TOP 10 pressure gauges for measuring tire pressure: rating of the best + recommendations on how to choose a pressure gauge

In vehicles without TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) for preventive purposes at least once a week and before long trips, as well as when pulling the car to the side on a flat road, it is necessary check tire pressure. To notice a significant deviation from the norm, there is no point in buying a professional pressure gauge - a device is enough to measure the pressure in the tires of a car with an accuracy of 0.1 atm and measurement limit 5 atm. Options such as a backlight and a pressure relief valve (deflator) may be useful.

In this article we will tell you how to choose a good car pressure gauge, we will analyze in detail what the pros and cons of specific models are and, based on the results, we will make a rating of digital and analog pressure gauges for measuring the pressure in car tires.

TOP 10 best car pressure gauges

Photo	Name	Rating	Price
TOP 5 analog pressure gauges
#1		Berkut ADG-031	⭐ 99 / 100 3 - votes	Find out the price
#2	Read also: Video of replacing rubber on frame wipers. How to change rubber bands on frameless wipers: video instructions and advice from professionals	Metabo RF 60	⭐ 98 / 100 2 - votes	Find out the price
#3		Airline APR-M-03	⭐ 97 / 100 2 - votes	Find out the price
#4		ZiPower PM4276N	⭐ 96 / 100 2 - votes	Find out the price
#5		Daewoo DWM5	⭐ 95 / 100 1 - voice	Find out the price
TOP 5 electronic pressure gauges
#1		Wester MTG-100	⭐ 99 / 100 5 — votes	Find out the price
#2		Daewoo DWM7	⭐ 98 / 100 9 — votes	Find out the price
#3		Berkut Digital PRO	⭐ 97 / 100	Find out the price
#4		Airline APR-MD-06	⭐ 96 / 100 5 — votes	Find out the price
#5	Read also: How to remove a dent on a car bumper yourself	Jock M10	⭐ 95 / 100 1 - voice	Find out the price

Which pressure gauge would you choose or recommend?
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The best manufacturers

At the moment, the Russian market can offer you a choice of high-quality pressure gauges from the following manufacturers:

The German concern BMW supplies the market with mechanical and electronic pressure gauges that are distinguished by their quality, accuracy of readings and long-term operation without deterioration;
The Chinese manufacturer supplies the consumer market with budget CARPOINT pressure gauges, which are simple and easy to use;
The model of the Russian modification Digital MAX, due to its principle of operation, wide functionality (with a unique function of storing information from previously carried out measurements) and ease of use, is in high demand among both ordinary people and specialists.

TOP 5 analog pressure gauges

No. 5 – Daewoo DWM5

Daewoo DWM5
A very cheap pocket pressure gauge, which is chosen precisely because of its price and small size. The device is of the analog type, which means it has a scale with an arrow. The minimum measured value is 0.69 bar and the maximum is 6.21 bar. The device can operate at temperatures no higher than 50 degrees. The cost is about 150 rubles.

The device is compact and lightweight, weighs just over 50 g, has a reset button, and is also equipped with a pressure release valve. Unfortunately, its build quality is not the best, and it is also very easy to buy a defective product.

pros

cheap
easy to use
there is a valve for bleeding air
light and compact
accurate scale

Minuses

poor build quality
you can easily run into marriage

Prices for Daewoo DWM5 pressure gauge

Daewoo DWM5

No. 4 - ZiPower PM4276N

ZiPower PM4276N
This device is even cheaper than the previous one. Prices for it start from 135 rubles. The model is small, 15 cm long and weighing about 390 g, reliable and can be used to control the pressure in the tires of a car, stroller or bicycle. It is very easy to use, the device works effectively in any temperature conditions. The measurement range varies between 0.5-7.5 atmospheres.

To quickly relieve tire pressure, the device has a special valve. There are two scales for taking readings - psi and kg/cm². By the way, it is easy to read information from the scale, although it is not large in size. The main disadvantage is the low accuracy of the device (the error can be 0.2 bar).

pros

low cost
small sizes
informative scale
good measuring range
pressure relief valve

Minuses

low accuracy

Prices for pressure gauge ZiPower PM4276N

ZiPower PM4276N

No. 3 - Airline APR-M-03

Airline APR-M-03
Analog pressure gauge, which is more expensive than the models listed above, but is highly reliable and can measure pressure up to 10 bar. The device is intended for use in car repair shops.

