BEST TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE
A good tire pressure gauge is a necessary but often overlooked piece of equipment for your car. Maintaining appropriate tire pressure levels is crucial for having a smooth ride and making sure your tires last as long as possible. So if you want to keep your tires in good working condition, you need a quality tire pressure gauge (maybe the best tire pressure gauge?) that will accurately and reliably read pressure levels.
Having a quality tire pressure gauge lets you maintain manufacturer-specified PSI levels and change your tire pressure for varying road conditions.
Of course, how do you know which tire pressure gauge is the best? There are an awful lot of options out there so making a choice can be tough. We personally own the ARB tire pressure gague (also deflator & inflator at the same time) and are extremely happy with it. Our purchase decision was based on reviewing and testing a number of other options that you can also read about below.
To that end, we have gone through and selected 10 of the best tire pressure gauges.
These gauges have been ranked and reviewed based on PSI range, readability, reliability, and more, to give you all the info you need to make the right choice.
With that in mind, let’s get to it!
Best Tire Pressure Gauge
Best Tire Pressure Gauges – Reviews
Review of JACO Elite Tire Pressure Gauge
First up is the JACO Elite tire pressure gauge. The first thing to notice is how heavy duty this gauge is.
This tire gauge pressure is made from a rugged shock-resistant rubber covering and solid brass valve stem so no worries about dropping or stepping on it.
The 2” face glows in the dark and reads up to 60 PSI in single PSI increments. Best of all, the analog/mechanical design does not require any batteries to operate and is accurate and reliable.
The JACO air gauge comes with a built-in air bleeder valve that reduces air pressure in over-inflated tires.
As an extra bonus, the product comes with a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee, no questions asked.
- Robust analog design is tough and reliable
- Glow in the dark dial
- 100% lifetime warranty
- Bulky
- Dial only comes in 1 PSI increments, not as precise as some digital gauges
Review of Craftsman Programmable Digital Tire Gauge
The Craftsman is a smart, simple, and reliable tire pressure gauge that has a handful of extra features.
First and foremost, this gauge is programmable, meaning you can set it to specifically register a target tire pressure.
Just overfill the tire a bit, insert the gauge, and the air-bleed slowly lowers PSI until it hits the sweet spot. The digital display is large, has a LED backlight for night-time use, and clearly displays PSI info and the tire you are measuring.
The only real downside is the batteries of this air gauge. The 2 batteries are included with the gauge but are not made to be replaceable.
While you can replace the batteries, you run the risk of messing up other internal components if you do not know what you are doing.
Either way, the batteries are slated for at least 2 years of use so you should be able to get enough work out of the gauge.
- The digital display is clear and relevant
- Programmable air-bleed for specific PSI levels
- The digital sensor makes 0.1 PSI measurement increments
- Batteries are not supposed to be changed
- Some user report dead batteries out of the box
Review of Longacre 50417 Tire Pressure Gauge
Let’s start with the obvious: the flexible stethoscope design of the air gauge makes for easy reading in tight spaces.
While it may have a simple design, the Longacre is extremely accurate and well-built; it gets the job done and keeps coming back for more.
The analog pressure tire gauge face glows in the dark for easy reading and a bleed/release valve lets you drop the pressure to specific levels.
One potential drawback is that you have to hold the fitting valve on to get a proper reading, you can’t just insert and leave it or else the seal won’t close. A minor frustration on an otherwise solid air tire gauge.
- Flexible valve stem makes it easier to take readings in tight spaces
- Reliable, accurate, and tough tire gauge
- Great customer service from the manufacturer
- Pretty basic lacks extra features
- Ball-chuck valve has to be held on to get a reading
Review of TireTek Premium Tire Pressure Gauge
Mechanical/analog tire pressure gauges tend to be more robust and tougher than digital ones because they have fewer moving parts.
The TireTek premium tire pressure gauge is a testament to this toughness. The solid steel and brass construction of the product is super durable and can handle being run over by a car.
The stem of this air pressure gauge rotates 360 degrees so it’s easy to check air pressure from every direction.
The 5mm valve stem gets a good seal with no leakage and has a button for air release so you can precision inflate your tires.
The bare-bones nature and lack of extra functions may be a downside to some though. For others who want a reliable no-frill analog tire pressure, the TireTrek is a good choice.
