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Will has written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since 2020, logging hundreds of hours researching and testing products ranging from child car seats to torque wrenches. Will is also Certified by Safe Kids Worldwide as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (#T836339). Vacuum Gauges
An accurate and long-lasting analog tire pressure gauge.
A simple yet highly accurate pencil tire pressure gauge.
A trusty and long-lasting tire pressure gauge.
A versatile digital tire pressure gauge with a lifetime warranty.
A heavy-duty analog gauge that can rapidly deflate tires.
Keeping your car’s tires inflated improves your vehicle’s safety and fuel economy. Even if you aren’t a professional mechanic, it’s a shrewd move to have one of the best tire pressure gauges to test your vehicle’s tire pressure, particularly when the seasons change.
When shopping for the best tire pressure gauge, you should prioritize one feature above all others: accuracy. Also important are longevity and your preferred gauge type (digital, analog, or pencil). For this review, we tested several gauges to recommend the best options. Additionally, our team has also tested and reviewed the best tire inflators and portable air compressors .
The best tire pressure gauge is the Joes Racing Products Tire Pressure Gauge. The Milton Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge, the InterComp Glow-In-The-Dark Tire Pressure Gauge, the Jaco ElitePro Tire Pressure Gauge, and the Grit Performance Tire Pressure Gauge round out our picks for the top tire pressure gauges in 2023.
Each tire pressure gauge in this review was thoroughly tested and evaluated based on several categories, including accuracy, longevity, and ease of use. We weighted accuracy scores over other testing categories as we believe it is the most important feature in a tire pressure gauge. You can find more specifics regarding our ratings system here.
The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars. Each tire pressure gauge’s ratings, including their overall ratings and awards from our team, are highlighted below:
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
For those interested in learning more, below are detailed reviews for each of the best tire pressure gauges:
Joes Racing Products offers high-quality car maintenance products. The company’s glow-in-the-dark tire pressure gauge is an accurate and inexpensive option to measure your tire’s psi if you don’t have a gauge.
Here’s how Joes Racing Products Tire Pressure Gauge performed in each category:
Positive reviews often say the gauge is long-lasting and easy to read. Many reviewers also claim that they have personally confirmed the gauge’s accuracy.
Some Joes Racing Products users have mentioned a broken bleeding mechanism, rendering the gauge unusable. While this issue seems pretty uncommon, several users have brought it up. Other customers have expressed frustration that the gauge doesn’t maintain its readout once removed from the tire.
Using the pressure gauge from Joes Racing Products is simple and takes less than a minute. The readout numbers are large and easy to see. When compared to the test vehicle’s TPMS, the Joes gauge showed a pressure reading within approximately 0.5 psi of the vehicle’s reading.
You can also use this air pressure gauge to deflate tires by pressing the button below the readout head.
The Milton Pencil Tire Gauge is portable, convenient, and capable of measuring your tire’s tread depth and tire pressure in psi or kilopascal (kPa). Along with being highly accurate, this gauge is relatively inexpensive. The Milton pencil gauge was simple to use and gave an accurate reading.
Here’s how the Milton Pencil Tire Gauge performed in each category:
Several reviewers say the gauge works efficiently, even after many years of use. A few users say the gauge is inaccurate, and one reviewer mentions buying two Miltons: one that worked and one that didn’t. It seems that a small number of Milton gauges may be defective, although we didn’t personally experience this.
The Milton pencil gauge was simple to use and gave an accurate reading. We found that it confirmed the readout on our test car’s TPMS. The Milton isn’t known for extra features, but its compact size makes it easy to store in your glove box.
We noticed the stick only measures in 2.0-psi increments, though you can estimate the halfway space between hash marks. This gauge may not be the best option if you’re looking for the most granular measure of your car’s tire pressure. Although it’s not made from stainless steel, its nylon/brass build means it is certainly built to last.
Intercomp is a storied and reputable brand known for its highly accurate tire pressure gauges. The Intercomp Glow-In-The-Dark tire pressure gauge is pricier than other options but can be worth it for the quality construction and easy-to-read gauge. This tire pressure gauge was very easy to use and accurate to within 1.0 psi (the margin of error for our test vehicle’s TPMS).
Here’s how the Intercomp Tire Gauge performed in each category:
Few reviews for the Intercomp glow-in-the-dark tire pressure gauge are available on Amazon, but its ratings are strong at 4.1 stars. Other Intercomp analog gauges are highly rated as well. Although this glow-in-the-dark Intercomp is last on our list of the best tire pressure gauges, the company’s reputation carries enough weight for this device to make the cut.
This tire pressure gauge was very easy to use and accurate to within 1.0-psi (the margin of error for our test vehicle’s TPMS). The large face and numbers are easily read, while the air chuck was easy to attach. It should be noted that this tire pressure gauge has one of the largest pressure ranges, or psi range, of the gauges we tested.
The Jaco ElitePro is a reliable and accurate digital tire gauge. It can display air pressure in several units (psi, kPa, and bar), and best of all, it includes a lifetime warranty. It’s clear to see why the Jaco is one of our top picks for the best tire pressure gauge. Given the benefits of the Jaco ElitePro, it could be the last tire pressure gauge you’ll need to buy.
Here’s how the Jaco ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge performed in each category:
Ninety-five percent of reviewers give this gauge at least 4.0 stars. Most users praise the Jaco for accuracy and ease of use, with a few claiming this is one of the best products they’ve ever used. A few people have complained about the slight delay between attaching the Jaco and the pressure readout appearing.
