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The 4 Best Tire Pressure Gauges of 2024

We tested tire pressure gauges from Accutire, Jaco, Milton, AstroAI, and others to find the perfect glove box companion
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Best Tire Gauge Review (Gearing up for testing! We took 30 tire pressures readings on each of these beauties during our accuracy tests. We...)
Gearing up for testing! We took 30 tire pressures readings on each of these beauties during our accuracy tests. We took far more than that during our weeks of testing.
Credit: Clark Tate
By Clark Tate ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Aug 12, 2024

The Best Tire Gauges for 2024


We scoured the tire gauge market before buying and testing 8 of the best options head-to-head. Running the right tire pressure reduces wear and tear, increases fuel efficiency, and offers a smoother ride. To reap these rewards, you need to check your tires at least once a month. An easy-to-use pressure gauge will help you stick to the schedule, but it's hard to know which one will work for you. Our experts pulled out the air compressor and tested the accuracy, ease of use, and durability of these gauges to help. Then we tossed them in glove compartments and toolboxes to try them out in the wild. Keep reading to find an excellent gauge for your needs and budget.

For other useful auto-related tools, we've tested the top-rated jump starters and even products like best radar detectors and dash cams, highlighting our favorite products — as well as which ones just aren't worth your money. You may also want to take a look at a complete lineup of tools for your future home and auto projects.

Editor's Note: We updated our tire gauge review on August 12, 2024, to ensure our lineup is up to date and available for purchase. We also include more specs for the award-winning gauges.

Top 8 Tire Gauges - Test Results

Displaying 1 - 8 (scroll right)
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Digital Gauge
Top Pick Award
Best Heavy-Duty Gauge
Editors' Choice Award
Best Battery-Free Option
   Best Buy Award
Best on a Tight Budget
 