- Super durable and quality materials
- 360-degree swivel valve stem makes it easy to attach and use
- 45-degree angled dial is easy to read when taking measurements
- Bulky
- The release valve button can get stuck
Review of Etekcity Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
A bit unconventional of a design, the Etekcity is a sophisticated piece of equipment that has a lot of features while still being super affordable.
The first thing to note is that this digital gauge can make air pressure measurements in 4 different units, PSI, bar, kpa, and kg/cm^3, each channel offering 0.1 unit increments of measurement.
The long candle lighter design has a 360-degree pivot design, making it easy to attach and read while taking measurements
The dual-head design lets you push or pull to attach the valve and the nozzle has an LED attachment for use in the dark.
It also features an auto-shutoff function after 30 seconds of inactivity to save battery power. While useful, this feature can be somewhat annoying if you need to take repeated measurements.
- 4 units of measurement
- The dual-head makes it easy to attach and use
- 2-year free warranty
- Battery life not terrific
- Accuracy has a tendency to decrease over time
Review of Accutire MS-4021B Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
The name ”Accutire” is fitting for a tire pressure gauge this accurate and precise.
Unlike many other gauges that measure a minimum of 1-0.1 psi increments, the Accutire can register 0.05 increment pressure changes from a scale of 5-150 psi.
It’s small and light so it can easily fit in your glove compartment while on the go.
The seal on the product is good and does not let the air out when you attach it to the tire, but it does not have an air release function that lets you slowly lower the pressure into recommended levels.
The LED screen is a bit smaller than other digital gauges and might be somewhat hard to read, though.
- Precise 0.05 psi increment measurements (5-150 psi)
- Accurate within ∓0.02 psi
- Compact, easy to hold, and portable
- Small LED display
- May have some problems making readings in the cold (<25 degrees F)
Review of AstroAI Digital Tire Inflator
Made out of heavy-duty steel, brass, and rubber, the Astro AI Tire Inflator is a smart and tough tire pressure gauge.
The air pressure gauge contains a chuck, gauge, hose, bleed valve, and an inflation gun, all in one piece of equipment.
The inflation gun means you can add air to the tire without removing the gauge; no more annoying air loss when you remove a gauge to fill the tire.
Even with the extra features, it’s simple enough to use with one hand.
The digital LED display is bright and easily readable, but the auto-shutoff function turns it off every 20 seconds which can be annoying if you are making repeated measurements.
Some users report that the attachment piece can crack if screwed on too hard as well.
- 4 different measurement units
- Built-in tire air inflator
- All features can be used one-handed
- Great customer service
- The valve can crack if tightened too hard
- Cannot fill and take measurements at the same time
Review of Rhino USA Heavy Duty Tire Pressure Gauge
Created by a father-son-owned business, the Rhino is a tough tire pressure gauge meant for any kind of vehicle; car, RV, motorcycle, you name it.
The construction is very robust, made from heavy-duty brass and rubber that can take a beating. The 2” glow-in-the-dark dial is easy to read and ranges from 0-75 psi in 1 psi increments.
The Rhino is relatively lacking in extra features but it does contain an air release valve for controlled deflation.
The only real problem is that the rubber cable is somewhat short and inflexible to use.
- Heavy-duty and tough air pressure gauge
- Glow-in-the-dark dial
- ANSI B40.1 certified for accuracy
- Heavy and bulky product
- The rubber hose is somewhat stiff and inflexible
Review of AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Another from AstroAI, the 150 psi digital tire pressure gauge is sleek and functional.
The grip is molded to fit perfectly into the hand and the simple one-button design makes taking measurements easy; just press the button and wait for reading to register.
4 different units of measurement and 0.5 psi increments make it accurate and precise.
Best of all, it is super affordable.
The tire pressure digital gauge is slated to work with cars, trucks, RVs, and motorcycles but with one important caveat: it is not compatible with Presta stems which are commonly found in road-style bikes.
- Small, comfy to grip, and easy to use
- Lighted nozzle and LED display are good for working in dim spaces
- Very affordable
- Battery life not fantastic
- Loses accuracy over time
Review of ARB ARB505 E-Z Deflator
The last item in our list is the ARB ARB605A Tire Pressure Monitor Inflator and Deflator with Analog Gauge. The solid brass design is very resistant to corrosion and changes in temperature so it stays accurate.
