Safety should be one of the core focuses of any car owner, and keeping the tires inflated should be a priority. Driving with under-inflated tires means you will build up excess heat on the move, which could cause tire failure.If the air pressure is too little, the tires will wear out and influence the car's handling and braking system. To keep your tires in the best working condition, you need to use one of the best tire pressure gauges out there. But how do you identify the correct tire pressure gauge? Keep reading to find out!
What are the types of tire pressure gauges?
Before you buy a tire gauge, you need to know the different types out there. Note that there are three distinct types of tire gauges, and they are: digital, stick, and dial. Most gauges come with a span between 5 and 99 psi. If you intend to check the tire pressure in a dark environment, use a digital gauge that has a lightened display
Stick type
This gauge has some semblance to a ballpoint pen, and they are compact, simple, and affordable. The challenge with them is that it is tough to interpret, unlike digital gauges.
Stick-type gauges, which somewhat resemble a ballpoint pen, are simple, compact, and affordable, but they are a little harder to interpret than most digital-gauges.
Dial
Dial gauges come with an analog dial that looks like a clock face. It also has a simple needle that shows the pressure. Some of the gauges come with features such as a bleeder valve, extension hose, and shock-resistant dial cover. These features do not mean they are more accurate. Usually, most dial gauges are easy to read, but models with an extension hose often need two hands to operate them. They are also more expensive and bulky.
Digital
These gauges come with an LCD, making them easier to read. Also, they are more resistant to dirt and dust. The drawback with digital gauges is that they are bulkier than stick gauges. Also, batteries are needed, and they will need to get changed.
What should you consider before buying a pressure gauge?
Before you buy a tire pressure gauge, there are a few things you need to be mindful of. Here are some factors to consider.
PSI reading range
You should always ensure that the tire pressure gauge is within your car's tire pressure. Ensure to check the gauge’s maximum tire pressure to be sure it is enough. The majority of vehicles have a maximum of 3 bar tire pressure. But you should check if you have a truck or something with higher pressure.
The weight and design of the unit
Many car owners will opt for the old type of gauge because they are lightweight. Using a meter that has a good grip and is ergonomic, handling won’t be a challenge.
Dimensions
Many of the digital gauges are usually heavier than the dial version. If you are looking to save space in your car, you should consider the gauge’s dimensions.
Manual or digital dial?
With digital gauges, the display is a vital component of the indicator. The display is where you will get the tire pressure reading from. If you find it difficult reading the dial gauges, you should consider getting the digital ones.
Hose length
A hose that is too quick will be pretty restrictive, but a long one may make wearing the unit cumbersome. The ideal length should be between 12 and 17 inches because this gives maximum reach, and it isn't too bulky.
Protective bumper
You need to get a pressure gauge that offers a defensive bumper. Aside from protecting the unit, it also helps to prevent surprises.
Pressure holding
The ideal gauge should be able to hold the pressure. This will help you study and cut down errors while trying to read it before the pressure gets lost.
Air bleeding
A good tire gauge will allow you to bleed air out from the tire, especially if it is overinflated.
PSI increment
Using a gauge with a one psi increment will give better accuracy than one with a five psi increment. Before you buy, check the psi increment of the indicator.
Internal batteries
Some gauges have internal batteries which help power them up. Although many gauges need internal batteries, the battery types may vary. Also, replacing the batteries may be a big challenge when they are depleted.
A guide to checking your tire pressure
Here are some things you should consider while checking your tire pressure.
· Check the tire pressure after your tires have cooled down after being parked for about 3 hours. When your car gets driven, the tire pressure increases.
· Ensure the air pressure is set based on the tire’s information placard, which is on the door jamb.
· Always check the spare tire inflation pressure
· When you are through with the tire gauge, store it in a clean, safe, and accessible location. Grime and dirt can affect the scale slide.
Benefits of using a tire gauge
Here are some reasons why you should use a tire pressure gauge.
They help cut down vehicle strain
Less air pressure in your tires means more strain on them, thus damaging the tires. Also, having excessive tire damage may expose it to air leaks. The worst-case scenario is that you will experience a blowout while going down the road.
Saves fuel
The difference between terrible gas mileage and good fuel economy is tire pressure. The fuel economy gets affected when you are mobbing with low tire pressure. When the car has the wrong pressure, there will be more strain on the wheels. This means your car engine will have to do more work to overcome the inherent friction.
Improved braking performance
Your car breaking and tire pressure are linked. It will take you more distance and time to halt your car with the wrong air pressure. A well-inflated tire will give your vehicle better stopping power and grip.
Improved ride quality
The smoother the car rides, the more you will enjoy your ride. If all the car tires have optimal air pressure, you will experience less strain while driving. The tire determines the height of the car off the pavement.
How much does a tire pressure gauge cost?
The price of tire pressure gauges varies depending on the features and functions. With less than $10, you will get a decent gauge, but you will only get basic functionality. With a budget between $10 and $25, you will get a perfect gauge. The final category costs over $40, and they are the premium quality gauges. They have many functions, such as integration with smart devices and wireless connectivity.
FAQs
Q. How regularly should I check my tire pressure?
This depends on your car model. Most modern cars have an in-built pressure sensor which indicates the pressure level per time.
Q. How do I know the correct gauge to buy?
There are several tire gauge makers out there. To identify the right one, check online reviews and ask for friends’ recommendations.
Q.Will winter temperature affect my tire pressure?
Yes, it will. Temperature changes outside will always affect the pressure of your tire.
Summary
Getting the correct gauge for your tire plays a significant role in determining its life span. Get a gauge that is reliable and will stand the test of time. This guide will help you make the right choice in this regard.