Tire pressure gauge recommendations?

[barry5k]

The tire pressure gauges I've used are hard to get on the difficult-to-get-to valve stems and I lose pressure when I push them onto the valve. Any suggestions for an accurate, easy-to-read, easy to put on tire pressure gauge?

[Beemeup]

Two to consider would be the EZ-Air Tire gauge from Best Rest products, it's been highly recommended by many, I think they are $20-$25.

I use the BMW digital tire gauge and it works fine
for me. The BMW gauge is $25, but it's guaranteed, I had one earlier that was malfunctioning and they replaced it at the dealership (hang on to your receipt).

Good Luck, Don

[Weasel]

I use the Heyco stick model that are generally available from BMW dealers. They are quite accurate and sell for about 15 bucks. Compared to a cheapy, the cheapy stick gauge was about 4 lbs off. They do wear out, and I replace mine every few years.

[Atomicman52]

I use the EZ-gauge and bought a 90 degree brass fitting for the rear valve.

the coolest thing about the EZ is that the pump attaches to the Gauge (Not the tire valve) and then the gauge attaches to the the tire valve so you get an instantaneous constant air pressure reading without having to remove the gauge reattach the pump and then check the pressure after each addition of air.

Here it is for $16.95 http://www.sierrabmwonline.com/accugage-tire-gauge-p-773.html

and the 90 degree fitting for rear wheel. DO NOT LEAVE ON TIRE VALVE WHEN RIDING!
(Front wheel valve is straight, so not needed)

http://www.sierrabmwonline.com/brass-angled-valve-stem-p-392.html

[BMWDEAN]

I just use the pencil type gauge found at all auto supply stores. Am I missing something?

[Atomicman52]

I just use the pencil type gauge found at all auto supply stores. Am I missing something?

Yep!

[rinty]

I would recommend you get a high quality guage with hose, that can also be used for bleeding.

I got one after receiving a bit of a scare riding my brother's Concours, which had overinflated tires and was sliding in corners. They were only out by a couple of pounds, but it made a big difference.

[Atomicman52]

the EZ-Gauge has a bleed button.


BMWD, what you are missing is that you have to remove and reattach your pump each time you want to add or remove air and then check the pressure each time :hug

I put it on once and can add or remove air while the gauge is still attached while showing the pressure as air is added or removed.

[BMWDEAN]

the EZ-Gauge has a bleed button.


BMWD, what you are missing is that you have to remove and reattach your pump each time you want to add or remove air and then check the pressure each time :hug

I put it on once and can add or remove air while the gauge is still attached while showing the pressure as air is added or removed.

I see. Thanks.

[Atomicman52]

It is because the gauge is attached to the tire valve but the pump is attached to a valve on the gauge!

[rinty]

I recently checked three of my "higher quality" round guages against each other, and against one of my pencil guages. One of the round guages was out 30%, so I had to toss it.

[Atomicman52]

the round ones are more susceptible to damage from a drop. Ya need to be gentle when putting them down. There's a review somewhere on the web I saw and none of the guages is that accurate. the EZ-was between 2-3 lbs. off. Once you know the error, you simply adjust for it.

[tommcgee]

I just use the pencil type gauge found at all auto supply stores. Am I missing something?

They used to be pretty good, but the last one I bought was way off on accuracy. I have three digital gauges with different brand names and they all read the same.

[Polarbear]

Tire gauge science is such a BASIC bit of physics and the simplest 3$ gauge does the exact same job as the 30$ ones, as I see it. You need to "confirm" this? Just go to your local BMW shop and compare your 3$ one to their 50$+ ones in the shop, if they actually use them and see for yourself. I actually DO compare my 3$ stick one to the so called best, most expensive types and get the exact same results every time I've done it. Maybe 4 times I've done this. I'm satisfied and know for sure, some(INCLUDING ME) will buy a higher dollar toy tool, just because its cool! Not my tire pressure tool however, as I carry the 3$ stick one and happy about it:). Using the "same gauge", ALL the time is probably the most useful TIP anyone could pass on to another. Its just simpler and no doubts arise. Happy Trails, Randy :thumb

[BMWDEAN]

Actually, if the truth be known, I fill my tires with this ancient Black & Decker Air Station. I have used it for years and years reliably. It has a built in air pressure gauge that tells me the pressure as I fill a tire. That's what I usually use to determine the pressure in the tires of my motorcycles, my wife's New Beetle (diesel - 46 MPG), my truck, and my trailer for motorcycles.

If it ever breaks, I will get another one.

[PGlaves]

Getting an accurate reading is one thing, and important. Getting air into the tire is equally important.

I carry the EZ air gauge on the bike for that reason. As mentioned, the hose clips to the valve stem and the air is added (or let out) out at the gauge end. This eliminates the problem encountered with truck chucks and other devilish devices which won't snake down between spokes and double disks.

