How to Select an Air Pressure Gauge

An air pressure gauge is an automotive device used to measure the air pressure inside a vehicle’s tires. All vehicle manufacturers have a recommended pressure setting at which the vehicle performs optimally. If you maintain the right air pressure inside your tire, you will help improve the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and performance, as well as the life span of your tires.

There is a lot of choice when it comes to buying an air pressure gauge. Prices for these devices can range anywhere from to 0, so you must do your research before setting off to buy one.

The most inexpensive air pressure gauge is the pencil-type tire pressure gauge. These are very easy to use and consist of a stick core that is printed like a ruler, giving away the psi (pounds per square inch) measurement when it is attached to the valve of the tire. These, however, tend to be fairly inaccurate and are not recommended unless you are really short of money.

The most common air pressure gauge is the dial-type gauge. These incorporate a round dial with a needle. When placed against a tire valve, the needle moves to indicate the psi level. This, like the above device, work on analog principles and thus, are fairly inaccurate.

For the best quality, go for a digital tire pressure gauge. As the name suggests, these type of air gauges work on digital principles and thus, are very accurate, with the error range in some models being as low as +-0.05 psi over a range of 5-150 psi. When the device is placed against the tire valve, the correct psi reading is displayed on an LCD screen. For true professionals, or those who care about their vehicles or tires, these digital air gauges are the way to go.

If you want to go for even more convenience, choose a gauge that will read the pressure even as you adjust it. Such a gauge can be connected to the air compressor valve and the tire valve simultaneously and will help you save a ton of time. Highly recommended for professionals or auto enthusiasts.

An air pressure gauge is an essential device in a vehicle owner’s tool box. These fairly cheap tools can help you improve your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency, while saving you  money by increasing your tire’s life span.