Keep Tabs on Your Tires: Our Favorite Tire Pressure Gauges of 2024

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It might seem like a simple task, but ensuring your vehicle's tires are properly inflated is critical for safety, fuel efficiency, and optimizing tire life. With the plethora of tire pressure gauges available, it can be daunting to select the right one.

From analog to digital models, each type offers its unique advantages. This tire pressure monitor roundup aims to simplify the process, highlighting those that cater to a range of needs and preferences, ensuring your tires are always at their optimal pressure.

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Things to Consider

Tire pressure gauges come in all sorts of styles, and everyone has their favorite. Here are some things to think about before you buy one. Also consider picking up a portable tire inflator to stash in your trunk or cargo hold—find our test of the top portable inflators here.

Accuracy

Look for gauges known for their precision. For reputable models, the manufacturer will usually list a spec—commonly a percentage or psi delta—indicating the accuracy of the unit.

Ease of Use

Consider features like glow-in-the-dark dials, backlit digital displays, and swivel chucks for easier reading and more intuitive connections to the tire valve.

Durability

Choose a tire gauge with robust construction. Models with brass components and leakproof braided hoses are generally regarded as higher quality.

Type of Gauge

Your preference might depend on use-case scenarios—digital gauges are excellent for precise, easy readings, while stick gauges are simple and usually much more compact and portable (although some digital monitors are getting very small).

Additional Features

Some gauges have features like deflation valves, pressure release buttons, or the ability to measure in multiple units (psi, Bar, kPa). If any of these features sound of use to you, be sure to get a model that aligns with your needs/wants.

Ready to shop for tire pressure gauges? Here are some of our favorites.

The Best Tire Pressure Gauges

ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Jaco's ElitePro is a staple in the Car and Driver garage, and it's no surprise why: It's accurate, easy to use, and can take a beating in year after year of near-daily use. This digital model from Jaco measures from 0 to 200 psi, with a resolution of 0.1 psi (meaning the gauge will show you the psi measurement at 0.1 increments on the display).

The unit is constructed of brass components and a 10-inch steel-braided cable wrapped in a rubber coating for longevity. A 360-degree air chuck on the end makes it easy to secure to even the most inconvenient valves, and its bright 2.5-inch LCD screen makes it easy to see the readings in any environment. Readings are locked on the display until the "On" button is pressed again to ensure you don't accidentally lose a reading if the chuck disconnects from the valve at any point.

A built-in bleeder button is great for getting precise pressures, and the ability to switch between psi, Bar, kPa, and kg/cm2 means you shouldn't have any problems finding the exact unit you need.

MS-4021B Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

If you want a handheld digital gauge to stash in the glovebox, the Accutire MS-4021B is a fantastic option. It's not all that much larger than a pen-style gauge, features a backlit LCD screen, and can display pressure in psi, Bar, kPa, and kg/cm2. The unit has a resolution of 0.5 psi, can measure between 5 and 150 psi, and runs for what seems like an eternity off three standard LR44 1.5-volt cell batteries.

In addition to the Jaco above, we've used the previous version of this particular unit in our garages for years, and it's still kicking, delivering accurate results time and time again. And considering the price, it's a no-brainer if you want to keep things compact.

32317 Tire Pressure Gauge

Joes Racing store is a staple for shops and pit lanes around the world, and it's clear why: This analog tire pressure gauge has everything you need and nothing you don't, all in a robust frame that can take a beating and keep on reading. The unit is constructed of rubber and steel, with brass connections.

It's made here in the United States and measures psi from zero to 60, with a very clear display and large markings for easily seeing the pressures at a glance without needing a magnifying glass. The unit also has a built-in release valve so you can dial in the pressures as needed for when you purposely overinflate by a few psi.

Tire Pressure Gauge

If you're looking for the best in the business, look no further than the Intercomp 360045 Tire Pressure Gauge. Intercomp specializes in manufacturing hyper-accurate gauges for industrial and performance applications, and this unit is no exception.

This particular model features a basic half-inch backlit LCD screen but is incredibly accurate, with the ability to read from zero to 99.99 psi with a resolution of just 0.01 psi—10 times more accurate than our top Jaco pick above. It features a thumb-operated dual bleeder, comes with a dedicated carrying case, and has brass connections with a 22-inch rubberized hose. It's not cheap, but it's used in pit lanes around the world and trusted by mechanics at all levels—well worth the splurge if you can afford it.

FlowPro Digital Tire Inflator with Pressure Gauge

The Jaco FlowPro is similar to the ElitePro but features an input connector so the gauge can act as a pass-through measuring tool. Unlike the ElitePro, which is meant to measure already inflated tires, the FlowPro goes between the air compressor and tire so you can measure the psi (5 to 200) and add air as needed using the integrated release lever with a resolution of 0.5 psi.

Like its ElitePro counterpart, the FlowPro is calibrated to ANSI 1A standards, ensuring accuracy of +/-1 percent. Other features include a backlit LCD screen, a steel-braided air hose, and Jaco's patented Lightning Chuck for secure attachment and quick release. The unit comes with a lifetime warranty and runs on a pair of AAA batteries.

S-921 Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge

Sometimes all you need is a simple tool for a simple job. That's where the Milton S-921 Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge comes in. This compact tool is minimal in design but relatively mighty in features. It's constructed of plated brass, measures psi (5 to 50) and kPa (40 to 350), and has a built-in deflator if you need to let a little air out to dial in your pressures.

If you need a little more range at the top end for higher pressures, Milton also makes the S-920, which has higher psi (10 to 70) and kPa (60 to 500) ranges.

FAQs

What types of tire pressure gauges are available?

There are three main types: digital, which displays the pressure on an LCD screen; analog, which uses a dial to indicate pressure; and the traditional stick type, which extends a measured rod to indicate pressure.

How do I use a tire pressure gauge?

Simply remove the cap from your tire's valve stem, press the gauge firmly onto the stem, and read the pressure. The process might vary slightly depending on the gauge you use, but the premise is more or less the same across the board.

What is the ideal tire pressure?

Ideal pressure varies by vehicle and tire type. It's typically listed on a sticker inside the driver's doorjamb or in the vehicle's manual.

Are tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) reliable?

These systems provide a convenient way to monitor tire pressure, but they can be off a bit, depending on several factors. So it's in your best interest to use a separate tire pressure gauge to, at the very least, ensure your TPMS is giving the same results as the handheld gauge as a second data point.

Analog vs. digital tire pressure gauges: Which is better?

The choice between analog and digital gauges comes down to personal preference. Digital gauges are generally more accurate and easier to read, especially in low-light conditions. Analog gauges are durable and don't require batteries.

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