Finding a inexpensive, accurate tire pressure gauge....

[justjohn]

Is there perhaps a quality foot pump with a gauge in it that could be kept in the trunk to keep tires topped up nice?

I'd be willing to pay 30-50 bucks for something that I knew would last and keep me from having to run around trying to find free air.

[Joenavy85]

I have a Slime Brand compressor with a built in gauge, though don't know how accurate it is, hence why I have 2 separate gauges to check pressure

[JasonG]

If you want accurate, get a good dial gauge and thread a tire chuck to it.
Most if the ones smaller than 2" are junk.
If it has a calibration/zeroing screw it is probably a good one.
It will set you back $20 but I have ones older than me that still checkout with >$100 NIST traceable ones.
When you think about how many $4 Discount Auto ones have died on you, $20-30 doesn't seem so bad........

[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by Bill in Houston

Any tips on where to find a calibrated source?

...I go to my local tire dealer and compare my el-cheap-o gauge with the one *they* use to check TRUCK tries with, which THEY check against their calibrated compressor gauge (an Ashcroft(?), I think).

[justjohn]

I found this which looks kinda nifty Amazon.com: 12 VOLT ELECTRIC TIRE AIR PUMP w/GAUGE: Automotive

but I think I would actually prefer a hand pump so I don't have to worry about draining the battery.

[Joenavy85]

this is what i use, makes relatively quick work of filling the tires, though it will blow the fuse if i run it for more than about 10 minutes.(only happened once, when topping off my tires as well as the tires on my buddies Jeep.)

Amazon.com: Slime COMP03 12-Volt Air Compressor with Gauge and Light (300 PSI): Automotive

[Ford Man]

I've got one of the digital gauges that reads the pressure to the nearest 1/2 pound. It gives consistent readings, I've never checked it against a calibrated gauge, but does seem to be much more accurate and consistent than any of the pen type gauges I've used. Sorry I can't remember what brand it is, but remember it was a brand that I trusted. I think I paid about $8. for it. Many of the pen type gauges I've tried will give me one reading one time then without adjusting the pressure get a completely different reading (sometimes several psi) 10 seconds later.

[Ford Man]

Originally Posted by Joenavy85

this is what i use, makes relatively quick work of filling the tires, though it will blow the fuse if i run it for more than about 10 minutes.(only happened once, when topping off my tires as well as the tires on my buddies Jeep.)

Amazon.com: Slime COMP03 12-Volt Air Compressor with Gauge and Light (300 PSI): Automotive

I've never used the Slime brand portable compressor, but I've used other brands. I used to have two different ones and the gauge readings between the two varied by about 10 psi. I guess the main thing is using the same one for all tires and having them all at approximately the same psi.

[suspectnumber961]

I've had 3 12V compressors over time and the last one I bought was this one...

Ryobi 12-Volt Inflator/Deflator with Flashlight - YN600A at The Home Depot

Good price and has the light and an auto shutoff feature...also puts out more air than some of them. Places to store the cords too.

Air gauge is not accurate...will need a verified handheld gauge.

[Bill in Houston]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...I go to my local tire dealer and compare my el-cheap-o gauge with the one *they* use to check TRUCK tries with, which THEY check against their calibrated compressor gauge (an Ashcroft(?), I think).

Interesting. Thanks.