Keeping track of your tire pressure is a simple but vital way to keep your car running well. With the proper tire pressure, your vehicle will have better traction and fuel mileage. Furthermore, the correct tire pressure can be the difference between a flat tire and a safe drive home in winter conditions. This is why you need to think about tire pressure and make sure you have the right amount.
So, how do you measure tire pressure? With a handy tool, the tire pressure gauge. These handy tools give you an accurate reading of your tire pressure so that you can add or remove air from the tire. There are a few different types of tire pressure gauges, but they all work the same. Read on to learn more about tire pressure gauges and which one is the right fit for you.
Things to Consider When Shopping for Tire Pressure Gauges
While tire pressure gauges are specific products, they’re not all the same. You’ll come across different types, PSI ranges, and heads. For this reason, you need to carefully consider the features of each product before making a choice.
Type
We’ll start with the different types of tire pressure gauges. While there are variations of each type, the three main types are stick/pencil, digital, and dial. While every tire pressure gauge works, each product has unique strengths and weaknesses.
Stick
Stick tire pressure gauges are the most straightforward. They’re small tools that give you a pressure reading towards the bottom of the device. Once you hook it up to a tire, a small strip will pop out from the handle. The number that it lands on is the PSI. These tire Pressure gauges are also the most affordable because the design is simple.
Digital
Digital tire pressure gauges are well-rounded products. They’re comfortable to hold and give you a digital reading on the screen. These tools require batteries, but they’re easy to use in the dark and give you a quick reading. Plus, some digital products are priced in the same range as stick tire pressure gauges.
Dial
Tire pressure gauges that use a dial to give you a pressure reading. The dial is round like a clock and uses a needle to display the PSI. Furthermore, dial tire pressure gauges are the most feature-rich. Sometimes these products include bleeder valves, dual-scale dials, and shock-resistant components. While some products come with a lot of features, it drives the price up. Compared to stick and digital products, these tire pressure gauges are more expensive.
PSI Range
The whole purpose of a tire pressure gauge is to give you an accurate PSI rating, so you need to choose one that can read. The average tire pressure gauge will provide you with a range between 60 and 120 PSI. This covers the needs of most passenger cars and spare tires. Still, if you’re shopping for a heavy truck or motorcycle, you’ll need a more specific range. Some tire pressure gauges go down to 0 and up to 250 PSI.
Heads
When looking at tire pressure gauges, you’ll come across some products that have more than one head. If you’re shopping for a passenger car or light truck, like a pickup truck or SUV, you don’t need to worry about this. On the other hand, if you need a tire pressure gauge for heavy-duty applications, it’s handy to have a product with more than one head. You’ll always have the right tool for the job.
Once you know what to look for, finding the right tire pressure gauge becomes straightforward. Still, you need to know which products are the best. We’re going to take you through the ten best tire pressure gauges to help you narrow down your options.
Top 10 Best Tire Pressure Gauges 2020
1. Best Overall Pick: AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Digital
- PSI: 0-150
- Heads: 1
The AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is one of the most well-rounded tire pressure gauges. It features a non-slip ergonomic handle for comfort, and the LCD screen is easy to read. It emits a subtle blue light to help you read the gauge in dark conditions. This product also features another blue light by the nozzle, which illuminates the area you’re working on. When working in the dark, this makes it easy to see.
This product also comes with a handful of different settings. You’ll be able to get readings for PSI, bar, Kg/cm2, and kPa. Regardless of the application, you’ll be able to trust that you get an accurate reading with this product. It also boasts a high operating temperature, which makes the product applicable in most situations.
What Sets it Apart
What makes this product unique is the LCD screen and blue light projected by the tool’s head. While most digital products have an LCD screen, this product’s screen is more balanced. The blue light is easy on people’s eyes, which makes it a nice touch. You’ll be able to make accurate readings in the dark, without straining your eyes during the day.
Things to Consider
The AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge performs well, but the auto-shutoff feature turns the LCD screen off too fast. Reviews suggest that the product turns off between 10-15 seconds after use. For some, this is too short to see the reading on the screen.