The cost of this device is 650 rubles. He can easily be classified as a professional model. It features high measurement accuracy within 0-10 bar, is easy to use, and has a convenient adapter attachment. By the way, the device can record the measurements taken, which makes working with it even easier. The case is metal, small in size.

pros

suitable for car service
accurate
wide range of indicators
metal case
small sizes
quite accurate

Minuses

not the cheapest

Prices for pressure gauge Airline APR-M-03

Airline APR-M-03

No. 2 - Metabo RF 60

Metabo RF 60
Powerful analog pressure gauge gun, which is used in conjunction with a tire inflation pump. This is not just a device for measuring pressure.

This device costs almost 1,700 rubles. It is capable of recording pressure readings at levels up to 12 atm. The length of the hose is 35 cm. The weight of the device is 450 g. The kit includes special nipples for inflating various objects, including a needle for balls.

If we talk specifically about a pressure gauge, then with its help it is quite possible to measure tire pressure. It is very accurate, convenient and easy to use, and has several attachments. Manufactured in Germany. Suitable for trucks and passenger cars.

pros

German quality
compatible with pumps
high accuracy
ease of use
many attachments
pressure relief valve

Minuses

not the cheapest

Prices for pressure gauge Metabo RF 60

Metabo RF 60

No. 1 - Berkut ADG-031

Berkut ADG-031
The classic Taiwanese-made Berkut pressure gauge is chosen by many for its reliability, optimal cost and ease of use. The cost of this device starts from 1200 rubles. And she's not as tall as she seems. It's all about its high quality.

The maximum value that this option can record is 2.5 bar. Along with the pressure gauge, the manufacturer also gives away a small bag-case. The device is well fixed on the wheel nipple, has a deflator to bleed off excess air, and has good build quality. Users report that Berkut has no shortcomings, with the exception of a low maximum pressure recording rate.

pros

bag included
comfortable
pressure relief valve
high accuracy
excellent build quality

Minuses

small range of measured pressure

Prices for Berkut ADG-031 pressure gauge

Berkut ADG-031

Reviews of the Berkut ADG-031 pressure gauge

Prices

The average price of products starts from 150 rubles and ends at 2500 rubles. The following models can be taken as an example.

Model	Cost RUR	vendor code
AS-107 attack aircraft	800	129959
Dollex	320	MSC-07
Snap-on	1100	YA111A
Golden Snait	750	GS9203

TOP 5 electronic pressure gauges

No. 5 – Jock M10

Pump M10
A relatively inexpensive electronic pressure gauge, which is chosen for its large measurement range, as well as the presence of three options for units of measurement - psi, bar and kPa. The display is backlit, which means you can measure tire pressure comfortably even in the dark.

The cost of this device starts from 450 rubles. It is capable of measuring pressure readings in the range of 0.15-7 bar, works efficiently and accurately at temperatures no higher than +40 degrees. The electronic display is powered by batteries installed inside the pressure gauge. There is an automatic shutdown function if the device is not used for 90 seconds.

Unfortunately, the device is not highly accurate. And its build quality is not the best. But overall, this is not the worst option on the market, according to users.

pros

backlight
wide temperature range
automatic shutdown
low price
three types of units of measurement

Minuses

there is a measurement error
not the best build quality

Prices for pressure gauge Kachok M10

Jock M10

No. 4 - Airline APR-MD-06

Airline APR-MD-06
Digital piezoelectric pressure gauge, capable of recording pressure readings up to 7 bar. The model has good accuracy and can be used as a small flashlight.

The price in different stores for this device starts from 650 rubles. The device is convenient to use, weighty and has a metal body. The display has clear numbers and there is a small flashlight that will illuminate the space in front of you.

