Review of the best pressure gauges of 2024

Every motorist knows that a pressure gauge is an integral and important device for measuring the pressure in a car's tires. In the material, we will tell you what devices are, where and how to choose, at what price and which company is better to buy. We tried to review the most popular models and their best manufacturers, to collect a rating of quality products with excellent characteristics and functionality. We hope that the information presented in this article, based on the reviews of motorists and the recommendations of manufacturers, will help prevent mistakes when choosing, and fully satisfy your needs.

What are pressure gauges in cars for?

A pressure gauge is a device that measures the pressure of air, gases and liquids.

Every driver knows that even a small discrepancy in the atmospheric pressure in the tires can affect the increase in fuel consumption, vehicle stability on the road, its handling, tire tread wear, and therefore affect driving safety.

Increased air pressure contributes to:

• a decrease in the comfort of the driver and passengers, since all shocks from bumps are transmitted through vibration to all elements of the car;
• increasing the likelihood of rubber damage, the formation of "hernias" and cracks;
• increased wear of the tread on the central part of the wheel and damage to the suspensions due to increased load, and, accordingly, accelerated wear of shock absorbers and springs.

Low tire pressure contributes to:

• overheating of the tire, which leads to deformation and rapid wear;
• increasing the load on the lateral parts of the rubber, contributing to its further destruction;
• loosening of the fastening of the tire on the rim, which can lead to disassembly and the creation of an emergency on the road;
• an increase in the volume of consumed fuels and lubricants (by about 3-5% per month) due to increased resistance to the road while driving.

That is why a pressure gauge is considered a mandatory and indispensable attribute of any car enthusiast, as it allows you to quickly measure and further control the level of atmospheric pressure in the tires of the "iron horse". So what should you look for when measuring pressure? Here are some tips.

• the check should be done daily, preferably before departure. If this is not possible, then this procedure should be carried out at least once a week;
• the most reliable indicator can be seen after measuring cold tires. Indicators from "hot" rubber can differ from the reliable ones by 10-20%. Therefore, on the road, it is better to increase the low pressure of the "hot" rubber by 10% above the norm. But it should be remembered that in winter, during severe frosts, the pressure in the rubber can, on the contrary, decrease by 10%. The tire inflation figures recommended by the manufacturer can be found in the vehicle data sheet.For a passenger car, the pressure level is 2.0 bar.
• after the trip, measurements can be made after 3-4 hours of idle time.

Compliance with these simple rules will help you increase the safety of your trip and increase the life of your car.

Types of pressure gauges

1. A mechanical or dial gauge is a simple, reliable, accurate, and inexpensive measuring instrument. On the dial of the device there is a scale that shows the pressure level. Most models have a valve for venting excess air.

• not afraid of the cold;
• inexpensive cost of models;
• high measurement speed.

• afraid of moisture;
• accurate data is obtained after several measurements.

2. Rack or with a sliding scale - in shape it resembles a ballpoint pen inside of which there is a cylindrical spiral spring. The pressure moves the piston-scale and stops at the desired value. The device is reliable, because of its small dimensions it does not take up much space.

• compact;
• average price.

• inconvenient to use;
• fragile;
• poorly readable scale.

3. An electronic or digital pressure gauge is a device that combines a pressure transducer and a digital indicator. The device has high precision and compactness. They have backlit LCD screens, which greatly simplifies work in the dark.

• high accuracy in readings;
• has a wide range of measurements in various units;
• easy to work with.

• high price;
• in severe frosts it can malfunction;
• runs on batteries.

4. A pneumatic gun with a pressure gauge is a professional device that is more often used in car services and service stations. It is connected to the air supply unit and easily inflates the tire on the car.

• easy to pump and measure pressure;
• built-in check valve allows you to control tire pumping;
• occupies an average price range;
• reliable in work;
• can be used for studding.

• noisy, with high vibration;
• short hose length;
• excessive energy consumption;
• oversized.

5. Hydraulic pressure gauges - allow you to measure the pressure in the pipe (gas / liquid) on equipment, control and, if necessary, adjust it in various mechanisms and systems. The description of the operation of this product is as follows. As soon as the required parameter is reached and the threshold value exceeds the declared norm, the contact group of the electrical circuit is closed / opened with the arrow fixing at the maximum / minimum measurement value, which allows you to see the pressure level in conditions of a pulsating and vibrating measured medium.

• long service life;
• accuracy of readings.

• high price;
• difficult to operate.

6. Deformation devices contain elements with increased sensitivity, which convert pressure and proportional readings transmitted to the arrow of the device with a digital indicator.

• widely used in industry;
• has a small size;
• has good accuracy and great measurement capabilities.

• not found.

7. Liquid or pipe pressure gauges - these are communicating vessels in which the applied load proportionally shifts the column of liquid filling the device, thereby indicating pressure.

• easy to use;
• reliable;
• has a high accuracy of readings.

• limited use (only in laboratories and to check the correct operation of other pressure gauges).

Criterias of choice

Before deciding on a particular instrument, you should decide on the following criteria: find out the measuring range, accuracy class, characteristics of the selected model and methods of attachment of the tips.

