work, if you have lots of tasks to do then obviously you need an air compressor with a large tank capacity. Generally, Auto repair shops require a huge tank capacity.
  • Because automotive repair shops require a large size of air compressor and generally big air compressors produce lots of noise. But still, you have to look at the noise level of these air compressors.
  • It feels too heavy to move large compressors here and there. So if you want a portable unit, always look for air compressors with pneumatic wheels. (Note:- But it’s difficult to find wheels on above 30-gallon air compressors)
  • Always try to ensure that the material used to make the air compressor should be durable for a long time.

If you have any confusion regarding this then please visit our Comprehensive Buying Guide So that you can get the correct air compressor for your needs.


List of  Best Air Compressor for Auto Repair Shop

Image Product Details   Price
backpac Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor Horsepower:- 1.8 HP

Tank Capacity:- 20 Gallon


Weight:- 121.4 Pounds


Dimensions:- 19.67 x 17.52 x 41.81 inches


Power Source:- Electricity


Voltage:- 120 Volts


Air Pressure Delivered:- 6CFM at 40 PSI and 5 CFM at 90 PSI


Material:- Metal


Noise Level:- 68 dB


Warranty:- Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Check Price
backpac California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Air Compressor Horsepower:- 2 HP

Tank Capacity:- 10 Gallon


Weight:- 82.5 Pounds


Dimensions:- 16 x 15.1 x 35.9 inches


Power Source:- Electricity


Voltage:- 110 Volts


Air Pressure Delivered:- 6.40 CFM @ 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI


Material:- Metal


Noise Level:- 70 dB


Warranty:- 1 Year Limited warranty.
Check Price
cordlessblower Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor  Horsepower:- 3.0 HP

Tank Capacity:- 5.2 Gallon


Weight:- 75 Pounds


Dimensions:- 29 x 19.5 x 19 inches


Power Source:- Electricity


Voltage:- 120 Volts


Air Pressure Delivered:- 6. 9 CFM at 40 PSI and 6. 5 CFM at 90 PSI


Material:- Cast Iron


Warranty:- 1 Year of Limited Warranty.
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cordlessblower  Industrial Air IL1682066.MN 20-Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor. Horsepower:- 1.6 HP

Tank Capacity:- 20 Gallon


Weight:- 159 Pounds


Dimensions:- 28.5 x 19.75 x 48.5 inches


Power Source:- Electricity


Voltage:- 120 Volts


Air Pressure Delivered:- 6. 2 CFM at 40 psi and 5. 3 CFM at 90 PSI


Material:- Metal


Warranty:- 2 Years of Limited Warranty.
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cordlessblower DEWALT DXCMLA1983054 30-Gallon Portable Air Compressor Horsepower:- 1.9 HP

Tank Capacity:- 30 Gallon


Weight:- 190 Pounds


Dimensions:- 22 x 27 x 46.5 inches


Power Source:- Electricity


Voltage:- 120 Volts as well as 240 Volts


Air Pressure Delivered:- 7.0 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.7 CFM at 90 PSI


Material:- Cast Iron


Warranty:- 2 Years for pump and 1 year for all other parts.
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cordlessblower SS5 5HP 60 Gallon Single Stage Air Compressor Horsepower:- 5 HP

Tank Capacity:- 60 Gallon


Weight:- 310 Pounds


Dimensions:- 24 x 30 x 73 inches


Power Source:- Electricity


Voltage:- 230 Volts


Air Pressure Delivered:- 18.1CFM at 90 PSI


Material:- Cast Iron.


Warranty:- 1 year of the limited warranty
Check Price

Read More: Best Air Compressor for Automotive Air Tools

Read More: Best Air Compressor for RV


One by One Review of best air compressor for Auto Body Repair Shop

1. Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor ( Best air compressor for Auto Repair shop)

When it comes to air compressors then this Stealth is one of the best air compressors brands present in the market and they always believe in providing quality products to their customers. This product also comes with great features with a 20-gallon capacity air tank and this might be one of the best options for you and your auto repair shop. That’s why we select this air compressor is the best pick product in the list of Best Air Compressor for Automotive  Repair Shop.

This air compressor is packed with 1.8 HP of a powerful motor and this is more than enough for all types of automotive repair tools and this powerful motor can capable for work with a maximum pressure of 150 PSI and the high air delivery of 6CFM at 40 PSI and 5 CFM at 90 PSI so that you can easily get your job done.

It has been tested to be 80% quieter so that this air compressor produces only 68 dB of noise. And this has a long life cycle of more than 1000 hours. This is almost 2 to 3 times more than a standard air compressor.