Until I got her her's, Voni described this process as "changing the air in her tires." I kept borrowing hers out of her bike so finally got one for myself.

At home I have a similar device which goes on my air hose - has a trigger type handle, built-in gauge, and a hose about 15" long that clips on the stem.

I have a couple of 90 degree electronic digital gauges, and a few pencil types too.

Any are OK for checking the pressure - but I have a Smartire tire pressure monitoring system on my bike so check pressures real time, on the road, by pushing a button.

But getting air in the easiest way possible is how I want to add air - and that is the EZ Air Gauge.

I also carry a Cycle Pump - the aluminum cased expensive one that I've had for years. I used to carry a stripped down plastic cased one but after getting grass caught in the flywheel, and burning my hands on the overheated cylinder, got rid of it. BUT, I'm probably not typical because I sometimes mount tires in a campground or motel lot while on the road.

[dancogan]

Motorcycle Consumer News reviewed pressure gauges a few years ago for accuracy. I don't remember all the ratings but a digital gauge from Radio Shack, which also has audio output through a tiny speaker, was highly rated and I've had one ever since.

[jamesdunn]

Pencil gauges. Saw a test somewhere and a cheap pencil gauge bested the often times far more expensive competition.

[BMWDEAN]

Any are OK for checking the pressure - but I have a Smartire tire pressure monitoring system on my bike so check pressures real time, on the road, by pushing a button.

My 2007 R1200RT has "TPM," or tire pressure monitor. When selected with the on board computer, it displays the tire pressures front and rear. You can leave it showing all the time if you are obsessed. Very cool.

[Atomicman52]

Actually, if the truth be known, I fill my tires with this ancient Black & Decker Air Station. I have used it for years and years reliably. It has a built in air pressure gauge that tells me the pressure as I fill a tire. That's what I usually use to determine the pressure in the tires of my motorcycles, my wife's New Beetle (diesel - 46 MPG), my truck, and my trailer for motorcycles.

If it ever breaks, I will get another one.NICE!


"I just use the pencil type gauge found at all auto supply stores. Am I missing something? "__________________
Jeff Dean, MOA #115
Co-founder, 1972, BMW MOA
R1200RT, R75/5, R69S, R69US, R60/2, R60US, R50/2, R68, R51/3, R27, R25/3

So you were just BS'ing us on the Auto parts store stick gauge???: :fight

[BMWDEAN]

NICE!


"I just use the pencil type gauge found at all auto supply stores. Am I missing something? "__________________
Jeff Dean, MOA #115
Co-founder, 1972, BMW MOA
R1200RT, R75/5, R69S, R69US, R60/2, R60US, R50/2, R68, R51/3, R27, R25/3

So you were just BS'ing us on the Auto parts store stick gauge???: :fight

No. That is what I use on the road.

[Atomicman52]

No. That is what I use on the road.

I was just jokin' witchya!:)

[RTRandy]

The guys at my shop swear by this gauge: Pressure Inc http://www.pressureinc.com/index.html and like it so much they both stock it in the parts department or will order it for their customers. What's nice is it's rubberized so unharmed when tossing around the shop. Has the little bleed valve to release pressure.

The other major trick I've discovered is to simply use a good bicycle floor pump with a gauge to bring them back to pressure. To get the tire that has been sitting for a month, let's say at 35 pounds, and you want it at 42 pounds, it only take about six pumps and it's back up to pressure. No need to get out your compressor and fill it up just for a few pounds. You want a good quality floor pump typically sold at better bike shops that carries higher end bikes. These have a greater volume per stroke and a quality gauge. What I like to do is bring them up slightly higher than needed and then use my gauge Shown below to bleed off some air for perfect pressure. Truth is the gauge on the floor pump is very accurate and in a pinch you'd be just fine to go by the reading.

Here is the Pressure inc model gauge:

[Atomicman52]

The guys at my shop swear by this gauge: Pressure Inc http://www.pressureinc.com/index.html and like it so much they both stock it in the parts department or will order it for their customers. What's nice is it's rubberized so unharmed when tossing around the shop. Has the little bleed valve to release pressure.

The other major trick I've discovered is to simply use a good bicycle floor pump with a gauge to bring them back to pressure. To get the tire that has been sitting for a month, let's say at 35 pounds, and you want it at 42 pounds, it only take about six pumps and it's back up to pressure. No need to get out your compressor and fill it up just for a few pounds. You want a good quality floor pump typically sold at better bike shops that carries higher end bikes. These have a greater volume per stroke and a quality gauge. What I like to do is bring them up slightly higher than needed and then use my gauge Shown below to bleed off some air for perfect pressure. Truth is the gauge on the floor pump is very accurate and in a pinch you'd be just fine to go by the reading.

Here is the Pressure inc model gauge:Most of the round gauges have a rubber protection This will not protect the gauge mechanism from damage from throwing it around the shop.