The 5 Best Tire Pressure Gauges
The 5 Best Tire Pressure Gauges
Whether you’re a daily commuter, a track day fanatic, or an overland adventurer, tire pressure is extremely important. You’ve likely heard the phrase “take care of your vehicle and it will take care of you,” from your mechanic. And they’re right. Improperly inflated tires (that have either too much air or not enough) can wear more quickly, lower your fuel efficiency, and impede the ride quality and handling of your vehicle. While most quick-change tire shops will give you a cheap pencil-style gauge as a party favor, we’ve selected five proper gauges that will vastly improve your next air-up or air-down.
1) ARB ARB601 Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
ARB
amazon.com
While the ARB601 is the most expensive unit by a considerable margin, it brings the functionality to back it up. Unlike any of the other gauges, this one can inflate, deflate, and check tire pressures. Bonus: The backlit LCD screen will be easy to read at any time of the day in various levels of light.
2) ARB ARB505 E-Z Deflator Kit Tire Pressure Gauge
ARB
amazon.com
ARB has a tremendous off-road pedigree, arming enthusiasts with bullet-proof gear since 1975. This unit is no exception, with a bronze Bourdon gauge, a braided steel hose, and solid-brass construction. The chuck on the ARB505 can also temporarily remove the valve core, allowing for much faster air-down times.
3) Jaco Elite Digital Series Tire Pressure Gauge
JACO Superior Products
amazon.com
This Jaco tire pressure gauge presents great value for the relatively expansive list of features it offers. Along with its backlit digital display, the Elite features a 360-degree adjustable chuck–including a rapid air bleeder–that can rotate for optimal contact with the valve stem. All of the fittings feature solid-brass construction, and the body of the gauge is reinforced using a rubberized shield. While the digital display is a great addition, it runs on two AAA batteries, so be sure to keep them fresh lest you’re left with no reading when you need it the most.
4) Viair 00032 Air Down Gauge
VIAIR
amazon.com
While Viair is best known for its top-notch air compressors, this gauge-deflator combo from the industry giant shares the same fit and finish. It isn’t the fastest to deflate, but the twist-on chuck eliminates any guesswork when connecting to the valve stem.
5) AstroAI 60-PSI Tire Pressure Gauge
AstroAI
amazon.com
While this gauge is the most affordable here, it isn’t lacking very many features. The chuck features the same 360-degree swivel and rapid-air bleeder as the Jaco, and all of the fittings are also made of solid brass. Sure, it does have an analog dial instead of a digital display, which many would argue is a downgrade. But it eliminates the worst-case scenario of batteries going dead.
Take care of your vehicle, and it will take care of you.