What to Consider When Selecting a Pressure Gauge for Your Car Tyres
Posted on: 14 March 2016
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A pressure gauge helps you to find out whether your car tyres are inflated to the right pressure. However, it can be a daunting task to select a pressure gauge from the huge array available on the market. This article discusses some factors that you should base upon to narrow down your pressure gauge options.
The PSI Range
Select a pressure gauge that is ideal for the PSI (pressure per square inch) rating of the tyres on your car. For example, it may be unwise to buy a 60-psi gauge if your car runs on 15-psi tyres. It is better to buy a 30-psi pressure gauge for your 15-psi tyres. This is because the gauge will last long because it is being used within the middle range of its capacity. The components will not be overworked.
The PSI Increments
You would like the pressure gauge to give you the most accurate pressure reading, wouldn't you? Select a pressure gauge that has very small psi increments so that you can know the exact pressure reading when you check the tyre pressure of your car.
Lighting
You may need to check the pressure in your tyres when there is poor lighting (such as when you stop at night during a long trip). Thus, you need to buy a gauge with a backlight for that eventuality. Alternatively, you can buy an analog pressure gauge that has glow-in-the-dark capabilities.
The Packaging
Some pressure gauge manufacturers include a foam-lined case in the package containing the gauge. Others do not provide that case. It is better for you to buy a model that comes with a case. That case will protect the pressure gauge from the negative impact of vibrations when you drop your toolbox or drive over rough surfaces. Consequently, the gauge will retain its accuracy for a longer time when compared to a gauge that is exposed to the full brunt of the rough handling to which toolboxes are subjected.
Analog or Digital
Analog pressure gauges may be more long lasting than digital gauges. This is because the components of analog gauges are less susceptible to being damaged by challenging conditions (such as exposure to dust). However, digital pressure gauges give you a more accurate reading of the pressure in your car tyres. Pick the version that will give you better results in the conditions where you drive. For example, buy an analog gauge if you frequently drive in off-road conditions.
You will get the most appropriate pressure gauge if you keep the criteria above in mind as you go shopping for that instrument.