This 20 gallon capacity of air tank makes it more convenient and continuous working for a long time. And the motor takes only 70 seconds to fill the tank from 0% to 100%. And because of this huge tank, the weight of this machine is 121.4 pounds but the rubber reinforced wheel makes it easier to move here and there.

The oil-free technology makes it more durable and you don’t have to worry about the maintenance of this air compressor again and again. And it also supports cold weather start and low voltage start which makes it convenient for all conditions.

The main advantage of this product is, it has a limited lifetime warranty.

Detailed information regarding the product

  • HorsePower:- 1.8 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 20 Gallon
  • Weight:- 121.4 Pounds
  • Dimensions:- 19.67 x 17.52 x 41.81 inches
  • Power Source:- Electricity
  • Voltage:- 120 Volts
  • Air Pressure Delivered:- 6CFM at 40 PSI and 5 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Material:- Metal
  • Noise Level:- 68 dB
  • Warranty:- Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Huge 20-gallon capacity.
  • Oil-free technology.
  • Silent Operation.
  • Good Customer Rating.
  • Comes with a control panel.

Cons

  • No such Cons.

2. California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Air Compressor ( Best Air Compressor for Light to Medium Duty Automobile Repair Shop)

California Air Tools is one the best brand when it comes to air compressors and this air compressor comes with all the great features with a10 gallon of huge tank capacity so if you have a tight budget and you want an air compressor that has the capability to do all the repair works then this is the best option for you. That’s why this air compressor comes next in our list of best air compressor for auto body shop.

This air compressor is one of the top air compressors which can handle small to medium auto repair tasks. It offers 125 PSI of maximum pressure and capable of high air delivery of 6.40 CFM @ 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI. That means you can easily run some high demanding tools.

This air compressor is equipped with a huge 10 gallon of the air tank. This is more than enough for low to medium kinds of tasks and this 10-gallon large tank makes it compatible for long-running periods.

This contains a powerful 2 HP of the motor which generates at 1680 RPM. which is more than enough for all the repair tasks. Despite this, it produces only 70 dB of noise which is quite less and it doesn’t feel so noisy.

An oil-free dual-piston pump system requires less maintenance and enhances its durability. Because of this oil-free pump, this machine has a life cycle before wear of 3000 Plus hours and this number is 3 to 4 times more than any other conventional air compressors.

This motor of this air compressor has been designed in such a way that it will dissipate the heat properly and the overload protector ensures the Overheating and helps to keep it safe and boost its performance.

A 10-gallon air tank makes it heavy but the wheels make it normal and easy to move here and there. And this air compressor comes with 1 year of the limited warranty.

Detailed information regarding the product

  • HorsePower:- 2 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 10 Gallon
  • Weight:- 82.5 Pounds
  • Dimensions:- 16 x 15.1 x 35.9 inches
  • Power Source:- Electricity
  • Voltage:- 110 Volts
  • Air Pressure Delivered:- 6.40 CFM @ 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI
  • Material:- Metal
  • Noise Level:- 70 dB
  • Warranty:- 1 Year Limited warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • A powerful motor can deliver high air pressure.
  • Provides quiet operation.
  • Superb Customer Rating.
  • Oil-free pumps enhance its durability.
  • Comes with a Complete control panel.
  • Thermal Overload Protector.

Cons

  • The wheel of this compressor did not perform like a pneumatic wheel.

3. Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor 

Makita is one of the greatest brands in the automobile repair industry and they always try to satisfy their customers with product quality and service. And this is also with a super-powerful machine so if you don’t care about the tank capacity and you need a super-powerful compressor. Then this might be the best option for your auto repair shop. That’s why this comes next in our list of Best Air Compressor for Automobile Repair Shop.

It is equipped with 3.0 HP of a powerful motor and this big-bore cylinder and the piston is designed in such a way that it can recover itself faster than any other compressor and gives you smooth performance for a longer time period.

This air compressor is capable of working with a maximum pressure of 140 PSI and it delivers 6. 9 CFM at 40 PSI and 6. 5 CFM at 90 PSI. This air pressure is more than enough to get all the job done.

This Makita is so powerful but it comes with a 5.2-gallon air tank which is a little smaller than others but the big bore cylinder and piston pump help to fill the tank faster so that you can get better performance for a longer duration.

The cast-iron makes it more durable and so that you can use it for many years and this also comes with an oil-lubricated pump which helps to give a better performance than others but you need to lubricate it from time to time.

This oil-lubricated pump has been designed in such a way that it can easily dissipate the maximum amount of heat through finned discharge tubing. And the thermal overload protector protects it from overheating so that it can maintain the performance of this machine.