If you like the design, but prefer a tool that doesn’t shut off as fast, the TEKTON Digital Tire Gauge is a great alternative. The design is almost identical, but the auto-shutoff starts after 30 seconds.
Who It’s For
The AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is an excellent choice for anyone that needs a simple tire pressure gauge. It works on most vehicles, aside from heavy machinery, making it easy to get an accurate reading.
Pros
- Balanced blue-lit LCD screen
- Ergonomic handle
- Blue light to illuminate what you’re working on
- Four different settings
Cons
- Auto shutoff happens too soon
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Digital
- PSI: 0-250
- Heads: 1
The Topeak SmartGauge is a premium tire pressure gauge. It has a PSI range between 0-250, which is more than most products around. It’s also well-made, with a 360° rotating head with a thick valve stem that prevents leaks. The LCD screen displays PSI or bar and turns off after thirty seconds to prevent the battery from draining. You can also use this tool to reduce tire pressure with the air release bottom.
What Sets it Apart
The Topeak SmartGauge is unique because it’s not made like other digital tire pressure gauges. Most digital tire pressure gauges on the market have a similar look and shape. While they’re designed well, Topeak went the extra mile to create a product that outperforms the competition.
Things to Consider
Tire pressure gauges are typically budget-friendly items. Unfortunately, this one isn’t. Compared to other products, the cost is higher. This is because there are premium features, and it lasts longer, but some people don’t need premium tire pressure gauges. Plus, it doesn’t come with a light to illuminate dark areas.
Suppose you’re shopping for a more affordable product, but like the digital style, the AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is a great alternative. It’s more budget-friendly and includes a light.
Who It’s For
The Topeak SmartGauge is best suited for people with passenger cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. For these vehicles, it’s one of the best tire pressure gauges money can buy. Still, it’s not ideal for heavy-duty applications, and it’s best suited for motorcycles and bicycles.
Pros
- Wide PSI range between 0-250
- Displays PSI and bar
- The smart-head rotates up to 360 degrees
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Expensive
- No light on the nozzle
3. Best Budget Pick: EPAuto Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Digital
- PSI: 0-150 PSI
- Heads: 1
The EPAuto Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is a simple digital tire pressure gauge that gets the job done. The LCD screen gives you an accurate reading and turns itself off in thirty seconds to conserve battery life. The screen also offers readings in PSI, bar, kPa, and Kg/cm2. This tire pressure gauge also features a comfortable ergonomic handle and nozzle light to help you see what you’re doing at night.
What Sets it Apart
The EPAuto Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is unique because of the price. Most digital tire pressure gauges cost more than stick-style tools but not this one. The EPAuto Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is in a similar price bracket as most high-quality stick-style products. Plus, it performs as well as many products sold for more.
Things to Consider
The EPAuto Digital Tire Pressure Gauge has some durability issues. While the cost is low, you get what you pay for. Compared to other digital tire pressure gauges, the battery life is shorter, and the construction is flimsy. Sure, the price is low, but a premium product like the Topeak-SmartGauge is a better option for long-term use.
Who It’s For
The EPAuto Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is an excellent choice for people that don’t need to use a tire pressure gauge often. If you live in a location that doesn’t have a lot of weather variation, this tool is a great choice. It doesn’t last as long as other devices, but if you are only using it once in a while, you can save some money with this simple tool.
Pros
- Easy to read LCD screen
- Lighted nozzle
- Manual and automatic shutoff
Cons
- Short battery life
- Less durable than other digital tire pressure gauges
4. Best for Night Time: TEKTON Digital Tire Gauge
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Digital
- PSI: 0-100
- Heads: 1
The TEKTON Digital Tire Gauge is a reliable tool. It comes with everything you need right out of the box, including the batteries that last for an average of 18 months. The LCD screen is simple to read and delivers an accurate reading moments after using the tool. Furthermore, there is a blue light next to the head that illuminates the area you’re working on.