Users like this model because it has nothing superfluous, is easy to use and quite reliable. The measurement error is minimal, so the pressure gauge can safely be called accurate.

pros

reliability
accurate
good build quality
Batteries run out for a long time
flashlight and backlight

Minuses

not detected

Prices for Airline APR-MD-06 pressure gauge

Airline APR-MD-06

No. 3 – Berkut Digital PRO

Berkut Digital PRO
Another pressure gauge from Berkut, which will measure pressure within 7 bar, is compact and easy to use. There is a flashlight and the ability to measure tire tread depth. The device also boasts compactness.

Cost - from 1100 rubles. The device operates effectively at temperatures up to +50 degrees. In addition to measuring pressure, the device also allows you to measure the tread depth of your tires.

There are some disadvantages. For example, buyers cite the inconvenient location of the flashlight power button, as well as poor build quality. But it has a stylish design, compact size and a fairly clear LCD display. Another plus is its small size, making it convenient to take with you.

pros

small sizes
popular model
clear display
small error
allows you to measure tire tread depth

Minuses

low build quality

Prices for Berkut Digital PRO pressure gauge

Berkut Digital PRO

No. 2 - Daewoo DWM7

Daewoo DWM7
Electronic pressure gauge at an affordable price from a well-known manufacturer. The model is chosen for its compactness, stylish design and ease of use.

The cost of the device starts from 700 rubles. This digital pressure gauge records pressure readings in the range of 0.2-6.9 bar and works effectively at temperatures no higher than +50 degrees. Weight - only 56 g. The model runs on batteries, takes readings in 4 units of measurement - atm, psi, kPa and kg/cm². The rubberized, durable body allows you to use the device comfortably.

Users noted that the device is accurate and has a self-shutoff function. In general, no cons were found, although some would like to see a lower price for the device.

pros

compact
rubberized handle
accurate
easy
auto shut off function
different measurement systems

Minuses

not detected

Prices for Daewoo DWM7 pressure gauge

Daewoo DWM7

No. 1 - Wester MTG-100

Wester MTG-100
A model so far recognized by many buyers as the best on the market. Accurate, with a good flashlight, at a reasonable price, it has long been in the arsenal of many motorists and is in great demand.

This digital pressure gauge costs around 500 rubles. The model is capable of measuring pressure in the range of 0.2-6.9 bar. The weight is small - only 130 g. For emergency cases, the pressure gauge has a small cutter for seat belts, and is also equipped with a diode flashlight that allows you to illuminate the area in the dark.

Users appreciated the ease of use of the model, the convenient and sharp cutter, and the accuracy. The flashlight is bright enough and turns on easily. The display clearly shows the recorded readings. For the money, this pressure gauge has become the best solution for many.

pros

low price
comfortable
has a built-in flashlight
small cutter
light and compact
precise measurements
good quality display

Minuses

not detected

Prices for pressure gauge Wester MTG-100

Wester MTG-100

Reviews of the Wester MTG-100 pressure gauge

Lada Granta › Logbook › 18. Checking the accuracy of tire pressure gauges

I have several tire pressure gauges in my garage and have long noticed that when checking the same wheel with different pressure gauges, the pressure readings differ.

I measure the same wheel. Periodically pumping up, I check that the same pressure gauge has not drained.

Result: No. 1. Plumbing pressure gauge, new. 1.9 bar. No. 2. Pressure gauge USSR. 1.6 bar. No. 3. Another USSR. 1.7 bar. No. 4. Pressure gauge Russia. 1.55 bar. No. 5. Heyner Stop pressure gauge, new. 1.95 bar. No. 6. Pump with pressure gauge, China. 1.95 bar. No. 7. Pump with pressure gauge, Russia. 1.7 bar.

I don’t know what to believe - there is not a single standard pressure gauge here. I will check the pressure using new pressure gauges (No. 1, 5).

Why monitor tire pressure?

Why is it so important to monitor the pressure in your car tires and maintain it in optimal condition? Unfortunately, many car owners treat this indicator rather dismissively, but in vain. The fact is that driving safety primarily depends on the correct tire pressure! Moreover, both low and high blood pressure have a negative impact. In addition, it also affects:

fuel consumption;
car behavior;
its stability on the road;
suspension durability;
braking distance length;
car noise while driving;
tire condition.

