Final answer:
The air compressor should stop pumping before reaching the safety limits or the required pressure for the task. For car tires, it's usually between 32-35 psi. It's important to distinguish between gauge pressure and absolute pressure for safety and maintenance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The air compressor should stop pumping prior to reaching a specific psi which would be determined by the safety limits of the compressor or the pressure requirements of the task at hand. For instance, the pressure gauge on a full scuba tank may read 3000 psi, but when it comes to filling car tires, the recommended pressure is usually between 32-35 psi, as indicated in the owner's manual or stamped inside the door frame. Overcompressing beyond the safety limits can be hazardous and reduce the lifespan of the equipment or the vehicle component you are inflating.
Gauge pressure measures pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, while absolute pressure is the sum of the gauge pressure plus atmospheric pressure. It is critical to understand the difference between gauge pressure vs. absolute pressure in applications like scuba diving or automotive care to ensure safety and optimal performance.