This product also gives you a lot of options. It provides accurate readings for PSI, bar, kPa, and kg/cm2. Bar is 0-7, kPa is 0-700 and kg/cm2 is 0-7. For this reason, the TEKTON Digital Tire Gauge is useful for most automotive applications, including larger vehicles and agricultural equipment
What Sets it Apart
What sets this product apart is its ability to perform as well as high-end products. It comes with everything you could want in a tire pressure gauge but doesn’t cost a fortune.
Things to Consider
While the TEKTON Digital Tire Gauge performs like a high-end digital product, it’s not made like one. Upon taking the product apart to change the batteries, shoppers have noticed that the construction is flimsy at best. While it works like a professional tool, it doesn’t have the same lifespan as one. If you’re looking for a similar product that’s more durable, the AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
The TEKTON Digital Tire Gauge is an excellent choice for anyone that needs a digital tire pressure gauge for occasional use. While it can be used often, the battery and lifespan of the product are improved if it’s not used as frequently. For someone that needs to check their tire pressure a handful of times each year, this product is perfect.
Pros
- Well-lit LCD screen
- Ergonomic handle
- Batteries included
- Four different measurement options
Cons
- Not as durable as a high-end digital tire pressure gauge
5. Best Dial Gauge: TireTek Tire Pressure Gauge
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Dial
- PSI: 0-60
- Heads: 1
The TireTek Tire Pressure Gauge is a simple dial-style product. The brass head is on a 45° angle, giving you plenty of room to work with. There’s a pressure release system to remove air from tires, and it’s comfortable to hold. The dial is covered with rubber grooves that keep it from slipping out of your hand. While the product is compact, it’s efficient. It’s accurate to +/- 2%, even without a hose.
What Sets it Apart
Most dial-based tire pressure gauges use a hose, but TireTek went a different route. This was a great move because the air has a more direct path to the dial, which increases accuracy. Plus, without the hose, TireTek can keep the cost of the product lower than most dial-based products.
Things to Consider
The TireTek Tire Pressure Gauge works well, but something is missing. Most dial tire pressure gauges come with glow in the dark dials, which help you see in the dark. Unfortunately, this product is only useful if you have the appropriate lighting. If you need a product with similar accuracy and a glow in the dark dial, the JACO Elite Tire Pressure Gauge is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
The TireTek Tire Pressure Gauge is the perfect choice for someone who needs a simple and accurate tire pressure gauge, especially if you don’t want to deal with any complications. You don’t need to worry about any hoses or batteries because it’s as easy to use as most stick-style tire pressure gauges. While it’s less useful for heavy-duty applications, anyone with a passenger vehicle will benefit from this too.
Pros
- Brass material
- Rubber grooves improve grip
- Accurate to +/- 2%
- The dial is easy to read
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty applications
- The lack of hose makes it uncomfortable to hold in some situations
6. Best Heavy-Duty: AstroAI Heavy Duty Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Digital
- PSI: 0- 230
- Heads: 2
The AstroAI Heavy Duty Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is one of the few heavy-duty tire pressure gauges you can find. It has two stainless steel heads that fit traditional passenger vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles like RVs. The measurement is displayed on a backlit LCD screen, and the handle is ergonomic. It also features a flashlight.
What Sets it Apart
The AstroAI Heavy Duty Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is unique for a few reasons. First and foremost, it runs on AAA batteries, which are more accessible than watch batteries to replace. Secondly, it comes with two heads, one of which fits in heavy-duty tires.
Things to Consider
The AstroAI Heavy Duty Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is excellent, but it’s not for everyone. If you own a passenger car or motorcycle, you might want to consider an alternative like the AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge. It’s made by the same company but works better for passenger cars and motorcycles.
Who It’s For
If you have an RV or a different heavy truck, you should consider this tire pressure gauge. While other products can work, the heavy-duty design and two heads on this product do a much better job.
