Best way to check tyre pressure?

[MakaveliX]

I have a track pump which is fairly accurate but off by a few PSI. I only found out when I pumped up the tyres of a family members car it was under inflating.

I do have a analogue dial type checker but it seems to give different readings each time.

I saw in halfords they have digital ones which have great reviews. Is it worth investing in one ?

[stevieturbo]

There is absolutely no reason whatsoever that a basic analogue gauge should not give accurate repeatable readings..

Other than a gauge that can store and log values...I see no reason for a digital gauge vs analogue for basic checks.

I've had a cheap Halfords gauge for years, and it reads no different than much more expensive gauges.

[MakaveliX]

I check the pressure and it shows it, then it starts reducing by itself before I've even reset it so maybe faulty?

When checking pressure is it best to keep it pressed against the valve for a couple of seconds? I was only tapping it then pulling it away

[GreenV8S]

There's always a slight pressure drop when disconnecting the pump and gauges built into pumps tend to be relatively inaccurate in my experience. If it needs inflating I prefer to overinflate slightly and then use a separate hand-held gauge to drop the pressure back to the target.

[MakaveliX]

Thanks guys .

What a plonker, I wasn't using the psi checker properly, one is supposed to keep the gauge connected to the valve until the hissing stops. Then it gives an accurate reading which it now does.

I still think my track pump tends to underinflate so as you said best to use a gauge checker afterwards

About 33psi is fine right?

Which ones are more accurate digital or analog ?

Edited by MakaveliX on Saturday 4th December 16:11

[Scrump]

MakaveliX said:

About 33psi is fine right?

Which ones are more accurate digital or analog ?

Edited by MakaveliX on Saturday 4th December 16:11

33psi may be fine or it may not be. Depends on the car and tyre size. Many cars have a sticker on the b pillar which gives recommended tyre pressures and this can be seen when you open a door.

Digital or analogue gauges can be accurate or inaccurate. I have an accurate analogue gauge, but also an analogue one built into my inflator which is inaccurate. I also have a cheap digital one which is accurate but cannot say all digital ones will be.


I read this post back and realised it is not that helpful in answering either of your questions. Sorry, don’t mean to be so vague!

[E-bmw]

Being an Instrument Technician & having had to calibrate & recalibrate EXTREMELY robust & accurate gauges (that the average tyre checker is NOT) I would always use & recommend a decent quality digital one.

You can use & abuse them year after year rattling around a toolbox & they will still be accurate, whereas the only things keeping an analogue gauge accurate are extremely fine gears, a bent pipe/flexible diaphragm and a needle that is just held on with the friction between a hole in plastic & a sewing needle sized spindle.

[stevieturbo]

This is the same as the Halfords one I've had for years. Always works great, and when compared against a very fancy and expensive Longacre digital....it read the same.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253550731600?chn=ps&amp...

It just sits in the armrest storage of the car all the time.

Although I don't see anywhere selling this same one anywhere now ( other than this ebay listing )

Quick, robust for me anyway and simple to use ( although let's face it, most gauges should be simple ). Although I guess for some a hold or max value indicator might be handy. Never been an issue for me.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253550731600?chn=ps&amp...