Expert Advice for Checking Tire Pressure with a Gauge

Ensuring proper tire pressure is essential for safety, maximizing tire life, and maintaining fuel efficiency. Just looking at a tire or kicking it doesn’t reveal much. For example, a tire requiring 32 pounds of pressure can look fine with as little as 16 pounds per square inch (PSI).

Unfortunately, tire pressure is often neglected until a warning light appears on the dash or you suddenly notice that the vehicle is handling differently. Don’t wait for that to happen.

Tire pressure monitor systems (TPMS) are mandated on new vehicles. Nonetheless, you should use a gauge to check your tire pressure regularly. It’s possible to discover that the TPMS is inaccurate or has entirely stopped working. Besides, many older vehicles don’t come equipped with tire pressure monitoring sensors.

Why Is Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure Important?

JACO deluxe analog tire pressure gauge with bleeder valve

Underinflated tires can overheat and wear out more quickly. In addition, the sidewall of an underinflated low-profile tire is prone to blowing out during inflation. Therefore, proper inflation is critical for all tires, even the spare.

Professional tuners often report that adjusting tire pressure before a tune-up can change a consumer’s perception regarding handling. For example, drivers will say that the car accelerates and handles better after a tune-up when the more significant factor might have been correcting the tire pressure.

How Does a Tire Pressure Gauge Work?

eBay has a wide selection of tire pressure gauges. Some gauges have a stem that extends when the pressure is tested, with graduated numbers providing pressure readings. Other gauges have a digital readout.

Traditional Milton tire pressure gauge with dual head chuck

To check tire pressure, remove the valve stem cap from the tire and press the open face of the gauge head against the tire valve stem. Check the air pressure when the tires are cold for the most accurate reading. When tires are hot, the pressure readings will be higher.

Auto Meter analog tire pressure gauge with peak and hold

Take the reading, and compare it to the recommended pressure. You can find the recommended pressure for your vehicle’s tire on a decal inside the driver’s side door jamb, a sticker inside the glovebox, or the owner’s manual.

It’s better not to rely on the numbers on the tire sidewall. The goal is to use the correct pressure for your vehicle, not the maximum pressure allowed for the tire. Overinflated tires wear out in the tread’s center.

The gauge head is designed to depress the valve core while sealing around it to minimize air loss while checking the pressure. If there’s too much pressure, release air by using the back side of the gauge head, which typically has a protrusion for depressing the valve core.

Some portable consumer-grade electric tire inflators have a built-in gauge. However, double-check tire pressure with a handheld gauge after inflating a tire.

What Is the Best Tire Pressure Gauge?

A high-quality gauge costs slightly more than an unreliable one. In other words, a $1 gauge will likely not be as accurate as one that costs $5 to $10.

The best tire pressure gauges typically have a dial and a needle. Digital gauges also provide accurate readings and a straightforward way to see the PSI quickly. In addition, some digital tire pressure gauges have backlit readouts for viewing late at night, and others may have built-in flashlights and serve as a multi-tool on the side of the road. Regardless, a good pocket gauge will do the job if you’re checking the pressure regularly, as recommended.

JACO FlowPro digital tire Inflator with pressure gauge

Of course, there are more expensive units, including ones that automatically air up the tire while you wait and watch. Some are rechargeable, so you can plug them into your lighter. You can set the pressure you want for these units, step back, fold your arms, and watch while the inflator does the work.

Upgrading might be a good idea if you travel a lot or have more than two cars.

But remember, if you drop your tire pressure gauge, replace it, no matter what. The impact can throw off the readings, even if there’s no visible damage to the gauge.