Price $19.00 List$21 List
$20.99 at Amazon
$23 List
$22.90 at Amazon
$35 List
$31.90 at Amazon
$12.00 List
$9.99 at Amazon
$14.00 List
$11.99 at Amazon
$10.00 List
$10.27 at Amazon
$30 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
76
68
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65
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57
46
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Pros Accurate, ergonomic in hand, easy to alignGood for large tires, dual head works for tires with inward valves, great display, built-in flashlightAccurate, sturdy, easy to use, dial glowsPresta and Schrader compatible, compact, durable, contains bleeder valve, works with high pressuresSimple, easy to read and operate, good for night useUser-friendly, easy to read, no batteries necessary, bleeder valve, works in all tempsDurable workhorse, small footprint, works regardless of temperature, no batteries, built-in deflatorGlowing dial, ANSI certified, no batteries necessary, bleeder valve
Cons Lacks a bleeder valve, can be difficult to readLarge footprint, two-handed use, only operates down to 23 degrees F, no pressure releaseBulky, durability concernsNot as accurateEasily misaligned, not as accurate as some, lacks deflation valve, hard to replace batteries, only operates down to 23 degrees FNarrow pressure range, no glow features, durability concernsLess accurate, harder to interpret, limited pressure rangeEasy to accidentally deflate a bit, hose kinks easily, readings are less accurate
Bottom Line Reliable and ergonomic, this pressure gauge is excellent and our overall favorite modelA bright display, accurate and consistent pressure readings across a wide PSI range, and a long length makes this option easy to use and versatileOur favorite battery-free gauge forms an easy seal every timeA sturdy gauge that's easy to hold and read but also easy to misuseLight and straight-forward with a bright display and lit nozzle, this gauge works especially well at nightCompact with an easy to interpret display and build-in bleeder valve, this gauge is a joy to useThis reliable and inexpensive classic gauge easily earns a place in the glove boxA decent dial gauge that falls slightly behind its similar competition
Rating Categories Accutire MS-4021 Di... AstroAI Digital Dua... JACO ElitePro 100 PSI Topeak SmartGauge D2 AstroAI Digital 150... TireTek 0-60 PSI Milton S-921 Pencil... Rhino USA Heavy Dut...
Accuracy (30%)
9.0
5.0
8.0
4.0
6.0
7.0
3.0
4.0
Durability (25%)
8.0
8.0
5.0
8.0
6.0
4.0
10.0
4.0
Ease of Pressure Check (15%)
9.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
8.0
8.0
3.0
Ease of Reading (15%)
5.0
10.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
5.0
8.0
Features (15%)
5.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
6.0
3.0
2.0
5.0
Specs Accutire MS-4021 Di... AstroAI Digital Dua... JACO ElitePro 100 PSI Topeak SmartGauge D2 AstroAI Digital 150... TireTek 0-60 PSI Milton S-921 Pencil... Rhino USA Heavy Dut...
PSI range 5 to 150 0 to 230 0 to 100 0 to 250 0 to 150 0 to 60 0 to 50 0 to 75
Increments 0.5 psi 0.1 1 psi 1 psi 0.1 1 psi PSI in 1-lb. increments and Kilopascal in 10-kPa increments 1 psi
Accuracy Certifications Accuracy +/- (1%+1LSD) - recallibration directions None found Certified ANSI grade B40.1 standard - Performance tested, certified, & calibrated accurate within ANSI Standards (±1.5%) at NIST accredited industrial facility None found None found Calibrated to ANSI B40.1 Grade B (2%) international accuracy standard None found Certified ANSI grade B40.1 standard
Unit Settings 5-150 PSI
0.4 -10.3 BAR
35 -1030 kPa
0.4 - 10.3 Kg/cm
0-230 PSI
0-16 Bar
0-16 Kg/cm2
0-1585 Kpa
PSI 250 PSI
17 bar kg/cm2
0-150PSI
0-10Bar
0-10Kgf/cm² or 0-1000KPA
PSI 0-50 PSI
40-350 kPa
PSI
Operating Temperature 14 to 122F 23 to 122F Reliable down to -10F 0 to 85F 23 to 122F Reliable in all weather conditions Handy in cold temperature weather conditions
Display Type Digital Digital, Green Backlit LCD Analog, 2" glow dial
Pressure hold and reset (readings lock on the dial until the valve on the brass nck is pressed to reset to zero)
Digital LCD Digital, 21 x 10 mm Backlit LCD Display Analog, 2" dial Analog, Built-in deflator pin Analog, 2" glow dial
Power/Rechargable 3 Replacable alkaline LR44 1.5V Coin Cell 2 AAA batteries Yes - expose face to direct ight source for 10 to 15 seconds CR2032 battery Four 3V Lithium coin cell N/A N/A N/A
Battery included Yes Yes N/A Yes Yes N/A N/A N/A
Auto Off Yes Yes in 30-40 sec N/A Yes Yes in 30-40 sec N/A N/A N/A
Size/Dimensions 6.5" x 2.1" 12" x 1.75" 17.25" x 2.52" 4" x 1.8" x 1.4" 5.5" x 1" x 2.25" 4.9" x 2.6" 6" x 0.6" 17.25" x 2.6"
Claimed Weight 0.8 ounces 4.8 ounces 5.6 ounces 2.29 oz 1.76 ounces 5.6 ounces 1.62 ounces 8.2 ounces
Deflator/Bleeder Valve No No Yes - built-in air bleeder valve Yes No Built in relief valve Yes Yes


Best Overall Digital Gauge


Accutire MS-4021 Digital


76
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Accuracy 9.0
  • Durability 8.0
  • Ease of Pressure Check 9.0
  • Ease of Reading 5.0
  • Features 5.0
REASONS TO BUY
Accurate
Ergonomic
Easy to align
REASONS TO AVOID
No bleeder valve
Harder to read
Cycling through units is not intuitive
SPECIFICATIONS
Increments 0.5 psi
PSI range 5 to 150
Accuracy Certifications Accuracy +/- (1%+1LSD) - recallibration directions
Unit Settings 5-150 PSI
0.4 -10.3 BAR
35 -1030 kPa
0.4 - 10.3 Kg/cm
Operating Temperature 14 to 122F
The Accutire MS-4021 Digital didn't win any points for fancy aesthetics, but it gets the job done right more often than any other model we tested and is our overall favorite tire gauge. Its ergonomic shape places the driving force of your thumb in line with the tire valve for a consistently accurate reading. The rubber-coated handle is pleasant to the touch and comfortable for varying hand sizes. The display freezes on your pressure reading, so you don't have to scramble to get a good look at it. The Accutire is accurate to 0.5 PSI, and you can calibrate it at any time. It even works at a lower temperature than most digital gauges, operating in the range of 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Despite being a reasonable size, the digital display can still be hard on the eyes. We usually had to pull it away from the tire and angle the rose-colored LCD toward us to read it. Cycling through device options is also tricky. One must press and hold the “wake up” button below the valve for several seconds. The Accutire is very lightweight, which also makes it seem cheap. And, when it dies, the three alkaline LR44 1.5V coin batteries are somewhat of a pain to switch out. Even with these critiques, this is our favorite gauge we tested and the best option for most folks' glove boxes. If you're shopping for something more cost-effective, the Milton S-921 Pencil Gauge is a worthy consideration. Although not as accurate and lacks a digital display, the Milton is tried and true and will work under all conditions.