For rare use (several times a year), it is more rational to choose an inexpensive budget model.If you are planning daily operation (in car services, tire changers or service stations), the choice should be stopped on devices with durable cases.

Pay attention to the accuracy of the equipment, which has 3 classes: 1st class - from 1.0 to 0.5, 2nd - from 0.5 to 0.1, 3rd - up to 0.05. The higher the class, the more accurate the measured pressure reading will be.

You should also find out what units of measurement the scale / digital display is graduated with (bar, atmosphere, kg / cm², mPa, kPa, Psi).

For a passenger car, the second accuracy class of the model with a scale of 0-7 bar is suitable.

Note how the tip is attached. Instant measurements are made through pressure tips, so they only require pressing. But when using devices with such tips, without the skill it is easy to deflate all the air from the tire. To avoid this factor, it is better to use devices with a hose, on which there are clamping (in the form of crocodiles) or threaded tips. Such devices provide a firm grip on the valve.

Top manufacturers

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

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

Rating of the best pressure gauges according to buyers' opinion

Heyner pressure gauge

An analog device of a mechanical type, which is popular in the consumer market and is cheap, lightweight and easy to use. It has small dimensions, a rubberized case made of durable plastic and high-quality chrome-plated metal, which helps not to slip out of your hands, and also protects against impact when dropped. There is a valve in the form of a button, which helps to release over-pumped air to bring the pressure in the wheel to the required level. There is an additional function - a rotating head for measuring, which increases the maneuverability of movements during measurement. Allows you to save the indicators of previous measurements. Dial with two clear measurement scales. The first is in bars, the second is in psi.

Country of origin - Germany.

Average price - from 320 rubles.

• compact size;
• rubber-covered body;
• clear scale of indications.

• inaccuracy of readings.

Berkut ADG-031

When creating this device, the manufacturer tried very hard and combined many technical functions and nuances. The product is made of quality material, which contributes to its long-term operation without breakdowns. The device has a deflator that allows you to deflate tires and remove excess air from the wheel to the desired value (value). This feature will be especially appreciated by fans of hunting and fishing, when they often have to drive off-road. The device is connected to the wheel using a high-quality rubber hose and a threaded tip. The device does not need an additional energy charge, which contributes to its successful operation in any weather conditions (dampness, heat, subzero temperatures). Pressure readings can be viewed using two scales of units (atmospheres and PSI). The set includes a bag-case for storing the pressure gauge, which will also perform a protective function against dirt, scratches and other damage. The pressure gauge combines the precision, reliability and versatility that the motorist needs.

Manufacturer - Russia.

The approximate cost is 1200 rubles.

• shows accurate measurements the first time;
• the presence of a deflator for venting excess air;
• bag-cover included.

• the PSI scale knocks attention away from the desired indicators.

JTC 5611 pressure gauge with retractable scale

A versatile and reliable device that allows you to measure pressure up to 11 atmospheres, therefore it can be used by drivers of both cars and trucks. Made of chrome, which greatly increases the strength of the apparatus. Outwardly, it resembles an ordinary handle with an additional fastening in the form of a ring, on which you can hang a tool for ease of use. It is compact in size, which makes it easy to store and transport. The pull-out scale has a graduation of 0.2 bar. Helps to quickly and accurately determine tire pressure.

Production - Taiwan.

The approximate cost is 1250 rubles.

• the presence of a ring handle for hanging on a hook;
• compact;
• made of quality material.

• poor visibility of the scale.

Electronic pressure gauge Berkut Digital Pro

This improved version of the pressure gauge looks like a carabiner with many additional functions. There is a wide backlit LCD screen that allows you to use the device at night. A tool for measuring the depth of the tread of a wheel, a flashlight and a special device on which you can attach the cap from the nipple so that it does not get lost. The device operates on additional power sources - lithium batteries, which allow it to be used in subzero temperatures (up to -10⁰). It has extended application possibilities, as it is suitable for use on any (passenger and truck) vehicles. The error in the accuracy of determining the pressure is very small and amounts to 1%. Differs in increased versatility and small error.

Country of origin - Russia.

Average price - from 1500 rubles.

• the accuracy of the measured readings;
• backlit display;
• scale for measuring tire tread;
• thread to keep the cap from the nipple;
• the presence of a flashlight.

• no pressure relief valve;
• afraid of moisture and strong subzero temperatures;
• inconvenient location of the flashlight button.

Jock М30

This instrument is suitable for measuring the pressure in tires of all brands and sizes. The lightweight and compact device fits comfortably in the hand and allows measurements from 0.15 to 7 bar. The liquid crystal display has three scales of indicators (bar, PSI, kPa). Additional batteries in the form of batteries help illuminate the screen well and facilitate the use of the device at night. Lightweight and easy to use. It occupies the middle price category on the market.

Average price - 900 rubles.

Production - China.

• low price category;
• the presence of backlight.

• weak batteries;
• inaccuracy of readings.

We tried to describe in as much detail as possible the most popular models of pressure gauges that occupy leading positions in the market. Whether you give preference to one of the above or choose another for yourself, it's up to you. The main thing is that it meets all your declared criteria, from functionality to the price sector.