Tyre pressure gauge

[FrankC]

What tyre pressure gauge are you using?

Bored reading reviews online about what’s the most accurate, digital vs mechanical etc so thought I’d ask what experiences you guys have had and what kind/make you use. 
Fed up getting mixed results using garage or forecourt tyre inflators, some of which read 5 psi higher than others…

Currently inflating my 175/60/13’s to 26 psi (?) and looking to buy a decent tyre pressure gauge so I can check them more accurately for myself

[quickrack]

I was a tyre fitter for 15 yrs.

In my youth.

Unless you are willing to pay several hundred pounds for an actual calibrated device, the answer is simple.

Buy a mechanical gauge at a carboot, ebay etc.

They are actually quite accurate. 

This or similiar.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/257640017353?_ul=GB&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338990947&toolid=10001&customid=eb%3Ag%3Avms%3Aeb%3Ap%3A257640017353%3B{GCLID}&adtype=pla&loc_interest_ms=&loc_physical_ms=1007901&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt_UBhDMARIsALpnOAxVXmRjFeXTr5tuJ6Vo4jwGIMuEvph9jsXy5g-ra3gHUBM59AZG4RkaAt0vEALw_wcB

[FrankC]

Thanks for the reply. 
most reviews I’ve read mention either expensive ones that need calibrated over time to ensure there accuracy or the other end of the scale , pencil type etc

Just thought I’d ask the question before choosing one at random…

👍🏼

[Miniliteman]

The pencil type gauge as posted by quickrack does not have a good resolution. An analogue gauge is better in my view. You can get a Longacre or Intercomp gauge but they will be expensive. Draper or Sealey sell similar analogue gauges but alot cheaper. Whatever you use always use the same gauge and make sure tyre temps are similar (cold).

[FrankC]

I did look at the Longacre 0-30 psi gauge. Intercomp I hadn’t heard of but seems a similar price to the Blue point one. 
Appreciate the advice…

[accord83]

I use an ancient DCL digital, and a newish Draper analogue, they give matching readings. They should make the ones on electric pumps illegal unless certfied to a calibration, the average punter could be running around bouncing like Tigger on them, I tried one against my set up and it had the tyres 15psi high.

[Rally Pack 2000]

I use a Makita 12v Air Pump that matches batteries with my Drills and things. It has its own digital set and cutout. (Wonder if its accurate?)

[quickrack]

My kid picked up a Temu/alibabba type dial version at the Market and the pencil type gauge shows up to 5 psi differences with it. 😆

 

[quickrack]

28 minutes ago, Rally Pack 2000 said:

I use a Makita 12v Air Pump that matches batteries with my Drills and things. It has its own digital set and cutout. (Wonder if its accurate?)

Even if its not, its probably quite close and more importantly, consistant.

[accord83]

5 hours ago, Rally Pack 2000 said:

I use a Makita 12v Air Pump that matches batteries with my Drills and things. It has its own digital set and cutout. (Wonder if its accurate?)

That's cos you Colonials is welfy, us paupers have to give mouth to Schrader valve resuscitation if we gets a flat tyre!

[Rally Pack 2000]

1 hour ago, accord83 said:

That's cos you Colonials is welfy, us paupers have to give mouth to Schrader valve resuscitation if we gets a flat tyre!

You forget the quality of occupations of those you sent here, 5 finger discount and it didn’t cost much at all really, then 5 quid resell at the car boot!

[BIG G]

This is my tool of choice

[Roman Hordan]

Another vote for a cheap analogue dial gauge. A Draper or Sealey is a good shout. I’ve got a Draper that I checked against an old digital, and they were within a pound or two, which is plenty close enough for road use.

Get one with a sensible range rather than 0-100. For 26 psi, something that tops out around 30 or 40 keeps the needle off the bottom of the scale where it’s hard to read.

Always check cold. Driving heats the air inside and gives a falsely high reading, so check before you go out, or after the car has sat for a few hours. I check every few weeks and before any long run.

Stick to the same gauge every time, like Miniliteman said. Once you’ve got a baseline you trust, you’ll soon know if the forecourt machines are talking rubbish. Also worth double checking that 26 psi against what’s recommended for your tyre and car setup.
https://themobiletyrefitter.co.uk/blog/tyre-pressure-guide-ensuring-safety-efficiency-and-longevity/