How a tire wears out with the wrong pressure
Just imagine that if the pressure is insufficient, fuel begins to be consumed faster, and the tires wear out quickly - about twice as fast as with normal indicators. And in our time, both are expensive. This means you need to save money. And keeping your tire pressure in optimal condition will reduce your costs.

On a note! If you believe the statistics, then in Europe alone, due to low tire pressure, fuel losses increased by almost 3%. If we convert these small percentages into liters and money, they turn into 8.1 billion liters and 9.5 billion euros!

In the USA, tire pressure is strictly controlled throughout the country. All new cars younger than 2006 must have special pressure sensors that will inform the driver if the pressure has dropped significantly or is exceeded. Such sensors can be installed in almost any service center. Pressure control has reduced the number of accidents on American roads and saved hundreds of lives.

Overinflated tires greatly affect the handling of a car. Also in this case, while driving, the driver will feel all the slightest holes and bumps very keenly. And even the best suspension won't save you from feeling like you're driving on a washboard.

Purpose

Monitoring fuel pressure is important for injection and diesel engines. If the required pressure is not provided, the fuel will not cope with the resistance of the injectors, the engine will operate intermittently, and fuel consumption will increase. The condition of a modern car is monitored by an on-board computer, if installed. But monitoring fuel system pressure is not its function. This is done by a pressure gauge to check the fuel pressure. It is used to control the elements of the fuel system.

It is important that the pressure gauge can be connected in parallel without disturbing the operation of the fuel system (the author of the video is his own mechanic)

Design and principle of operation

When operating a pressure gauge, the principle of equilibrium is used. The measured pressure is balanced by the force created by the elastic deformation of the sensing element, for example, a tubular spring or a membrane with two plates, etc. One end of the device is sealed in a holder, and the other is connected with a lever to a mechanism that translates linear changes into the movement of the arrow on the dial.

Let us consider a pressure gauge device for measuring pressure, the sensitive element of which is a tubular spring. These are the most common meters, as they have good technical characteristics, a simple design, are reliable in operation, and allow measurements to be made over a wide range.

Wide application was achieved due to the simplicity of the device design. It is based on an empty tube with a cross-section in the form of an oval or ellipsoid. The medium being measured acts on the tube, which deforms under pressure. On one side, the tube is connected to the system using a fitting, and on the other, it is connected to a mechanism that transmits deformation changes.

The transmission mechanism consists of the following elements:

gears;;
pointer (arrow);
gear sector;
leash.

A spring in the form of a spring is inserted between the sector teeth and the gear to eliminate backlash. Since the tube has different surface areas inside and outside, under pressure it tries to straighten. The soldered free end moves the meter needle relative to the scale using a lever. If the maximum pressure does not exceed 25 bar, the accuracy of the device is 2.5, above 25 bar - 1.5.

Kinds

Types of pressure gauges differ according to their operating principle:

liquid (pipe);
membrane;
spring;
bellows;
piston;
piezoelectric pressure gauges;
radioactive;
strain gauges (wire).

Each type of the above devices differs in the sensitive element used and operating principle.

Meters differ in purpose:

General technical, used for measurements in environments that are not aggressive to copper alloys.
Electric contact. A distinctive feature of the devices is the ability to regulate the measured medium.
Special. They are designed to measure pressure in different gases; they distinguish between oxygen, ammonia, acetylene, non-flammable and flammable gases. They differ in color.
Reference. They are distinguished by a high accuracy class, therefore they are used as a sample for checking, testing and adjusting other measuring instruments.
Ship's. They are used in sea and river transport.
Railway. Used in railway transport.
Self-writing. The devices are equipped with a mechanism that records the meter's operating schedule on chart paper.

Pressure gauges are used in industry, in everyday life, and in other fields of activity, depending on the purpose of use and technical characteristics.

General information about pressure gauges

A pressure gauge is a small device that measures the air density inside something, in this case the inside of a car's tires. Measurements can be made in different units - bars, atmospheres, Psi, kg/cm². For example, 0.98 bar is exactly 1 kg/cm² (100 kPa and approximately 14 psi). It is very convenient when the pressure gauge has several scales at once. For example, a car's instruction manual may recommend measuring pressure in psi. And it is best to use the device with the appropriate scale.