tire gauge - the accutire is accurate and easy to use. our main gripe is minor...
The Accutire is accurate and easy to use. Our main gripe is minor, but we do wish it was easier to read the display.
Credit: Clark Tate

Best Battery-Free Option


JACO ElitePro 100 PSI


65
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Accuracy 8.0
  • Durability 5.0
  • Ease of Pressure Check 7.0
  • Ease of Reading 7.0
  • Features 5.0
REASONS TO BUY
Accurate, certified to ANSI standards (±1.5%)
Sturdy
Easy to use
Glow dial
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Some durability concerns
Bulky for many applications
SPECIFICATIONS
Increments 1 psi
PSI range 0 to 100
Accuracy Certifications Certified ANSI grade B40.1 standard - Performance tested, certified, & calibrated accurate within ANSI Standards (±1.5%) at NIST accredited industrial facility
Unit Settings PSI
Operating Temperature Reliable down to -10F
The JACO ElitePro 100 PSI is one of the most accurate tire gauges in our test. We liked its sturdy feel and found it easy to get a good valve seal with this gauge. The 360-degree swivel chuck is deeper than the similar Rhino option, holding the tire valve in place so it's easier to get an accurate reading on the first try. Dial-style gauges also have a few advantages. One is a bleeder valve that shows you how much air you are releasing as you go, and the JACO performs this task well thanks to its secure seal. Another advantage is that these battery-free gauges aren't as affected by cold weather as digital options. The JACO can also glow in the dark for easy night-time readings.

The JACO is well-made, and the “leak-proof” rubber air hose seems durable, as do the brass chuck and connection points. But, while the spiky rubber helps guard this model, dial gauges are less durable by nature. That's worrisome since this gauge is one of the pricier options. The long hose is also bulky, making this a less practical choice for a glove box. If you're looking for an accurate gauge that doesn't require batteries to store in your car, toolbox, or garage, we recommend this one. Another option for those who want a battery-free option on a budget is the TireTek 0-60 PSI. This gauge is simple to use and more compact than the JACO, making it easy to carry and transport in your vehicle.

tire gauge - the jaco requires two hands but creates a consistent seal on the...
The JACO requires two hands but creates a consistent seal on the tire valve, making for accurate pressure readings. It's also a cinch to let a precise amount of air out of your tire.
Credit: Clark Tate

Best on a Tight Budget


Milton S-921 Pencil Gauge


57
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Accuracy 3.0
  • Durability 10.0
  • Ease of Pressure Check 8.0
  • Ease of Reading 5.0
  • Features 2.0
REASONS TO BUY
Hard to kill
No batteries needed
Works in all temperatures
Built-in deflator
Fits nearly anywhere
REASONS TO AVOID
Harder to interpret
Limited pressure range
Less accurate
SPECIFICATIONS
Increments PSI in 1-lb. increments and Kilopascal in 10-kPa increments
PSI range 0 to 50
Accuracy Certifications None found
Unit Settings 0-50 PSI
40-350 kPa
Operating Temperature Handy in cold temperature weather conditions
We will probably always keep one of these classic stick gauges in the car as a backup. The Milton S-921 Pencil Gauge is sturdier than most and made in the USA from plated brass. What these analog gauges have going for them is that they're nearly impossible to break, and their small size lets them slip into even the most overstuffed glove box. With only one moving part and no batteries to drain or freeze in low temperatures, this gauge will work under almost all circumstances. It also has a built-in deflator tab on the back of the gauge, though it won't let you set a specific amount of air to release.