The ARB really shines in its quality build and its user-friendly design.
The device can also be used to deflate your tires, although that’s not one of its main functions. As you probably know, deflating your tires is necessary on soft terrains (eg. sand) and the air bleeding button helps you do that.
The analog tire pressure gauge is very easy to read with both bar and PSI readings on the dial.
It can be used on it’s own as well, but due to the fact that it’s equipped with a big thumb-operated inflator button, it can actually be used in conjunction with the 12-volt ARB air compressor.
- Works great as a deflator as well
- All-brass designs are resistant to corrosion and changes in temperature
- Easy to read the analog gauge with both PSI and bar readings
- Doesn’t come with a case
Buyers’ Guide to Find the Best Tire Pressure Gauge
Benefits Of Proper Tire Inflation
Many drivers know that they need to keep their tires properly inflated, but they may not know why it is beneficial to do so.
Proper tire inflation and maintenance serves many purposes, from saving money by raising the gas mileage to ultimately making your tires and wheel last longer.
Increase fuel mileage
First off, underinflated tires can make your car less fuel efficient. When your tires have a PSI lower than the manufacturer recommended level, they get squished and lie flatter on the ground.
Because they lie flatter, it takes more energy input from your engine to get them to start and keep them rolling, which translates into reduced fuel economy.
According to fueleconomy.org, keeping your tires properly inflated can increase mileage by about 3.3% while mileage decreases by about 0.4% for every one PSI drop below the recommended value. So, for increasing fuel economy, make sure you are inflating your tires properly.
Longer lasting tires
Maintaining proper tire pressure also keeps your tires in better condition longer. Under-inflated tires make more surface contact with the road and take more energy to properly turn.
Both of these factors increase the total amount of friction the tire experiences, which causes it to degrade faster over time, particularly on the inner side of the treads.
Additionally, when your tires are underinflated, the wheels and the axles of your car compensate by taking on more stress.
The extra stress on the frame can severely damage your wheels, wheel studs, axels and undercarriage.
Properly inflated tires, on the other hand, make less surface contact with the road and require less energy input to turn so they last longer.
Inflated tires distribute weight and wear more evenly while also taking extra stress off the frame of your car.
Safety
Poorly inflated tires are also more susceptible to failure at high speeds because they do not handle changes in pressure from the wheel turning as well.
Under-inflated tires also require more time to stop and are more prone to skid and hydroplane on wet surfaces.
Properly inflated tires maintain traction better and are more resilient to bumps and curves.
Types of Tire Pressure Gauges
Digital Type
As the name suggests, these tire pressure gauges are equipped with digital technologies. They use microprocessors and digital sensors to give accurate readings. They can provide correct readings within a couple of seconds.
Most of the digital pressure gauges come with an LED display so that it is very easy to read at dark as well. Typically, digital pressure tire gauges tend to be a bit larger compared to analog ones. They are also the most expensive option when it comes to a tire pressure gauge.
Dial Type
The dial tire pressure gauges are the most common ones out there. They are shock-resistant and pocket-able in size. They are not that reliable in terms of accuracy all the time.
Stick Type
The stick tire pressure gauges are the most popular ones when it comes to air pressure gauges. They tend to be compact and portable. Plus, they provide very accurate readings most of the time if calibrated regularly.
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Key Features
Grip/Weight
You might think that a lightweight pressure gauge would be the best option. However, most of the time, this is not the case at all. Because the lightweight tires could pop off from the tire and release too much pressure accidentally. That is why you should look for a pressure gauge that has an ergonomic grip and balanced weight.
Maximum PSI Reading
The tire pressure gauge you are choosing should be compatible with your vehicle’s tire pressure range. So, it is better to check the maximum PSI reading range of the tire gauge before buying it.
Also, check that if your vehicle comes with a specific tire pressure requirement or not. Because that should also match with the tire pressure gauge you are purchasing.
Batteries
All the digital tire gauges require batteries to work. Now, different products come with different types of battery requirements. Some of them can be operated using the common type batteries, while others need very unique batteries.
In that case, it will be hard to find a replacement battery in the future when the battery dies. So, make sure you are purchasing a digital air pressure gauge that requires common batteries and spare parts.
FAQ
Analog or Digital – Which One Should You Go?
