Jack Williams

Taking the Measure of your Tire Gauge

Do you own a tire pressure gauge? If you don't, you should. And whether you're buying one, or using the one you already own-when did you last check your tire pressure, anyhow?-you should know about the strengths and weaknesses of the different types of tire pressure gauges.

Tire pressure gauges range in price from as little as one dollar to $150 or more.

The "ballpoint pen" or "stick" style tire gauge, which is what most people are likely to imagine when they think of a tire pressure gauge, typically costs less than five dollars. There's a good chance you'll see some hanging on a peg next to the cash register at your auto parts store. While you can't beat the price, this type of tire pressure gauge is often difficult to read, especially in the dark, and is more subject to inaccuracies than other gauges.

A dial-type gauge with a round face and a needle is easier to read. These start at around five dollars, but advanced models, mostly marketed to amateur racers, include features such as extension hoses and bleeder valves and can cost much more. Some models in the $10-20 range include lighted readouts for night use.

A digital tire gauge ($15-25) is a good choice for most motorists. Roughly the size and shape of an adjustable wrench, these models will quickly display the tire pressure on a small digital readout that faces you as you apply the gauge to the tire nozzle.