This Makita 5.2 gallon air tank and extremely powerful motor make it heavy. So it comes with rugged wheels so that you can move it easily here and there. And with this compressor, there is also a built-in compartment to store air fitting accessories.

Detailed information regarding the product

  • HorsePower:- 3.0 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 5.2 Gallon
  • Weight:- 75 Pounds
  • Dimensions:- 29 x 19.5 x 19 inches
  • Power Source:- Electricity
  • Voltage:- 120 Volts
  • Air Pressure Delivered:- 6. 9 CFM at 40 PSI and 6. 5 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Material:- Cast Iron
  • Warranty:- 1 Year of Limited Warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Comes with a super powerful motor.
  • Big Bore cylinder and piston help to faster recovery.
  • It can deliver high CFM with High pressure.
  • Comes with a built-in storage compartment.
  • Thermal overload protection.
  • Superb customer rating.

Cons

  • The 5.2 gallon is a little less than others but Big Bore cylinder and piston technology helps to faster air filling.

4. Industrial Air IL1682066.MN 20-Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor.

Industrial Air is one of the greatest brands that especially designed the product for heavy-duty machine shops. It’s also one of the best compressors in the 20-gallon air tank category and this comes with a powerful motor so that you can easily do your job. With these features, this comes next in our list of Best Air Compressor for Automotive Repair Shop.

This air compressor is equipped with a powerful 1.6 HP motor. This heavy-duty,  induction motor supports dual voltage so that you can easily run this machine with 110 Volts as well as 240 Volts. And this dual voltage gives you trouble-free operation. 

The maximum working pressure of this air compressor is 135 PSI and this air compressor has the capability to deliver the air pressure of 6. 2 CFM at 40 psi and 5. 3 CFM at 90 PSI. Which is more than enough for any kind of automobile repair tasks.

This comes with a large 20-gallon air tank so that you can easily do your job for a long time but this 20-gallon tank makes it heavy to carry and only because of the pneumatic wheels you can easily move it here and there.

This air compressor has been well constructed to endure the worst condition of any workshop or repair shop and the cast iron build enhances its durability. A twin-cylinder pump with an aluminum head & valve plate helps faster heat dissipation so that you do not have to worry about overheating.

This air compressor is equipped with two different gauges to measure accurate air pressure. And the regulator helps to regulate the air pressure according to your need. There is an on-off button for an easy start and stop.

Detailed information regarding the product

  • HorsePower:- 1.6 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 20 Gallon
  • Weight:- 159 Pounds
  • Dimensions:- 28.5 x 19.75 x 48.5 inches
  • Power Source:- Electricity
  • Voltage:- 120 Volts
  • Air Pressure Delivered:- 6. 2 CFM at 40 psi and 5. 3 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Material:- Metal
  • Warranty:- 2 Years of Limited Warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • 20 gallon of large air tank capacity.
  • Good for auto repair shops.
  • Awesome customer rating.
  • Dual voltage technology makes it more convenient to use.
  • Easy Control.
  • 2 years of long warranty.

Cons

  • No such cons.

5. DEWALT DXCMLA1983054 30-Gallon Portable Air Compressor ( Best Air Compressor for Medium to Heavy Duty Auto Repair Shop)

DEWALT is one of the top brands when it comes to air compressors and this compressor also comes with all the necessary features with a 30-gallon air tank. This air compressor is the best fit for your requirements. So we select this for our list of Best Air Compressor for Car Repair Shop.

This air compressor comes with a 1.9 HP of powerful pump which is more than enough for all the repairing tasks and this motor is capable of working with dual voltage so you can easily run this with 120 Volt and 240 Volt which makes it more convenient for working with a job site.

It is capable of working with 155 PSI maximum pressure and it can deliver 7.0 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.7 CFM at 90 PSI to get your repair job done effectively and efficiently.

This single-stage oil-lubricated V-twin cast iron pump helps to dissipate the heat more efficiently and also makes sure to protect it from overheating and increase its performance.

It comes with a 30-gallon huge air tank which is perfect for medium to high-level repair shops. Because of this 30-gallon huge air tank, the weight of this compressor increases up to 190 pounds which is very high but the pneumatic wheel makes it portable for easy mobility for a job site.

The cast iron of this air compressor makes it more durable for working in high-intensity conditions. And the higher flow regulator supplies 20% more torque to provide high-performance work. This air compressor pump uses synthetic oil for longer life and provides good performance.

This has a full control panel mounted on the front of this air compressor were two gauges, regular for control pressure and On/Off switch. Because of this easy to use control panel you can easily operate this air compressor.

