Digital vs. Analog: Which Tire Pressure Gauge Is Best?
Consumer Reports' tire experts break down accuracy, durability, and ease of use to help you find the right gauge for your glove box
It’s important to keep your car’s tires properly inflated to achieve optimal performance, safety, and tread life. Without the proper pressure, tires can wear faster and unevenly, waste fuel, and hurt your vehicle’s handling.
Picking the Best Tire Pressure Gauge
Tire pressure gauges come in three distinct types: stick (or pencil), dial, and digital. Each has its place, with the stick ones being small and inexpensive, making them suitable to keep in each car. Stick vs. digital comes down to the preferred design, the importance of accuracy, and convenience. Bear in mind, anything with an electronic display will have a battery that may one day need to be replaced.
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
Stick Tire Pressure Gauges
Stick gauges (above left) can be hard to read and finicky to use, as our testers found. Among the stick gauges, the Victor 00876-8 stood out for accuracy, durability, and price. These are the cheapest type and can be found for less than $10.
Dial Tire Pressure Gauges
Dial gauges had varied performance in our tests. Some of the cheaper gauges were dinged for poor accuracy, ease of use, or durability. The more premium dial gauges were easy to use, precise, and had large, clear displays. They would be the choice for driving enthusiasts and amateur racers. It is a convenience that regular dials don’t require a battery. The Intercomp 360060 is a standout model, but it is pricier than many alternatives. Expect prices to range from $25 to $100.
Digital Tire Pressure Gauges
Digital gauges are generally very accurate and easy to read, our testers found, particularly those with an illuminated display for reading in dim light—such as in the shadow of a car. Our favorite was an Accutire gauge. Digital gauges run from $7 to $30. Bear in mind, they do need a battery replaced periodically.
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
Tips for Checking Tire Pressure
- Check tire pressure once the tires have cooled to ambient temperature, typically after sitting parked for 3 hours or more. Tire pressure increases when the tire is driven.
- Set air pressure based on the tire information placard, usually found on the driver’s doorjamb, and not to the maximum pressure indicated on the tire’s sidewall.
- Check the inflation pressure of your spare tire.
- Remember that a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) isn’t a maintenance reminder—it’s a system to alert you that one or more tires are significantly low on air pressure and need immediate attention. Just because the TPMS warning light isn’t illuminated, don’t assume your tire pressure has been set correctly.
- Store the tire pressure gauge in a secure, clean, accessible spot. Dirt and grime can affect the scale slide on a stick gauge, and battery life is a concern for digital gauges. Keep a tire pressure gauge in the glove compartment of every car you own.