Recommended tire pressure for VAZ car

On a note! Recommended tire pressure is provided by manufacturers of both vehicles and tires for them. And different pressure values may be recommended for different car models. You can find information about the recommended pressure in the car manual, on the driver's door pillar or on the gas tank cap.

That's what a pressure gauge is for - to measure tire pressure. Moreover, you can use different devices for this: both independent ones and those that are available with compressors and pumps for inflating wheels. Nowadays you can find very tiny pressure gauges on sale that you can put in your pocket or glove compartment, and the device will always be at hand.

Which brand of device should I choose?

The modern car market offers a huge range of products, among which choosing the best pressure gauge for measuring tire pressure is not easy. Ratings and tests conducted by independent experts can help in choosing the right measuring instrument. We have reviewed the results of these tests and ratings published on automotive websites, and we invite you to study the advantages and disadvantages of pressure gauges from well-known brands.

Digital device, very easy to use. Flaws:

no screen backlight;
To replace the batteries, you will have to unscrew the screws to open the case.

The device is convenient and easy to use.
during testing, the indicators of the specified measuring device differed from the measurements with the reference pressure gauge by 0.05 bar.

Many car enthusiasts consider the lack of backlight in the device to be an advantage, not a disadvantage. Without backlight, batteries last longer.

Device for measuring tire pressure BERKUT SPECIALIST

It is a product of Russian-Chinese production. Advantages:

versatility;
ease of use;
improved ergonomics;
small measurement error.

lack of a mechanism for relieving excess tire pressure;
When taking measurements, the button to turn on the flashlight is often touched - this affects the life of the batteries.

Pressure gauge BERKUT DIGITAL PRO

A very compact and convenient device. Advantages:

small dimensions;
there is a screen backlight;
there is a flashlight;
measurement error 0.05 bar;
high measurement accuracy.

to replace batteries, you need to unscrew the screws on the product body;
The device is sensitive to low temperatures, the operating temperature range is 0 - +400C.

Pressure gauge CARPOINT 2IN1

It is compact; to take measurements, just press the product against the nipple. Advantages:

affordable price;
small dimensions;
the ability to convert a measurement parameter into any units of measurement of interest by simply pressing a button located on the body of the device;
the ability to check the height of the tread layer, thanks to the presence of a special probe on the device, the results of measuring the tread depth are displayed on the screen;
good measurement accuracy.

Types of pressure gauges, their pros and cons

Now let's get acquainted with the types of pressure gauges that are on sale. There are two main ones - analog and digital.

Digital pressure gauge

Table. Types of pressure gauges.

View	Description
Analog	Also called pointer or mechanical. This is an inexpensive, but, as a rule, quite accurate and reliable device, which has one or more graduated scales along which the arrow moves. Not only can it display pressure readings, but in some cases it is equipped with a deflation valve and allows excess air to be released from the tires. The advantages are availability, ease of use and reliability. Disadvantages: sensitivity to moisture and difficulty in obtaining accurate measurements.
Digital	Also called electronic. The device is much more accurate than a mechanical one; it displays indicators on a small display in the required units of measurement. It is much easier and more convenient to use; it is often a fairly functional device that can have a flashlight and other additional functions. Disadvantages: high cost, sensitivity to loads and the need to change batteries, because without them it will not work. Also, the operation of such a pressure gauge is highly dependent on temperature conditions.

On a note! There are also rack and pinion pressure gauges on sale, which look like a regular writing pen. Affordable, simple, and highly accurate. But they are not always convenient to use, and they are easily damaged.

Rack and pinion pressure gauge
By the way, depending on the accuracy, pressure gauges are divided into three classes:

I - accuracy 1-0.5;
II - more than 0.5;
III - accuracy up to 0.05.

How to understand these numbers? For example, you have a pressure gauge that measures values up to 10 kg/cm², and its accuracy class is 1.5. This means that the permissible error for it will be a measurement deviation of 1.5% (0.15 kg/cm²).

Criterias of choice

Before buying a device, you need to understand exactly what it is needed for and where it will be installed.