Pros
- Comes with two heads
- Suitable for heavy-duty vehicles
- Powered by AAA batteries
- Comes with a flashlight
- Comfortable, ergonomic handle
Cons
- Best suited for heavy-duty applications
- Larger and more difficult to store than compact products
7. Easiest to Read: Vondior Tire Pressure Gauge
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Dial
- PSI: 0-100
- Heads: 1
The Vondior Tire Pressure Gauge is one of the best dial-based products available. The dial gives an accurate reading, and the text is large enough for anyone to read. While the product is simple to use, it’s also durable. It’s made with brass parts and features a braided hose with a 360° swivel. The swivel helps the valve stem remain connected to the tool, which prevents air leaks.
What Sets it Apart
The Vondior Tire Pressure Gauge is unique because of the hose. It’s one of the more flexible hoses you can find but what makes it better than similar products is the sealing. Tire pressure gauges have issues with hoses blowing out after frequent use, but this product is proven to last, hose, and all.
Things to Consider
While this tire pressure gauge performs as well as the next one, the PSI range is limited. While 100 PSI is excellent for a dial-based product, there are alternatives with a better range. For example, the Topeak-SmartGauge has a range between 0-250.
Who It’s For
Vondior is an excellent company that takes pride in its work. This product is no exception, and it’s a superb dial tire pressure gauge to consider. Still, it’s best suited for people that drive passenger cars, light trucks, and motorcycles. While it works for larger vehicles, the low PSI range is restricting.
Pros
- Glow in the dark dial
- 360° swivel and durable valve stem prevents air leaks
- Braided hose
- Easy to read
Cons
- The durability is questionable
- Best suited for motorcycles and bicycles
8. Best High-Performance: JACO Elite Tire Pressure Gauge
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Dial
- PSI: 0-100 PSI
- Heads: 1
The JACO Elite Tire Pressure Gauge is an above-average tool. It comes with a ten-inch hose that gives you plenty of wiggle room, and the dial is encased in rubber to improve your grip. Everything on the dial glows in the dark, and the two-inch needle makes it easy to read. This tire pressure gauge also comes with a 360° swivel to prevent leaks and a 45° extended tip. All of the metal parts are also made with brass, which is more durable than most types of steel and plastic.
What Sets it Apart
The JACO Elite Tire Pressure Gauge offers accuracy that’s tough to compete with. Most tire pressure gauges are accurate by plus or minus five PSI. That’s not terrible, but this product is accurate by plus or minus 1.5%. With this tool, you get a measurement that’s 3.5% more accurate than most of the competition. Furthermore, ANSI has certified this product.
Things to Consider
The JACO Elite Tire Pressure Gauge is not perfect. The biggest flaw is the hose. While it’s durable, the best tire pressure hoses are braided. A braided hose uses wire that’s woven around the hose. Twisting wire around the hose bolsters its strength and integrity, plus it prevents kinks.
If you love everything about this product but prefer a braided hose, the Rhino USA Heavy Duty Tire Pressure Gauge is a great alternative. Many of the features are the same, but it comes with a braided hose.
Who It’s For
If you live in an area with many seasons and dramatic temperature changes, this tire pressure gauge is the right fit. The amount of pressure your tires need varies based on the conditions they’re operating in. In winter months, you need to make sure you have an accurate reading for performance and traction. With a PSI rating within plus or minus 1.5%, this tool is as precise as they come.
Pros
- Accurate to plus or minus 1.5%
- Glow in the dark dial
- Large text that’s easy to read
- Brass material
- 360° swivel and 45° head
- Rubber casing for a comfortable grip
Cons
- Difficult to store in one piece
- The hose can be shorter
9. Best Two-Pack: AstroAI Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge (2 Pack)
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Stick
- PSI: 10-75
- Heads: 1
The AstroAI Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge is simple, budget-friendly, and efficient in most situations. The package comes with two tools, made from premium stainless steel. The devices feature a four-sided pressure indicator, which displays the PSI in easy-to-read digits. Furthermore, this product also offers readings for PSI, kPa, and bar. The head fits most tires, excluding heavy trucks, and there is a pressure release valve.
