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It’s risky to trust your safety, gas mileage, and tires to inferior products. Whether you spend a lot of time on the road or not, the last thing you need are tire problems.
You might not think something as small as a tire gauge could be all that important, but you’d be wrong. Using a good pressure gauge before a trip could keep you from being stranded on the roadside.
How To Choose The Best Tire Pressure Gauge
Having the right gauge handy could save you a lot of trouble. There are so many different brands and models available for sale today, how do you choose the right one?
Exactly which one you need to buy is really up to you, but chances are you will find what you need from the following list.
Most gauges really aren’t that costly, especially when you stop to think what a good one could save you on other things that are. Tires and gas are considered to be high dollar items in our world today, and a good gauge can save on both.
Material things aside, the most important thing a good pressure gauge could save is your life. Tires that are not properly looked after are all accidents, waiting to happen.
Durability
You want to purchase a tire pressure gauge that lasts a long time and has a robust design. One that stops working after its first use isn’t worth spending the money on. We recommend looking at the materials it’s made of and researching customer reviews to get honest and reliable feedback.
Pressure and Temperature Gauge
If you have a flexible budget, we suggest purchasing a pressure gauge that also presents the temperature range. This is a great way to ensure that your tires are road-worthy and safe to use. If tires become too hot, this can be an indication that they need repairing or replacing.
Warranty and Money-Back Guarantee
You’ll receive great peace of mind if your product comes with a money-back guarantee. Check if the manufacturer offers a warranty too, as this will make you more inclined to purchase their product and ensures that they’ll replace or refund the product should it become faulty.
Additional Features and Functions
Some of the best tire pressure gauges on the market offer additional features to improve your safety. Some include a flashflight, seatbelt cutter or a warning light to attract attention.
Although these additional features aren’t mandatory and require increasing your budget, they’re a great way attract attention in a low-lit environment and keep your safety a top priority.
How To Use a Tire Pressure Gauge
Before we share the top 10 best tire pressure gauges on the market right now, let’s discuss how to use one correctly and efficiently. Thankfully, these devices are easy to use, and most portable designs are easy to install and use in seconds.
It’s best to begin with cold tires to wait two to three hours if you’ve been driving your vehicle for mils. This is the safest time to use a tire pressure gauge and you’ll get a more accurate reading. Next, check your recommended PSI for your tires. This can usually be found in your owner’s manual or on the inside of your door. If you can’t find the information, get in contact with your manufacturer for the recommended figure. Never make a guess.
Then, remove the cap from your tires, one at a time. Position the gauge on the value stem and continue to hold until the hissing sound disappears and you can see a reading. As many tire pressure gauges operate different, you may need to read the data on a screen or listen to a beep.
When To Use a Gauge
Sometimes, you won’t know your tires are flat until you can noticeably see. However, this doesn’t always mean your car is safe to drive. To ensure your vehicle is safe and secure to be in, we recommend checking all of your tires once a month. If you drive frequently, you should check every two weeks.
Spend time checking your tires before setting off on a long journey to make sure everything is safe with your vehicle.
The Top 10 Best Tire Pressure Gauges To Buy
Below we’ve reviewed the top 10 best tire pressure gauges in 2019.
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Table of Contents
10. TEKTON 5941 Digital Tire Gauge
If you’ve ever had to deal with trying to hold a flashlight, and use an “old fashioned” tire gauge in poor light at the same time, you will appreciate the convenience the Tekton Digital Gauge offers. The nozzle seals itself to the valve, and both it, plus the digital display provide all the light you need to get the job done.
There is no guesswork with this unit, the information you need is clearly presented on the screen. The smooth, non-slip exterior is a plus, and it was designed with the human hand in mind so it’s easy to hold onto.
Cons
- Some say the LCD is hard to read because of “ghost images” on the screen
- There have been a few complaints that the battery doesn’t last long enough.
9. Campbell Hausfeld Tire Inflator
This tire inflator from Campbell Hausfeld will help improve your gas mileage, and extend the life of your tires. This simple tool isn’t so simple after all when you consider it combines 3 functions in one small unit- an inflation gun, chuck, and gauge.
It’s very user friendly, and you’ll see why its flexible hose is such a popular feature when you have to use it in a small space. The 2″ gauge is easy on the eyes, and with a side relief valve so handy, bleeding the correct amount of air out of over-inflated tires is never a problem.
Cons
- Some claim that the inflation connector is too loosely designed.
- One customer claimed that due to poor sealing, the unit presents inaccurate data.
8. Auto-Tec Professional Air Tire Pressure Gauge
This Professional Air Tire Pressure Gauge from Auto-Tec comes with a Lifetime Guarantee so its quality is never in doubt. Calibrated to American standards, you will have the accurate information you need in seconds.
Steel and brass construction, a reinforced rubber hose, and the best of internal parts are the reason this unit comes with such a good guarantee. Auto-Tec knows the value of this gauge and they aren’t afraid to stand behind their own product. One huge plus is this unit does not require batteries to operate.
Cons
- A few have complained that if the gauge isn’t directly on top of the valve, it tends to slip off, making the unit difficult to use.