Important selection criteria:

Measuring range. Rule: the working pressure in the pipeline should be no more than 2/3 of the maximum of the measurement scale, but not less than 1/3. If the pressure in the pipe is 5 atm, then you need to buy a pressure gauge with a scale of 0...10 atm.
The accuracy class varies from 0.15 to 3. The lower, the more accurate. For a cold or hot water supply system, an accuracy of 1.5% is sufficient.
The location of the fitting can be radial or end when it is from below; and axial or frontal, when he is behind.
Operating temperature range.
Temperature operating conditions.
Working medium (water, steam, oil and so on);
Diameter. It should be such that the device fits in the chosen location and the dial is clearly visible.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the connecting thread of the fitting. It can be metric - its parameters are measured in mm, denoted by the letter M, for example M20/1.5, which means the outer diameter is 19.9 mm, the inner diameter is 18.7 mm, pitch 1.5. Domestic manufacturers use it by default.

Domestic manufacturers use it by default.

Pipe thread is designated by the letter G. G1/2" means an outer diameter of 20.9 mm, an inner diameter of 18.6, a pitch of 1.8 mm or 14 threads per inch.

The technical passport of a new device must contain a factory verification mark. A verification period of less than a year confirms that the device gives correct readings.

Pressure gauge for measuring tire pressure, which one is better to choose?

How to choose the right tire pressure gauge? What are the basic requirements for the device? A good pressure gauge should be:

durable;
accurate;
reliable;
have a good scale;
have an air release valve;
have backlighting.

If we talk about the type of pressure gauge, then here you need to give preference to the one that will be easier to use. And of course, consider your budget.

The analog pressure gauge will not fail at the wrong time

Most car enthusiasts choose mechanical options because of their price and the lack of need to use power sources. Digital ones, of course, are more accurate, but their batteries tend to run out at the most inopportune moment. If you often travel in winter or live in a harsh northern region, then it is better to choose a mechanical option. It is less sensitive to low temperatures than an electronic one, which stops working altogether in cold weather.

However, keep in mind that with a mechanical pressure gauge you need to take at least three measurements in a row to get the most accurate data. Well, usually there is no flashlight in such options. In this regard, it is the digital type that wins.

Standard level

Often a cyclist does not know to what level he needs to inflate the tires of his bike. This usually happens when purchasing tires with “unclear” markings or without them. This situation occurs quite often when, in search of cheapness, a person buys bicycle tires from an unknown manufacturer, the cost of which can be an order of magnitude lower than that of branded bicycle tires - “Continental” (Germany), “Michelin” (France), “Vittoria” (Italy) ) or "TUFO" (Czech Republic). In this case, you should use one of the tables, many available on specialized Internet resources.

For example, the standard pressure range for a bike of the “All mountain” or “Cross-country” category can be found in the table.

For a road bike, this tire value is chosen slightly higher and can be found from the corresponding tables on the Internet, but in any case you should not exceed the upper limit in PSI.

Useful tips for measuring blood pressure

It is important to understand that you need to check your tire pressure regularly - at least once every couple of weeks. In any case, natural air leakage occurs (temperature changes and diffusion through the structural elements of tires and tires are to blame). Normally it is about 0.8 atmospheres during the month.

Advice! Check the air pressure in the spare tire regularly.

The test is carried out only on a cold wheel. So after driving, you need to let the car sit to wait for the heated air in the wheels to cool, and only then take measurements. The hotter the air masses, the higher the tire pressure!

Be sure to make sure that the two wheels on the same axle have the same pressure. It can only differ between the front and rear wheels.

Using a Pocket Analog Pressure Gauge

By the way, how loaded the car is also affects the pressure readings. You should not measure it if the car is loaded to capacity. Only partial load is permissible. Although sometimes manufacturers can indicate optimal pressure values for a loaded machine.

When driving on dirt, mud, or sand, the pressure in the wheels may differ from the standard. But you should only change it if you plan to drive off-road for a long time. By reducing the pressure, it is possible to slightly increase the so-called “contact patch” of the wheels with the road surface, which means it will be easier to move forward. After overcoming such a difficult section, the tire pressure must be returned to normal.