What Sets it Apart
The AstroAI Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge is unique because you get two products for the price of one. There are also other packages, with the largest one offering five tools. While the amount of devices you get for the value is excellent, what sets this product apart on its own is the thick valve stem connector. Unlike similar products, there are almost no air leaks.
Things to Consider
A two-pack is excellent, but there is a reason the cost is low. Compared to a product like the Milton S-920, the design is less durable. Stainless steel is excellent, but machined parts and brass are superior.
Who It’s For
The AstroAI Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge is an excellent choice for anyone that works with these tools frequently. For example, if you work in an automotive environment, keeping plenty of tire pressure gauges around is handy. Plus, for the value, getting two or more products is better than one.
Pros
- Comes with 2 or 5 tools
- Thick valve stem for fewer air leaks
- Pressure release valve to reduce air pressure
- Readings for bar, PSI, and kPa
Cons
- Not as durable as a machined stick tire pressure gauge
10. Best Stick-Style Gauge: Milton S-920
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Stick
- PSI: 10-70
- Heads: 1
The Milton S-920 is a great, well-made, pencil tire pressure gauge. The head is designed to fit on vehicles with a tire nozzle of 1/16″. For most passenger cars, motorcycles, and bikes, the head size is a perfect fit. The PSI range is also high enough for low and high-pressure tires, making it well-rounded. Also, while the product is small, the stick with the PSI measurement is easy to read.
What Sets it Apart
The Milton S-920 is unique because of its machined parts. Many of Milton’s competitors use standard features, which come from molds. The process of machining parts is complicated and costly, but it produces a durable tool. Machining means that the device is designed with precision in all areas.
Things to Consider
This product works well for the design. As a traditional pencil-style tool, it works, but it lacks the advanced features that dial and digital products. While this is fine for some, it’s a hindrance for others. Suppose you need a more advanced tool, the TEKTON Digital Tire Gauge. It’s in the same price range but offers additional features.
Who It’s For
The Milton S-920 is an excellent choice for anyone that needs a traditional and straightforward tire pressure gauge. You don’t need to worry about batteries, dials, or any complicated features. While you’ll miss out on things like an LCD screen, you gain reliability in almost any situation. Overall, it’s a great tool to keep in your car.
Pros
- Made with machined parts
- Reliable in all conditions
- Fits in your pocket
Cons
- No flashy features
Everything You Need to Know About Tire Pressure Gauges
Tire pressure gauges are specific products, but there is more than meets the eye. Some products won’t cut it for particular applications or vehicles, so you must have the right tool for the job. To help you narrow down your options, we’ll take you through a few shopping tips.
Shopping Based on Your Vehicle
The best way to determine which tire pressure you need is to consider the vehicle you drive or operate. There are many vehicle classes, but most cars have the same valve, excluding some bicycles and heavy trucks. So, we’re going to take you through a handful of vehicle types and suggest the best tire pressure gauges for that vehicle.
Large Trucks and Agricultural Equipment
We’ll start with large trucks and agricultural equipment. If you drive a large truck, like an RV, you’ll need a tire pressure gauge that handles high pressure. Furthermore, you’ll need a tire pressure gauge with more than one head size. Unfortunately, as tires get larger, the valve you put air in changes in size. So, for larger vehicles, we recommend a product like the AstroAI Heavy Duty Digital Tire Pressure Gauge.
The AstroAI Heavy Duty Digital Tire Pressure Gauge comes with a handful of unique features that make it work for larger vehicles. It has two different head sizes, so you can still use it for passenger cars and bicycles.
Light Trucks and Passenger Cars
If you have a light truck or passenger car, we have good news for you; you have many options. Passenger cars and light trucks have standard tire valves, so you don’t need to worry about needing more than one head. Plus, the PSI rating is typically between 10-60, which is standard for most products.
Still, we recommend the AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge for passenger cars because it’s affordable and straightforward. It fits right in your glove box, works in the dark, and gives you an accurate reading.
If you don’t need anything fancy and prefer to keep a small tool at home, and in your car, the AstroAI Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge is a great choice. You can get a pack of two or five, and they’re simple to use.