Unfortunately, stick gauges aren't exact, and the Milton is no exception. It was consistently one PSI higher than all the other units we tested. In an emergency, it can give you some idea of what is going on with your tires, but it isn't the tool to pinpoint an exact tire pressure. On the other hand, it offers fool-proof operation at a bargain price and a compact size that fits most space restrictions. If you want more accurate readings without sacrificing durability, take another look at the Accutire MS-4021 Digital. This top-rated gauge provides pinpoint accurate readings and can still fit comfortably in the center console or your vehicle's glove box.

tire gauge - the milton s-921 gauge is a classic for a reason. these...
The Milton S-921 gauge is a classic for a reason. These indestructible standards work in all circumstances. They are just hard to read and usually a PSI or two off.
Credit: Clark Tate

Best Heavy-Duty Gauge


AstroAI Digital Dual Head 230 PSI


68
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Accuracy 5.0
  • Durability 8.0
  • Ease of Pressure Check 5.0
  • Ease of Reading 10.0
  • Features 7.0
REASONS TO BUY
Works well on larger tires
Dual head for truck tires with inward valves
Great display
Built-in flashlight
REASONS TO AVOID
Big for a glove compartment
Works best with two hands
Operating temp 23 to 122 F
Doesn't release pressure
SPECIFICATIONS
Increments 0.1
PSI range 0 to 230
Accuracy Certifications None found
Unit Settings 0-230 PSI
0-16 Bar
0-16 Kg/cm2
0-1585 Kpa
Operating Temperature 23 to 122F
For tires with inward-facing valves or any tire that requires higher pressures, the AstroAI Digital Dual Head 230 PSI tire gauge is a good option. The gauge forms a good seal with the tire valve in both directions, and it's easy to read the bright green backlit LCD screen. Its automatic flashlight can also help you find your tire valve in low light. The stainless-steel chuck is sturdy, and replacing the two AAA batteries is straightforward.

Due to the long gauge, you can operate the device further from the tire valve, but this makes it easier to mess up your alignment, let out excess air, and compromise your pressure reading. It works with practice, but you get better readings and lose less air when using two hands. Also, this is a large device. For longer road trips or cross-country truckers, it could make sense to haul along, but it's a little overkill for most passenger cars. Some of our testers think it is a great option to keep in the shop as a backup. Others were willing to compromise on space to have a sturdy and easily readable gauge with a built-in flashlight. For more accurate readings and battery-free use, the JACO ElitePro 100 PSI offers easy-to-use operation and peace of mind knowing it will function in a wide variety of conditions.

tire gauge - the dual-head on this digital astroai rod is made for inward and...
The dual-head on this digital AstroAI rod is made for inward and outward-facing valves. It works well for both with a sturdy feel, flashlight, and bright, easy-to-read display.
Credit: Clark Tate

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
76
Accutire MS-4021 Digital
Best Overall Digital Gauge
$19
Editors' Choice Award
68
AstroAI Digital Dual Head 230 PSI
Best Heavy-Duty Gauge
$21
Top Pick Award
65
JACO ElitePro 100 PSI
Best Battery-Free Option
$23
Editors' Choice Award
65
Topeak SmartGauge D2
$35
63
AstroAI Digital 150 PSI
$12
61
TireTek 0-60 PSI
$14
57
Milton S-921 Pencil Gauge
Best on a Tight Budget
$10
Best Buy Award
46
Rhino USA Heavy Duty Pressure Gauge
$30

tire gauge - the contenders line up for the competition.
The contenders line up for the competition.
Credit: Clark Tate

How We Test Tire Pressure Gauges


We bought all the gauges, read through their user manuals, and created a test plan to evaluate their relative strengths and weaknesses. We handed them around to our car and motocross-obsessed friends to put decades of expertise to work for you. Throughout our testing, we evaluated their accuracy, assessed their durability, determined how easy they were to use and read, and noted any features contributing to the user experience. From the best glove compartment companion to the most consistently accurate, we tried to narrow down the list to help you keep your tires running smoothly and correctly inflated every time.

Our tire gauge testing is divided across five rating metrics:
  • Accuracy (30% of overall score weighting)
  • Durability (25% weighting)
  • Ease of Pressure Check (15% weighting)
  • Ease of Reading (15% weighting)
  • Features (15% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab


Our lead tire pressure tester, Clark Tate, is a van lifer and mountain biker. She depends on reliable tools that can handle life on the road and is experienced using a tire gauge several times a day to set mountain bikes up for group rides. Clark also pays close attention to the tire pressure on her 1994 4x4 Toyota Hiace when she hits the highway or heads up rocky forest service roads. From dropping tire pressure to cut across Baja's beaches at low tide to tuning the van up for a long road trip, Clark is no stranger to routine tire checks and late-night breakdowns (mostly the van's).

A Kobalt air compressor helped us make quick work of this test.
A Kobalt air compressor helped us make quick work of this test.
We worked our way around all four tires over and over again to...
We worked our way around all four tires over and over again to maximize readings.

