Can anyone recommend a high quality tire pressure gauge that's under $100? I was also wondering if I should consider a digital readout or if I should stick with analog. Thanks.
Yep; Get the BMW mechnical one that is sold at the dealership. Got one and love it; plus you get the CCA discount. Photo below:
High Quality Tire Guage I agree the BMW unit is nice...I have seen one in use at the track. That said, the important thing, in my opinion, is that it holds the pressure reading once you remove it from the valve stem. Looking at the unit pictured, you will see a pressure relief valve button, so this one has that. Also, you can find other, non-BMW units on Tire Rack, Racers Edge, Griots Garage, BMP, BavAuto, or a host of others all below $100. I would stay away from the ones that go up to 120psi as the reading is harder to determine than one that goes to say, 60psi. They will work but were actually designed for truck applications that run 90psi+ The digital units are pretty nice as well and will usually go to the 1/2 lb. I have both and the digital unit, with it's back lite display, is much easier to read at night. Either one of these will work. Tire pressure has a huge effect on car handling performance and tire wear so having a nice guage will pay benefits.
I have the Longacre gauge and I absolutely love it. If you are of the age where small numbers can be tough to read (I have to carry reading glasses with me everywhere these days ), then this gauge is a life saver. It's got a big 3-1/2" dial that is SO easy to read, even without my glasses! It also holds pressure until you release it and it has a high volume bleeder that works really well. Just another option for you.
Nice Unit !!! Dan, Very nice unit.... Some do not like the longer whip hose and prefer the shorter fixed all metal shaft. Not me....the one you display offers more access to tighter locations and allows for different and varying valve stem angles. Cheers,
Do you have the part number for this unit handy....I have a track buddy that needs a gift for his birthday....sshhhhh!!! Thanks in advance....
Any warnings about inexpensive digital gauges? Does anyone have experience with inexpensive (modern) digital gauges? I recently bought an Accutire MS-4021B digital tire gauge at Target for $10 and it seems to measure consistently (and hopefully accurately) (It can be calibrated/zeroed). http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detailA.jsp?ID=16&cat=Air Gauges Yeah, yeah, its decidedly uncool compared to a big analog one. About the only complaint people have is that it stays stuck at 28.5 psi, but the instructions don't mention that you're supposed peel off the "28.5" sticker on the display after you put in the battery. So far, I like mine.