The Jaco includes the required AAA batteries and is ready to use as soon as you open the box. The readout differed from our test vehicle by about 1.5 psi, but this is only 0.5 psi outside the range of error for our test vehicle’s TPMS. Jaco gauges are certified accurate to industrial American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 2A standards.
The interface of the Jaco is intuitive and straightforward. However, the gauge bleeds some air while you hold it in place, and it takes a moment for the screen to update with a measurement of the pressure.
The Grit Performance gauge primarily serves as a tire deflator. This function removes the valve core from the valve stem. However, the accuracy of this gauge doesn’t make it the best option for regular psi checkups. The Grit is exceptionally durable and has a braided hose, a solid brass deflator valve, and a rubber cover protecting the readout.
Here’s how the Grit Performance Tire Pressure Gauge performed in each category:
Positive reviews frequently mention the product’s ability to deflate tires quickly. So, as mentioned, the Grit is a valuable tool if you often go off-roading.
Some negative reviews say the product doesn’t deflate tires quickly, but based on our experience and other customers’ comments, these users may not have adequately attached the Grit to their tire valve. However, we made the same observation as some negative reviewers: The product leaks air while in use.
We managed to get the Grit to work, though it was a little more challenging than the other gauges we tested. It can rapidly deflate tires, with the drawback that it deflates them a bit while it measures. The Grit was the least accurate of the gauges we tested and was off by 3.0 psi. On another note, we were big fans of the dark dial face and the ability to deflate tires.
This tire pressure gauge is best suited for those who often go off-roading, which calls for lower tire pressure in the name of grip and traction.
It bears repeating: Accuracy is the most crucial aspect of a tire pressure gauge. Many commercial models are pretty accurate, but even the best brands can sometimes deliver faulty products. Whichever tire pressure gauge you purchase, check its accuracy by using it. It can be worth buying multiple tire pressure gauges so you can check them against one another.
Tire pressure gauges come in several styles, all of which can be accurate.
Whichever type of gauge you choose, keep in mind that even the best pressure gauge requires calibration after a time, so check it every year or so.
You can take your vehicle to a mechanic or dealership and ask to have your tire pressure measured. Whenever you take your car in for an oil change or tune-up, it’s worth bringing your tire pressure gauge and comparing it against what the mechanic says.
The best tire pressure gauges you need to prioritize accuracy. Low tire pressure is a safety concern and should be addressed immediately. Tire pressure gauges serve as a tool to check tire pressure and are a great product to add to a car emergency kit and the trunk of your vehicle. The best tire pressure gauges will provide accurate results and be simple enough for any driver to use effectively.
Below are our picks for the best car tire pressure gauges in 2023:
Below are some common frequently asked questions about tire pressure gauges:
The Milton pencil was the most accurate tire pressure gauge we tested. Joes Racing Products, Jaco, and Intercomp also offer accurate tire pressure gauges. You can test the accuracy of your gauge by bringing your vehicle to a mechanic and comparing it against their results.
Based on our research, Joes Racing Products, Milton, Jaco, Intercomp, and Grit all offer quality tire pressure gauges. A pencil tire pressure gauge is cheap and effective, but a digital or analog tire pressure gauge also works and may be easier to read.
Stick tire pressure gauges, also known as pencil tire pressure gauges, are quite accurate. We tested the Milton pencil gauge, and its readout was confirmed to the exact psi by the TPMS system in our test vehicle.
Analog and digital tire pressure gauges can both be accurate, and neither is more accurate than the other type as a rule. You can read a digital tire pressure gauge more precisely than an analog gauge. We found that Joes Racing Products and Milton sell some of the most accurate tire pressure gauges.
We tested each tire pressure gauge on a 2018 Ford Fusion equipped with a direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). We took note of how quickly each compressor could inflate a tire, as well as build quality, ease of use, and the quality of any additional attachments. For testing, we timed how long it took for the compressors to raise the tire psi from 30.0 to 40.0 psi.
Our testing vehicle’s TPMS detects tire pressure and displays information as close to 1.0 psi from the actual pressure, giving us an accurate reading for each tire pressure gauge. Each air compressor in this review was rated out of 5.0 stars based on accuracy, ease of use, and product longevity, all of which we evaluated during our testing process.
Our overall ratings are a weighted average of our review categories, giving the most importance to accuracy.
Accuracy is the most critical aspect of a tire pressure gauge. While you don’t need a gauge to be accurate to the nearest tenth of psi, a quality gauge should be accurate within 3.0 psi and ideally within 1.0 psi.
To measure accuracy, we compared the readout of the gauge we were testing to our test vehicle’s TPMS, which is accurate to within 1.0 psi.
Every tire pressure gauge can become less accurate over time, but a quality gauge will remain accurate for several years and beyond. Also, gauges built of durable materials will last longer in the rough-and-tumble environment of your garage.
To determine our longevity scoring, we spent hours combing through customer reviews from buyers who have owned these gauges for long periods. We specifically focused on the updated reviews to take note of potential changes in accuracy and wear as the gauge aged with extended use.
During our research, we wanted to find tire pressure gauges that would be straightforward to use and instantly measure our tire’s psi. Tire pressure gauges that came with a carrying case, different attachments to accommodate various tires, and a glow-in-the-dark readout for low-light situations scored highest in this category.
Every tire pressure gauge we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here .
*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
Will has written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since 2020, logging hundreds of hours researching and testing products ranging from child car seats to torque wrenches. Will is also Certified by Safe Kids Worldwide as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (#T836339).
As a member of both the APA and IMPA, Charles Noyes has devoted himself to creating and refining quality content covering automotive products and accessories, motorcycle products, RV products, and more. As the lead editor serving the product review team, he has personally reviewed, critiqued, and fact-checked over 200 product reviews.
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