Analysis and Test Results


We tested these tire gauges for their accuracy, ease of use, and durability. We used a digital tire inflator to standardize car tire pressures to 35 PSI (pounds per square inch) and then took the pressure ten times with each gauge. We repeated this three times and averaged the readings to assess accuracy and ease of use. Aside from our week of testing, we also compared the various features that each option offers to help you find the best tool for you.

tire gauge - we used an astroai inflator gauge to standardize pressures at 35 psi...
We used an AstroAI inflator gauge to standardize pressures at 35 PSI after every ten readings in our accuracy testing.
Credit: Clark Tate


What's the Best Value?


While these gadgets are generally quite affordable, the gauges we tested still span a broad price spectrum. Our favorite basic budget option is the Milton S-921 Pencil Gauge, which is your standard, foolproof pencil gauge offered at a super affordable price. We think you can't go wrong keeping one of these tucked in your glove compartment. For a wallet-friendly digital option, we recommend the AstroAI Digital 150 PSI, which offers a brightly lit screen and only costs a few bucks more.

Accuracy


Running the right tire pressure is great for your safety, your tires, the environment, and your bottom line. To reap these benefits, you need an accurate tire gauge, and the Accutire MS-4021 Digital model was the best in this test. Its ergonomic shape helped us get a consistent seal, letting very little air escape with each measurement. It most consistently matched the air pressure in our tires (as measured by the pressure gauge built into our air compressor used to inflate to 35 PSI for each test) and includes instructions to recalibrate it from time to time.

tire gauge - the accutire gauge nailed pressures more often than any other gauge...
The Accutire gauge nailed pressures more often than any other gauge. It did so while releasing very little air.
Credit: Clark Tate

The JACO ElitePro and TireTek 0-60 PSI both performed well in our tests. The JACO and TireTek are both certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to ±1.5% and ±2% of their readings, respectively. The Rhino USA gauge also holds an ANSI certification of ±1.5%. While it stayed within that range in our tests, it was less accurate and consistent than the top performers.


The two AstroAI gauges also performed well, with the digital handgun edging out the heavy-duty option. Keep in mind that battery-powered digital gauges like the Accutire have temperature accuracy restrictions. These ranges are wide (in Accutire's case, 14 to 122 degrees F) but worth considering if you live in a super cold climate. Digital gauges also have automatic battery-saving settings that can get annoying when they shut down unexpectedly, losing your reading.

Traditional stick gauges or dial gauges, like the JACO and TireTek, do not have these issues. And while the classic Milton S-921 is consistently one PSI above the tire pressure, it should continue to work for you no matter how cold it gets. The Topeak SmartGauge D2 is accurate if you can get a good seal between the gauge and the valve, but the shallow chuck makes that tricky.

The well-designed chuck on the JACO gauge found a solid seal every...
The well-designed chuck on the JACO gauge found a solid seal every time.
You can easily get a good seal with one hand, and the bright white...
You can easily get a good seal with one hand, and the bright white TireTek gauge is easy to read during the day.
The Jaco (left) and TireTek (right) both sport dial gauges.

Durability


We didn't test these gauges to failure, but our lifetime of pressure gauge experience has taught us that the Milton is unlikely to ever die. The dial gauges, in contrast, might be the first to go (though we've got our fingers crossed for JACO). The digital options are harder to assess, and we suspect their durability might be a bit of a mixed bag. Online consumer reviews back up these generalizations.

tire gauge - the astroai dual head, topeak smartgauge d2, milton, and accutire...
The AstroAI Dual Head, Topeak SmartGauge D2, Milton, and Accutire gauges can all handle some abuse.
Credit: Clark Tate

The heavy-duty AstroAI Dual Head's solid steel chuck gains it a vote of confidence. It held up well to regular tire checks for nonprofessional drivers. The Topeak and Accutire models have replaceable batteries and very little to break. One of our testers has dealt the Topeak gauge specifically years of abuse and has yet to see signs of wear and tear. It should last long enough to justify the reasonable price tag.


The dial gauges have rubber guards to protect them from knocks because they need them. These gauges have delicate moving parts. Of these, the Rhino's braided hose seems like a weak spot. The JACO and TireTek seem poised to fare better.

Ease of Pressure Check


A gauge's accuracy is closely tied to how easy it is to use. If you can line it up consistently with the tire valve, you're less likely to let unnecessary air escape and miss capturing it all with the gauge. The gauges that form the best, most consistent seals were the Accutire, TireTek, and Milton gauges. This is mostly thanks to a deeper well in the chuck that holds the tire's valve stem in line. The JACO has this as well, making it incredibly easy to get a good seal every time, but it's a little more cumbersome since you need both hands to use it — one for the chuck and one for the dial.

tire gauge - the tiretek and jaco chucks on the left have long guideposts that...
The TireTek and JACO chucks on the left have long guideposts that help you align the gauge and the tire valve. The Rhino chuck on the right does not, making it much easier to release air inadvertently.
Credit: Clark Tate

The Accutire shines here. Its awkward-looking right angles make it easy to align visually, and a thumb imprint places the force of your hand directly in line with the valve. Pretty brilliant. The AstroAI Dual Head gauge isn't bad either. It's just so long that it's easy to hit the valve at an incorrect angle if you're holding the rubberized plastic handle. If you grip the metal section with both hands, you can get much more consistent results.


The Rhino and the AstroAI guns seemed to make it harder to check tire pressure consistently. Our frustrations with the Rhino were due to a shallower chuck stem that made it too easy to accidentally let the air out of the tire. The was also the problem with the Topeak, which is otherwise incredibly easy to hold and use.

tire gauge - the shallow chuck on the topeak gauge makes it easy to approach the...
The shallow chuck on the Topeak gauge makes it easy to approach the valve head from the wrong angle. The deep-set JACO is easier to align.
Credit: Clark Tate

Ease of Reading


Some of the tire gauge displays are far easier to interpret than others. The bright green display on the AstroAI Dual Head is the gold standard. You can read that pressure reading from 10 paces away. Its little brother, the AstroAI gun gauge, is a close second, with a glowing blue LCD screen. Both make it easy to cycle through the pressure units by pressing one button.

tire gauge - there's no need to stoop down to read the astroai dual head gauge...
There's no need to stoop down to read the AstroAI Dual Head gauge. This display is dayglow.
Credit: Clark Tate

The bright white TireTek dial, with its sparse 60 PSI tick marks, is also a cinch to interpret. However, it doesn't light up at night like the other two dial gauges. Of course, these only give you a PSI reading, so if you're looking for additional units, you'll need to do some math.


In contrast, this is the only metric where the Accutire suffers. Its display is one of the worst in the test. Some lighting conditions forced us to move around to find the right angle to allow us to read the screen. This metric is also the Milton's Achilles heel. Even if it were always one PSI off, its inexpensive and durable nature would have won the day—if only it weren't so hard to read the thing. Is that 35.5 PSI or 36? The Topeak's large digital display works much better, though it doesn't light up. You'll need a flashlight to use it at night.

tire gauge - the topeak smartgauge d2 digital display is easy to read during the...
The Topeak SmartGauge D2 digital display is easy to read during the day.
Credit: Clark Tate

All the gauges we tested lock on their reading for a time. The dial gauges, for example, hold the reading until you press the pressure release valve, while the Milton stick gauge holds it until you depress the nylon ruler. The digital gauges continue to display their readings until they automatically shut off after 20 to 40 seconds. This saves their batteries but could force you to retake the reading if you get distracted.

Features


When it comes to features, it's mostly a choice between the measurable pressure relief valves on the dial gauges and the flashlights and illuminated displays of the digital models, with a few notable exceptions.


The digital Topeak includes a bleeder valve. You do need to remember to press the tune button so it can track how much air you release, and then press it again when you're done so that the regular readings are accurate. The Milton stick gauge also has a built-in deflator. Just flip the chuck around and use the knob on the back to depress the valve stem. But it won't let you measure how much air you're releasing like you can with a dial gauge.

tire gauge - the jaco and rhino gauges glow in the dark, a thoughtful feature...
The JACO and Rhino gauges glow in the dark, a thoughtful feature that we appreciated.
Credit: Clark Tate

The AstroAI models include flashlights to help you find your valve stem at night, and the JACO and Rhino dials light up in the dark.

tire gauge - now it's time to grab your buddies and head out on a road trip.
Now it's time to grab your buddies and head out on a road trip.
Credit: Clark Tate

Conclusion


Hopefully, this review helped you find your next road trip companion. These products aren't costly, but you can reduce your frustration and save time and money by finding the one that suits your needs. If you are interested, we have even more recommendations on the best tool sets to keep your life running smoothly. Cheers to rolling through life with the perfect tire pressure.

Clark Tate