Motorcycles and Bicycles
Motorcycles and bicycles are where things get tricky. There are a lot of different tire types and valve sizes, so you need to shop carefully. Plus, the angles you’ll need to fit the tool into can pose a problem for larger tire pressure gauges.
For this reason, we recommend the Topeak SmartGauge. While it works for most vehicles, heavy trucks aside, the PSI range and 360° rotating head make it perfect for motorcycles and bicycles.
How to Check Your Tire Pressure (Tips for Using Tire Pressure Gauges)
Having a tire pressure gauge is a great way to start but using one isn’t always easy. Some products are more complicated than others, which can leave you frustrated if you’re not using it properly.
How to Determine Your Vehicle’s Prime Tire Pressure
Getting a PSI reading is excellent, but if you don’t know what your tire pressure should be, it won’t be of much use. To determine how much pressure your tire needs, check the driver’s side door (for cars) and the owner’s manual (for motorcycles). There will be a few ratings listed, which change based on the temperature.
Stick
The stick tire pressure gauge is the most straightforward tool you can use. For a product like the Milton S-920, simply connect the head of the device to your tire’s valve. Once the tool is connected, a stick at the bottom will shoot out from the handle of the tool. The number closest to the handle is the PSI rating. To reset the device, push the stick back into the handle and repeat the process.
Digital
Digital tire pressure gauges are more complex than stick tire pressure gauges, but the concept is similar. The first step is turning the device on. Most products, like the TEKTON Digital Tire Gauge, have a button next to the LCD screen. Once the device is on, simply connect the nozzle to the valve and make sure you don’t hear any air hissing out.
The good news about digital tire pressure gauges is that they give you a precise reading that’s simple to see. Simply wait until the reading is displayed on the screen and disconnect the nozzle. Also, most products will turn off on their own after you use it.
Dial
Dial tire pressure gauges, like the JACO Elite Tire Pressure Gauge, seem complicated, but they’re easy to use. If the product comes with a hose, simply connect the hose to your tire’s valve. If it doesn’t have a hose, you can connect the head of the tool directly to the tire nozzle.
Once the tool is connected, you’ll notice that the needle will move. Wait until the needle stops moving and take a look at the number it lands on. That’s your PSI rating. You should also know that on most dial tire pressure gauges, you can remove the hose to avoid kinks and get more accurate readings.
Looking for New Tires?
We have you covered! Make sure to check out our manufacturer-specific tire guides by clicking here.
Tire Pressure Gauge FAQ
What Should My Tire Pressure Be?
If you can’t find the information for your vehicle, most modern cars recommend a PSI between 32 and 35 for the winter months. Still, this is a specific rating for each car, so you should always consult your owner’s manual for tire pressure-related questions.
If you need a better way to inflate your tires, make sure to read the rundown of our favorite tire inflators for your garage.
Can I Add More PSI than Recommended?
It might seem like a great idea to get some extra pressure in your tires, but this isn’t the case. If you go over the recommended air pressure, you risk blowing out on the road or popping your tire. If the pressure build-up is too high, you can damage the tire’s tube, which holds the air. Replacing one of those is not cheap.
Do All Tires Have the Same Valve/Nozzle?
Unfortunately, some tires don’t have the same nozzle or valve. The good news is that most tires on passenger cars do, so you don’t need to worry. The only time you’ll need a unique tire pressure gauge is if you have a motorcycle or heavy-duty vehicle. Plus, most motorcycles have the same valve as passenger cars anyway.
Final Words
Tire pressure gauges are a must-have tool. If you’ve noticed that your fuel mileage has decreased or your tire looks a little empty, it’s time to consider a tire pressure gauge. You’ll be able to get an accurate measurement of your tire’s PSI so that you can add or remove air accordingly.
Luckily, tire pressure gauges are affordable items. Even the best tire pressure gauges won’t cost too much, so feel free to experiment with a few tools until you find one that you’re comfortable with!
Source: Tools - autoquarterly.com