- When used for tire measurement, there is a tendency to slip sideways. One customer recommended that if the opening were slightly deeper, this slipping problem could be avoided.
7. JACO Elite Tire Pressure Gauge
Tested and certified by people who know the business, this pressure gauge from JACO Elite should be in everyone’s tool box. Wherever you store it, the steel and brass body acts as an excellent shock absorber and will prevent damage.
One of its handiest features is a 360 degree swiveling chuck which allows you to use it no matter how awkward the angle your working at may be. Even if it were not one of the best pressure gauge’s on the market, a FREE 100% Lifetime Guarantee would make it worth taking a chance on.
Cons
- The black face of the gauge can be difficult to see under poor lighting conditions.
- May cause air to leak when tire pressure is checked.
6. JACO ElitePro Tire Pressure Gauge
When something like this pressure gauge from JACO comes highly recommended by other mechanics, that is the one you want to have. Set to international accuracy standards, this little beauty will gather all the data you need, without batteries.
The solidity of its brass body is all it takes to stay safe under the roughest of conditions. Add to all that a 360 degree swivel chuck, plus a 2″ dial that glows in the dark, and what you have is a the perfect tire pressure tool.
Cons
- There have been complaints that occasionally, the swivel chuck seems to stick and does not turn a full 360 degrees.
- Some claim to get inaccurate pressure readings from time to time.
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5. TireTek Flexi-Pro Tire Pressure Gauge
If you’ve ever had to deal with valve stems in awkward positions, you already know the value of this tire pressure gauge. 90 degree and straight chucks are easily switched on the Flexi-Pro. Calibrated to international accuracy standards, this sturdy TriKek gauge is made with steel, and built to last.
The bleed button helps to adjust tire pressure with ease, and longer internal brass joints are used to prevent air from leaking. This “powerless tool” does not require batteries, and will always be ready when you are.
Cons
- A few people have had concerns about Flexi-Pro’s accuracy. If a person is not familiar with gauges to begin with, reading them right might be tricky.
- The cost of the Flex-Pro has been an issue for some people, but considering what a good gauge can save in tires and gas, this is a minimal concern.
4. Accutire MS-4021B Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Accutire’s Digital Pressure Gauge is built with the kind of care, quality control, and high grade material that showcases what a well-made product ought to be. The handle has a rubber coating that makes holding onto it easier, and the LCD display’s its data in large, easy to see print your eyes will appreciate.
There is an auto shut off function that kicks in to prevent deflation, and in general this battery operated gauge is so user friendly even a person who’s never used one before will have no problems understanding it.
Cons
- Some customers feel that the batteries don’t last long enough.
- Cost of the batteries required is considered prohibitive.
3. JACO ElitePro Tire Pressure Gauge
JACO’s ElitePro gauge comes highly recommended by mechanics who use them as part of how they earn a living. The performance of this gauge has been thoroughly tested and it is calibrated to international accuracy standards.
It’s solidly built, has a flexible no leak hose, and a 360 degree swivel chuck which all combine to make this tire gauge a must have for any toolbox. The ElitePro doesn’t require power to function so you won’t need to add extra batteries to your tool inventory to use it.
Cons
- A few customers have expressed concerns about inaccurate or inconsistent readings.
- Some people object to the idea of using a gauge that was made in China, rather than America.
2. DRIVE® Tire Pressure Gauge & Case
This pressure gauge has precision, and quality craftsmanship down to a fine art. Mechanic’s who know their job tested this unit, and have added it to their own tool boxes. Included with the purchase is a hard case to keep the gauge safe no matter where it’s stored or how much it gets banged around.
Due to the double sided tip design, tire stem size won’t matter anymore when you use this pressure gauge, and the possibilities of a swivel chuck make it even more appealing. What’s inside this handy little unit is made from top quality brass and you can count on it being built to last.
Cons
- Some customers have expressed frustration that occasionally the chuck does not swivel as it should.
- A few customers have expressed concerns about inconsistent readings.
1. TireTek Flexi-Pro Tire Pressure Gauge
The TireTek Flexi-Pro comes recommended by mechanics for good reason. The durability of its steel construction is a huge plus, but so is the fact it doesn’t require batteries to operate. The 5mm chuck tip is extended which allows for a good seal that doesn’t leak.
A 360 degree, angled rotating nozzle simplifies things, and so do the 45 degree rotating chuck, as well as the right angle & straight chucks. One thing that makes this unit a very sweet deal is the 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee. When you see a guarantee like that attached to any product, that’s the one you want.
Cons
- Valves that lock readings have been reported to leak.
- A few customers have expressed disappointment in this gauges accuracy.
Which Tire Pressure Gauge Should You Buy?
Of all the tire pressure gauges on the above list, I would choose the TEKTON Digital. I have joint pain in my fingers and the non-slip exterior sounds like it would be easier to handle. Also, being able to read the screen without first hunting up my glasses is a big plus for me.
Whatever reasons you have for looking at tire gauges today, don’t look and then forget to buy. Your tires, gas, and safety are worth it. Don’t put yourself in the position of having to call a tow truck because you developed tire problems on the road!
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