The Best Tire Pressure Gauges

Purchase a tire pressure gauge to help maintain the pressure in your tires and increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Written by Talullah Blanco
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
background
A tire pressure gauge will help you maintain the pressure in your tires, which reduces wear and tear and increases your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
To get the most out of your tires you should check your tire pressure at least once a month. With such frequent service, a tire pressure gauge is an affordable tool every car owner should have in their glove compartment.
That’s why the
car insurance
super app
Jerry
has compiled everything you need to know about checking your tire pressure and purchasing the best tire pressure gauge. 

What to look for in a tire pressure gauge

Tiretek tire gauge
When you are purchasing a tire pressure gauge, you should look at the maximum psi range and the accuracy at which it measures air pressure.
Look for a gauge that works within the psi range of your tires or the tires you’ll be using the gauge on. Tire gauges work best in the middle of their range, so if you run 15 psi in your tires, get a 30 PSI gauge.
You should also consider psi increments which will determine the reading accuracy. Gauges with finer increments will read the tire pressure more accurately. 
MORE: How to read a tire
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings

Different types of tire pressure gauges

There are three types of tire gauges: stick, digital, and dial. Each gauge will determine the pressure in your tires, but it's important to understand the difference between each type of gauge available. 

Stick

Milton S-921 Pencil Gauge
The stick or pencil gauge is compact and affordable. The downside? It has a limited pressure range and does not provide an exact reading.
This gauge uses a spring and piston which allows the atmospheric and tire pressure to push against each other. The tire pressure is displayed on the white measuring stick.
The
Milton S-921 Pencil Gauge
is a great backup option to keep in your glove compartment or on a road trip and need a tire pressure gauge on the fly. You can purchase the Milton for less than $10 at any gas station or online. 

Digital

Red digital tire pressure gauge.
This gauge uses a digital sensor to read the air pressure and displays it on an LED screen, making it accurate and easy to read. However, the digital tire pressure gauge is battery-operated and subject to wear and tear over the years.
If you want a digital tire gauge that is reliable and includes a lifetime warranty, the
Jaco ElitePro
could be the first and last pressure gauge you’ll ever buy. You can purchase the ElitePro pressure gauge online for less than $30.

Dial

Black dial tire pressure gauge.
The dial or analog pressure gauge looks like a clock face, but the needle indicates the air pressure instead of the time. This gauge may include a bleeder valve or extension hose. Additional features can make it bulkier than other gauges and may require two hands to operate.
The
Intercomp Tire Pressure Gauge
has a glow-in-the-dark face, is easy to use, and can be purchased online, but at $66, it is a pricier option. The
Jaco Elite Tire Pressure Gauge
is pocket-sized and only costs $18 online. 
Key Takeaway Each type of tire gauge will read your air pressure, but some are less accurate than others.

How and when to check your tire pressure   

Whichever type of pressure gauge you decide to purchase, you’ll need to know how and when you should check your tire pressure.
Check the sticker inside the driver’s door of your vehicle to find out your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure then follow these steps to check your tire pressure:
  • Remove the cap from the air valve
  • Press the tire gauge against the valve stem
  • Read the air pressure gauge
  • Compare the number to the recommended tire pressure
  • Use an air compressor to inflate your tires to the recommended pressure
You should check your tire pressure once a month, using the same tire gauge to ensure accurate readings and extend the lifespan of your tire. 
Key Takeaway Adhere to the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle to prevent over or under inflation of your tires and maintain fuel efficiency.
kemper logo
Rating
Jerry Rating
See rates
nationwide logo
Rating
Jerry Rating
See rates
progressive logo
Rating
Jerry Rating
See rates
travelers logo
Rating
Jerry Rating
See rates

How to find cheap car insurance

Regular car maintenance can be expensive, especially if you don’t have the right insurance policy. Jerry is the easiest and most effective way to find a
car insurance
policy that is customized for you.
After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They even help cancel your old policy! So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?
“This app is all about savings!
Jerry
just saved me $193/month on my car insurance. They literally found me the cheapest policies out there and with better coverage! Seriously, just sit back and watch Jerry work its magic.” —Rachel B.

FAQ

Digital tire pressure gauges are the most accurate and user-friendly. The gauge can read the tire pressure in two to three seconds and will display the air pressure in PSI.
Save an average of 18% by bundling your home and auto insurance
Bundle your home and auto insurance with Jerry and save!
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings