Tyre Gauges Test

Which gauge is best for simple psi checks on your tyres? We put 12 to the test.

Auto Express Car Reviews

July 2008

As fuel prices rocket, it has never been so important to check your tyre pressures. If your rubber is as little as 6psi out, you can expect a 10 per cent rise in consumption. And in turn, tyre wear can increase by up to 30 per cent. In addition, low pressures hamper cornering and braking ability. So it makes sense to invest in a gauge.

The digital revolution is taking over, but you can still buy pencil and analogue dial gauges. Our test of 12 units takes in all three types.

The Test

Each gauge was assessed on a tyre at a pressure of 35psi, and dropped from one metre high. We then tested them again to see if they were still accurate. Marks were awarded for build quality, ease of use and number of scales – for example, psi, Kpa and bar. We also looked for useful extras, such as a backlit display, air release function or valve light. Finally, performance and features were balanced against price.

Verdict

Digital gauges complete the top three, with Michelin squeezing ahead of the Ring Digital. The Draper Digital also impressed with its faultless accuracy, but was more basic than our top two.

Direct Car Parts (Racex) 0845 6521442 www.dcp-shop.co.uk
Draper 0238 026 6355 www.draper.co.uk
Halfords (PCL) 0845 762 6625 www.halfords.com
ITC 08449 395910 www.international-tool.co.uk
Machine Mart (Rolson) 0870 770 7800 www.machinemart.co.uk
Michelin 0800 731 4973 www.michelin.co.uk
RaceX 01295 220060 www.racex.com
Ring Automotive 0113 213 7389 www.ringautomotive.co.uk
Speeding (Ring) 0845 230 7071 www.speeding.co.uk
Tools n Stuff (Draper) 0845 299 0149 www.toolsnstuff.co.uk
Ultimate Finish (Michelin) 0845 838 1200 www.theultimatefinish.co.uk