It is easy to write tyre pressure gauges off as a gimmicky item that isn’t really necessary. But alongside the best tyres, it is one of the motoring accessories that we most strongly recommend you invest in.
Studies from a range of sources including government agencies, tyre companies, and consumer magazines all vary in their conclusions regarding exactly how much underinflated tyres affect fuel consumption. Their results ended up ranging from a 0.2% increase in fuel consumption per psi to two percent per psi. That’s quite a discrepancy, and a good reason why we’ve picked out the best tyre pressure gauges.
But irrespective of the specific figures, all these studies show that underinflated tyres do affect fuel economy for the worse. However, under- and overinflated tyres can have far more severe consequences than this. The consequences could lead to a situation where you might be needing tyre sealant.
The best tyre pressure gauges at a glance:
Editor’s pick: AA Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge – buy from Amazon.
Best simple gauge: Draper Tyre Pressure Gauge – buy from Amazon.
Best simple digital gauge: AstroAI Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge 230PSI – buy from Amazon.
Over inflated tyres run the risk of losing some of their traction because the tread and sidewall become harder than what they should be, and therefore the contact patch with the road gets smaller. Underinflated tyres can make a car’s handling less predictable, especially at higher speeds. Even if they’re the best winter tyres, underinflated tyres are also at much higher risk of a blowout. If the sidewall has more give than it should, the contact area with the road increases, friction increases, and the tyre heats up. Overheating, causing wear and tread separation can subsequently result in a blowout. These reasons are all convincing enough to get yourself a tyre pressure gauge.
The best tyre pressure gauges
Editor's pick
AA’s Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge is superb. Crucially, it’s accurate – the ring properly seals over the valve so you get a true reading, which can be in bar or psi (up to 6.5 or 100 respectively). There’s a small light around the nozzle and the screen is backlit so you can use it at night too.
Pros
- Great value
- Easy to use
Cons
- Automatically turns off every 30-90 seconds, which can potentially be annoying
Best analogue tyre pressure gauge
Rrp: £8.75
Rrp: £8.75
This gauge only reads between 6 and 50 psi but that’s what you need for most circumstances.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Analogue reliability
Cons
- You do have to squint to see the readings
Best high tech tyre pressure gauge
This set is our recommendation. It’s very simple to install and gives reliable, accurate readings. Each sensor is for a specific wheel, i.e. left front, rear right etc. These four sensors screw onto the tyre valve stem and secured in place using the locknut tool provided. Pressure readings are then sent via a wireless signal to the display the plugs into the cigarette lighter.
This tyre pressure monitoring system reads in both bar and psi and each sensor uses a 3V CR1632 battery.
Pros
- Easy to install
- One sensor for each tyre
Cons
- Slight overkill for some
Best simple tyre pressure gauge
It has a satisfying button to reset the dial when you need to move onto the next tyre. Pressing one of these things feels as great as winding up an old swiss watch, and it's great value too.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lovely, big dial
Cons
- The reading on a dial gauge won't be as easy to read as a digital one
Most comprehensive tyre pressure monitor kit
Rrp: £27.99
Rrp: £27.99
To inflate the tyres, you will need a compressor. However, it ranges up to 250PSI which is a huge amount for any vehicle. The tools included suit anything from bicycles to trucks, so you won't be left wanting for more.
Pros
- Comes with a tonne of extras
- Very easy to use
Cons
- Inflator aspect only compatible with a compressor
Best simple digital tyre pressure gauge
Rrp: £17.99
Rrp: £17.99
The flashlight isn't as bright as it could be, but it still provides great visibility when the lighting becomes a bit dim. Even more surprising than anything else is the fact it measures up to 230PSI.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Gives an accurate reading
Cons
- The light isn't that bright
What to consider with tyre pressure gauges
Because they’re such simple devices, it really depends on your personal preference. The analogue tyre pressure gauges that Draper offer are similar to those from the 1960s or 70s. So, if you’re an evangelist for analogue devices, they’ll be the ones for you. However, the accuracy of the digital dials will out-trump the analogues for many people. But some will require an air compressor in order to operate fully.
The next big thing regarding tyre pressure gauges should be concerning your tyres themselves. Your vehicle’s handbook will always have the stated tyre pressures that should be on the front and rear wheels. Usually, the higher tyre pressures are accustomed to the drive wheels of your vehicle. Very rarely will a vehicle require the same pressures all-round. It’s also essential to keep an eye on your tread depths, but thankfully, tyre tread depth monitors are just the tool for that job.
Thirdly, always remember to take a reading when the tyres are cold. After you’ve driven your vehicle, the tyres warm up and this expands the air inside the tyre. This inevitably, will give you an inaccurate reading when you go to stick the pressure gauge and your digital tyre inflator in.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.
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