The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 11,000 car crashes each year are caused by tire failure. More specifically, it says that underinflated tires are a major cause of failure and that not only can properly inflated tires save your life, you may also see a 3.3% increase in fuel economy.
Most new cars come with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that will warn you if a tire drops below the recommended air pressure. However, if you've got an older car you're going to have to check if you have the correct tire pressures yourself using an air gauge. Remember, your car's tires are the only part of your car that actually touch the ground, so it serves you well to check them regularly.
I've assembled this handy list of Roadshow's favorite tire pressure gauges. These best tire pressure gauge recommendations are based on hands-on experience as well as user ratings at popular e-commerce sites. Keep reading afterward for some more details about the different types of tire pressure gauges and some helpful tips so you'll always be prepared when on the road.
Why do you need a tire pressure gauge?
Properly inflated tires are absolutely essential for achieving optimal fuel economy and a smooth ride. Not enough air in the tires means that more energy is required to push those wheels around, resulting in poor fuel economy. However, inflate them too much and your ride quality suffers. It's also of note that improperly inflated tires could lead to a blowout, and nobody has time for that.
NHTSA recommends checking your tire pressure every month, even if your car has a tire pressure monitoring system. Many systems will not indicate a loss of pressure until it recognizes a severe loss of pressure and fallout of the acceptable pressure range. It says that tires can lose up to one psi each month, so it's important to monitor them on a regular basis for proper tire pressure.
What is the recommended tire pressure for your car?
Usually the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure is listed in pounds per square inch (psi) on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb. Most of the time all four tires run the same psi, but if your car has larger tires in the back, those will naturally take more air. Remember that as your tires move, the air heats up and expands, so it's always best to check to see if they have the correct tire pressure first thing in the morning when they are cold.
Type of tire pressure gauges
These days tire gauges take many different forms. Old-school car tire gauges are shaped like a pencil and have a metering shaft that pops out from the bottom, indicating air pressure. A pencil gauge can be a bit hard to read, as the numbers on the shaft are small and they aren't super-accurate but they are virtually indestructible and highly portable.
Dial gauges are usually small, featuring a face that is about two inches in diameter. Often the dial is backlit so you can easily read it at night. They may or may not feature a length of hose. Dial gauges are more accurate than pencil gauges, but they may not be happy being bounced around in a glove box.
Digital gauges are the most accurate and very easy to read. Most will display air pressure in psi, kPa (kilopascal) or bar (barometric or 100 kPa). Once the tire gauge is pressed on to the valve stem, the gauge can read the pressure in two or three seconds. Digital gauges rely on batteries, so you'll have to keep an eye on power levels.
More on-the-go car care items
In addition to a tire pressure gauge, you should also carry a few emergency items with you at all times. Roadshow recommends carrying a portable jump starter and a first-aid kit at the very least, but it's also a good idea to keep a portable air compressor in your trunk. With all that, you'll never need to call AAA again.
