Looking for the perfect tire pressure gauge? You’ve come to the right place.
It’s a risky business to trust your safety on inferior products. Whether you spend most of your time on the road or not, you don’t want to deal with tire problems in the middle of the night.
Nearly 11,000 car accidents a year are caused by tire failure. Under-inflated tires are one the major causes of tire failure.
Ensuring that your car tires are properly inflated can save you a lot of trouble. One tool that can help make that task a reality is a good tire pressure gauge.
Tire pressure gauges come in different shapes and sizes. Here’s a guide to help you buy the right tire pressure gauge for your vehicle.
Types of Tire Pressure Gauges
There are three types of tire pressure gauges: digital, dial, and stick. Each gauge can measure pressure over a wide range, some as high as 150 PSI.
Their suitability depends on many factors. For instance, a digital pressure gauge with an illuminated display is the best choice for measuring pressure in low-light conditions.
Dial Gauges
As the name implies, dial gauges feature an analog dial that resembles a clock face. It has a needle-like pointer that’s used to indicate pressure.
Most dial gauges come with additional features like shock-resistant dial cover, dual-scale dial, bleeder valve, and an extension hose.
While dial tire pressure gauges are accurate and easy to read, most of them are bulky and require two hands to operate.
Digital Gauges
Digital tire gauges have an LCD display that makes them easier to read. They’re also highly resistant to damages from dirt and dust.
Some digital gauges feature illuminated readouts that make it easier to read in the dark. On the flip side, digital gauges require batteries and are bulkier than stick gauges.
Stick-Type Gauges
Stick-type gauges look a lot like a metal pocket pen. Their simple and compact nature might lead you to believe they’re the easiest to read.
However, to the untrained eye, this type of gauge can be tricky to read and hard to interpret.
The 5 Best Tire Pressure Gauges to Buy
If you’re in the market for a reliable tire pressure gauge, the extensive options might make it hard for you to choose the right one.
We’ve done the research for you to find the best pressure tire gauges. Each of these tick all the boxes with respect to performance, ease of use, price, and durability.
Here’s our review of the best tire pressure gauges.
1. Tekton 5941 Tire Pressure Gauge (100 PSI)
The Tekton 5941 is a high-end digital tire pressure gauge. It does not compromise when it comes to performance. This digital pressure gauge is highly adulated for its accuracy, visibility, and durability.
Designed with an illuminated display, the Tekton pressure gauge makes it easy to take accurate readings even in low-light conditions. At night, the nozzle lights up to display the valve location while the backlit display shows the readings.
Its simplicity of use is also remarkable. With just a press of a button, you can turn on the device and choose one of the four provided measurement ranges.
What’s more, it comes with an auto-shut feature that automatically shuts off the device after 30 seconds of inactivity.
On the downside, the Tekton gauge is limited to Schraeder valves only. It won’t work with American or Presta valves.
2. AstrolAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge (150 PSI)
The AstrolAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is not only easy to use but versatile too. It can be used to check pressure for cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycle tires, and more.
Just like the Tekton 5941 gauge, the AstrolAI comes equipped with a backlit LCD. The nozzle lights up and is designed to seal the valve for accurate readings.
The AstrolAI pressure gauge is very easy to use. Just press the ON/OFF button, and the device will turn on and display the various pressure measurement ranges available.
This gauge automatically shuts off after 40 seconds of inactivity.
On the downside, the AstrolAI gauge is incompatible with Presta valves. Also, its plastic outer cover does not provide adequate security in the event of a fall.
3. Motor Luxe Tire Gauge (100 PSI)
If you’re looking for an analog tire pressure gauge, you might want to consider the Motor Luxe Tire Gauge. Consumers agree it rules superior to all the other analog pressure gauges.
Its durability is excellent thanks to the hard brass metal cover, while the artistic design showcases its true power.
Even though it comes with an air-bleeding valve, it’s made more efficient by its ability to deflate in increments. The Motor Luxe valve is calibrated to international accuracy standards.
Other attractive features include a reading lock and a 360-degree rotating nozzle that fits tightly on the valve. On the downside, the Motor Luxe Gauge does not work with Presta valves.
4. Accutire MS-4021B Tire Pressure Gauge
The Accutire MS-4021B is built of sturdy, heavy-duty material that showcases what a durable pressure gauge should look like.
This digital gauge sports a large LCD screen that is easy to read even from a distance. It offers high-pressure readings of up to 150 PSI.
Its ergonomic design, made more noticeable by the rubber handle, provides a firm and comfortable grip. Some of its best features include accurate readings, automatic shut off, and a large display.
On the downside, some customers have reported that the batteries don’t last long enough.
5. Michelin MN-12279
The Michelin MN-12279 features all the bells and whistles. It comes with a large blue-backlit display that makes reading easy, even in the dark.
The Michelin MN-12279 is one of the most accurate tire pressure gauges you’ll find on the market. While other pressure gauges offer a resolution of 1 or .5 PSI, the MN-12279 displays an incredibly accurate resolution of one-tenth of a PSI.
What’s more, this gauge is programmable, so you don’t have to adjust your settings every time you want to check your tires.
On the downside, it doesn’t allow you to release air pressure when taking readings.
Wrapping Up
Keeping your tires inflated at all times is an easy maintenance measure that’s crucial to your safety.
Under-inflated tires can cause excess heat to build up as you drive which could lead to tire failure. Too little pressure can also cause the tire to wear out faster and unevenly, which could negatively impact your vehicles handling and braking.
To mitigate against such incidences, it’s wise to invest in a reliable tire pressure gauge.
Contact me for more information on tire pressure gauges, jack types, and more auto advice.
