How to buy a quality tire pressure gauge

It is very important to monitor tire pressure. Low tires wear poorly and can adversely affect fuel economy. It also makes them more susceptible to damage - an explosion can ruin any day. You will need a good quality tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in your tires.

There are two main options here - digital or analog. They both have their pros and cons. Digital gauges are easier to read and can be more accurate. Analog sensors are usually cheaper and smaller, which means they are more portable. With that said, you'll find some large analog gauges on the market in the form of dials that aren't that small, so choose your gauge based on how you'll be using it (carrying it in your car's door pocket or for storage). use in your garage, for example).

Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a tire pressure sensor:

accuracy: The most important thing when buying any tire gauge is accuracy. This is where digital wins over analogue. Remember - even a pound or two more or less can affect tire wear and fuel economy.
Ease of readingA: Your gauge should be fairly easy to read at a glance. Digital gauges are definitely easier to read (think of the difference between a digital clock and an older analog clock). Many also have backlit screens so you can easily read them in low light conditions.
Battery lifeA: If you are investing in a digital sensor, you need to consider battery life. All digital instruments use some type of battery (replaceable or rechargeable). Estimated battery life should be listed somewhere on the packaging. Also consider models that offer low battery alerts, battery saver features, automatic shutdown, and more.
Bleeding: Low tire pressure is just one thing to worry about. Your tires may be over-inflated (or you overfilled them when adding air). Consider a pressure gauge with a bleed function as this will allow you to bleed the tire without removing the gauge and see the nominal pressure to stop it when it reaches the correct level.

With the right gauge, you can keep your tires exactly where they need to be, maximizing tire life, fuel economy and more.