tire air pressure gauges analog or digital

[boo]

Question: How do you know if your tire gauge is accurate?.

Please explain.

[CROSSBOLT]

Get three different types. Keep the two that say the same reading....

[john grinsel]

Good answer.    I prefer the metal pencil type, usa made if possible.

[eamartin]

I'm with John on this one.  Metal (not chromed plastic) pencil type.  I try to get the Milton, with the 0-50psi scale.  They fit in my pocket, my tankbag or toolbox conveniently.

[john grinsel]

Wasn't Dill an American maker?

[Stig / Major Tom]

I'm with John on this one.  Metal (not chromed plastic) pencil type.  I try to get the Milton, with the 0-50psi scale.  They fit in my pocket, my tankbag or toolbox conveniently.

Just ebay-ed a Milton!
Thanks for the heads up on metal ones. Didn't know they still made them!
Stig

[eamartin]

I just searched and found the Dill gauge.    I'm not familiar with them.  Looks pretty good though.

[randyo]

I have a metal pencil type, and an analog Accu-gage, don't like digital, they need batteries

[Kansas kymco]

The Ryobi inflator I have has a analog pressure gauge built in.  I use it for filling and checking all my scooters.  Tire pressure varies anyway depending on temperature and elevation.  I prefer a dial type gauge myself.   Tires should be checked cold before you ride because they will increase in pressure as your tires heat up.

[Kansas kymco]

Just the fact of taking the gauge on and off the tire could be more then the accuracy of the gauge.  Just the fact you check tire pressure is a positive regardless of what you use.  Just remember to do so when the tire is cold before you ride.

[Iahawk]

I like the dial type with a short length of hose. It also has the bleed valve on it so you can slightly overfill your tires and bump the bleed valve  until you get the perfect psi.

[Kansas kymco]

I add 1 lb extra to compensate for taking the gauge off.

[boo]

Thanks for your opinions.
It seems everyone is guessing as to the accuracy of their gauges, or taking the manufacturer's word for it.
I have been told you need to have your gauges calibrated by someone with professional test equipment. I don`t know of a business in my area that does this.
We pull a camper and it is advised to keep the trailer tires properly inflated "65" psi", because they are prone to overheating and blowouts. I guess I have 8-10 pressure gauges and most readings don`t match.
I have also read, the higher the pressure, the gauges are less likely to give accurate readings.
I know 1 or 2 pounds is not a big deal. I just like accuracy.
I have gauges that are advertised as being real accurate but can vary as much as 3 psi.
Wish I knew of a business that can do a proper calibration on my gauges. I would like to have a couple of gauges that are really accurate. Would prefer not to guess.

[Kansas kymco]

If a person is that concern about it you can buy a  certified gauge usually a large dial type gauge that track people use. Like I said tire pressure can very a lot depending on the heat in the tire.  A couple of pounds isn't a issue unless your racing.

I have pulled RV'S for over 20 years. The largest problem with RV tires is they are marginal at best, most refer to them as China bombs. RV manufacturers use the cheapest tires available.  I run Good Year Endurance on my TH TT that are a quality tire. On the 5th wheel I run load range G Sailun tires that are overkill for the load range and used extensively by the RV community.  Look at your weight of your RV then look at the axle rating and tire weight rating and let me know?  You will see there is very little margin for error.  RV tires are rated for maximum load at maximum pressure and if under inflated generate heat that destroys the tire (especially when already marginal).

Again check your tire pressure when cold, not after you drove on them or the tire will be under inflated.

[Kansas kymco]

Tire pressure will increase when the tire is hot 4 to 6 pounds. For every 5,000 feet in elevation above sea level tire pressure will increase 2 to 3 pounds.