Since tire safety is of the upmost importance, it makes sense to carry a quality tire gauge. My favorite tire gauge is an Accutire similar to the MS-4021B (http://goo.gl/BaFLKj) model. It’s also one of the best selling tire gauges in America, so perhaps I am not alone.
What makes the Accutire gauge so thrilling? Err, I mean so worth owning?
It’s a simple reliable tire gauge. (Click the pic for more info.)
It’s reliable, delivering an accurate digital reading of tire pressure.
The digital display is easy to read.
It’s physically well designed, with a grippy ergonomic handle. The design allows you to place thumb pressure onto the valve stem.
It’s not fancy, but it’s a #1 best seller for a reason. (Click the pic for more info.)
It’s rugged; we’ve owned our older Accutire model for several years and it’s still working great.
It’s compact and easily fits inside our truck’s glovebox.
According to the company, the included lithium battery never needs changing or recharging.
It’s not expensive, and a bit of a bargain at current prices.
Okay, so even if it’s not a thrilling purchase, the Accutire MS-4021B is everything you’d expect from a simple well constructed tire gauge.
But it doesn’t talk.
This model actually SPEAKS tire pressure readings! It’s great for anyone who doesn’t like reading tiny digital screens. (Click the pic for more info.)
If you want to step up to a talking (yes, talking) tire gauge, Accutire offers a very popular and reasonably priced unit – the Accutire MS-4441GB. In addition to a digital display, it actually speaks the tire pressure reading. That’s at least slightly thrilling.
At first glance this may seem like a gimmick feature, but the speech can actually come in handy when checking pressures in dark environments (like certain garages or even outdoors at night).
The Accutire speech feature is also useful for people with impaired vision.
Both of these Accutire tire gauges are very affordable and well regarded. Are they the “best” gauges on the market?
Tire gauges are like most tools – there’s always a more expensive “nicer” alternative with better build quality and performance. The question is whether you can justify it.
If you want a more professional grade tool, consider a Longacre model. (Click the pic for more info.)
For example, if you are comfortable spending more than $100 for a significant upgrade, you can get the Longacre 50358. It includes a 17-inch hose with ball chuck, and is suitable for professional use. But do you really need that kind of premium grade tool? That’s a question that only you (or, to be more accurate, your spouse?) can answer.
For most of us, a simple Accutire model will do the job nicely.