Detailed information regarding the product

  • HorsePower:- 1.9 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 30 Gallon
  • Weight:- 190 Pounds
  • Dimensions:- 22 x 27 x 46.5 inches
  • Power Source:- Electricity
  • Voltage:- 120 Volts as well as 240 Volts
  • Air Pressure Delivered:- 7.0 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.7 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Material:- Cast Iron
  • Warranty:- 2 Years for pump and 1 year for all other parts.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Huge 30-gallon air tank.
  • Easy to use control panel.
  • Use Synthetic oil for longer life and good performance.
  • PSI offers it really very high.
  • 2 years long warranty for the pump.
  • Good customer rating.

Cons

  • Little expensive.

6. SS5 5HP 60 Gallon Single Stage Air Compressor ( Best Heavy Duty Compressor for Automotive Repair Shop)

SS5 is one of the popular brands for large-capacity air compressors. And this compressor is best in 60-gallon tank capacity. This is super powerful with a 5 HP pump so if you need an air compressor for a Large workshop or repair shop and you have enough budget to buy then this air compressor will not disappoint you. 

This air compressor is equipped with 5 HP of super-powerful vertical piston Pump which is enough to produce high air pressure with high CFM. Despite being a high power pump, this machine produces less noise than others. That feels comfortable for a long time.

This powerful air compressor is capable of working with a maximum pressure of 135 maximum PSI and offering 18.1CFM at 90 PSI which is very high and it’s more than enough for the toughest job of a repair shop.

It is equipped with a vast 60-gallon air tank which is super comfortable for long-time continuous duty and it also adjusts the air output as it runs. This huge tank capacity makes it heavy so you have to fix it in one place and you can’t move it easily.

This air compressor is completely made up of cast iron and this cast iron construction enhances its durability and extended pump life for 5000+ hours and because the pump uses synthetic oil as a lubricant so which helps to increase its efficiency.

It comes with thermal overload protection and because of this, you don’t have to worry about overheating. And this also has an easy to use on/off button and regulator for controlling the pressure it produces.

Detailed information regarding the product

  • HorsePower:- 5 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 60 Gallon
  • Weight:- 310 Pounds
  • Dimensions:- 24 x 30 x 73 inches
  • Power Source:- Electricity
  • Voltage:- 230 Volts
  • Air Pressure Delivered:- 18.1CFM at 90 PSI
  • Material:- Cast Iron.
  • Warranty:- 1 year of the limited warranty

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Huge 60-gallon tank capacity.
  • Produces low noise.
  • Capable of producing high pressure.
  • Long life.
  • Comes with thermal overload protection.
  • Comes with a powerful super powerful motor.
  • Best compressor for continuous use for a longer time.

Cons

  • Do not come with portable wheels.
  • Expensive.

Read for more information Best Budget Air Compressor

Read for More Information best air compressor for automotive painting

Read for More Information Best Air Compressor for Auto Detailing

FAQs for Best Air Compressor for Automotive Shop

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for Best Air Compressor for Automotive Shop

Which air compressor is best for an auto repair shop?

There are plenty of air compressors present in the market but not all air compressors are good for auto repair shops. So if you want our recommendation then this DEWALT DXCMLA1983054 30-Gallon Air Compressor is one of the best options for auto repair shops.

How many PSI do I need to run air tools?

It’s very important to choose a compressor with the right pressure otherwise you don’t get that much pressure to run the air tools.
Most of the air tools required 70 to 90 PSI of air pressure.

Which air compressor is best under 10 gallons of air tank for an auto repair shop?

There are many 10-gallon air compressors present and if you want our recommendation then California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Air Compressor is one of the best options for you.

How long do compressor tanks last?

I have not the accurate answer to this question because I have been using the same air compressor for almost 12 years and now also it runs like new. So 10 to 15 years isn’t old for an air compressor.

What is the difference between a 100% duty cycle and a Continuous run?

100% Duty Cycle means the compressor will deliver the constant PSI and CFM for the entire time the compressor is in use. And if I talk about continuous runs then it is the time period from the compressor turn on to turn off.

Conclusion for Best Air Compressor for Automobile Repair Shop

We have included everything so that you can find the best air compressor for auto repair shop.

I thought you have selected one of them according to your need. So which air compressor for auto painting you have selected, let me know in the comment box.

And If you want our recommendation then Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor is our Top Pick you can definitely go with this product, this will not disappoint you.

So guys if you like our post then don’t forget to share this with your friends.

By the way thanks for visiting.

Hi. This is Subhadip. I am a Mechanical Engineer and I have been working in mechanical Industries for more than 3 years. I have expertise in several kinds of Mechanical Devices and Air Compressor is one of them. So I am here to help you find the best air compressor for your desired need.

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