In terms of mechanism, we can classify tire pressure gauge into 2 categories that are analog and digital. But which one is the best option out there?
The answer to this question will depend on your requirement and preference. Both of these types of tire pressure gauge have their pros and cons.
For instance, digital tire gauges are very easy to read and user-friendly. Most of these digital gauges come with various customization options as well.
They tend to provide very accurate readings within a few seconds. They are also very much durable and long-lasting compared to analog ones.
But all digital tire pressure gauges require battery power. Also, in general, most digital pressure gauges will be pricier compared to analog pressure tire gauges.
On the other hand, analog tire gauges are mechanical. So, they don’t require any power source to operate. Also, they are very much affordable. On the contrary, they are not customizable.
You will need to calibrate them frequently. They are not easy to read under bad lighting conditions. Some of the analog pressure tire gauges are not that durable as well.
Now, if you have the budget, you can go with a digital tire pressure gauge. Otherwise, you can also get an analog one if you don’t want to be worried about the battery life and the high price of your tire pressure gauge.
How often should I check my tire pressure?
To be frank, this one actually depends on the model and age of your vehicle. Normally, if you have a modern vehicle, it will have tire pressure sensors built-in. That means you will not have to check the tire pressure actively.
However, if the warning light is triggered, you should check the tire pressure as soon as possible. In general, make sure you always carry out a visual check prior to driving your vehicle every time to be on the safe side.
How to check your tire pressure?
Most modern vehicles will be integrated with built-in tire pressure sensors. So, you will be able to actively check the tire pressure using that sensor.
However, if your vehicle doesn’t have that or you want to manually check it, then you will need a reliable tire pressure gauge. A good and accurate pressure gauge tire will make checking the tire pressure very effortless.
Plus, remember that, after driving your car for some time, the tires will heat up. If you try to measure the tire pressure in that instance, it will provide incorrect readings. So, it is best to check the tire pressure only when the tires are cold or at normal temperature.
How do I know if my tires are properly inflated?
First off, you will need to know the appropriate inflation level of your vehicle’s tires. On most vehicles, you will find the tire inflation information on a sticker on the driver-side door.
Here you will find information like the recommended tire pressure level, weight restriction, and more.
If you are not finding any sticker with the required information, you should look for that in the owner’s manual. Typically, you will find the tire pressure-related information in the car care section of the owner’s manual as well.
After knowing that, you will be able to inflate or deflate your vehicle’s tires correctly. That is why, you should keep a tire pressure gauge, ARB compressor, or tire deflators in your tire repair kit all the time.
Why is proper inflation important?
An improperly inflated tire will have a negative impact on the overall performance of your vehicle and tire wear. Underinflated tires generate excessively high heat while driving.
That will weaken the tire gradually. Also, underinflated tires have very high rolling resistance, which translates to reduced fuel economy.
On the other hand, over-inflated tires are vulnerable to blowouts. So, for acquiring long-lasting service from the tires, achieving optimum handling while driving, and for overall vehicle safety, you will need properly inflated tires.
Is it safe to drive my car with low tire pressure?
No. You should never drive with low tire pressure. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle should be specified on the driver-side door’s sticker. You should always inflate your tire following that information for the best result.
An under-inflated tire will create unsafe driving conditions. Your tire will also wear prematurely due to low tire pressure.
Over time, it might also lead to tire failure. That could be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. So, it is not safe to drive your car with low tire pressure.
Conclusions – Best Tire Pressure Gauges
So which is the best tire pressure gauge? Among the 10 reviewed products, our top 2 choices are the JACO and the ARB.
The JACO is a sold analog pressure gauge that is reasonably priced, easy to use, reliable, and accurate.
The ARB tire pressure gauge and inflator is one of the more precise tire pressure gauges out there and is extremely accurate; great for when you need to make precise changes in tire pressure based on driving conditions.
Both gauges are extremely easy to operate and great for portable use.
Overall though, the correct answer will depend on your needs.
Having a quality tire pressure gauge contributes to longer tire life and safer driving, so don’t wait!
Every minute without properly inflated tires is more money and mechanical stress on your car.
JACO Elite Tire Pressure Gauge comes with the brand’s proprietary HybridFlex air hose that stops leaks in their tracks. It even has a soft feel to it but does not fail to offer optimal ruggedness and flexibility.