Proper inflation of tyres is an important thing when you are driving. Essentially, tyre manufacturers indicate the pressure level that you need to maintain on the sidewall of the tyres. This recommended pressure level varies for each type of car, and you can run into trouble if you do not inflate the tyres properly. For example, over inflating your tyres reduces the area of contact between the road and the tyres, elevating the risk of losing control when you are driving. Thankfully, you can always keep eye on the pressure level of your tyres by having a portable pressure gauge. This will help you know when it is right to have them refilled. For first-time car owners, here are a few types of tyre pressure gauges that you can go for:
Dial Pressure Gauge
The dial pressure gauge is also referred to as the analog gauge. The gauge has a round face that resembles a clock. It also has a short tubular structure that holds the valve. When you want to measure the tyre's pressure level, remove the valve cap used to seal the tyre's pressure valve. Next, place the dial gauge's valve against that of the tyre and hold it firmly. The gauge's needle will move back and forth and finally settle at a certain point on the scale. The dial pressure gauge is very accurate, although it takes up a lot of space and you'll probably have to keep it in the boot.
Digital Gauge
The digital gauge does not use a pointer and a scale like the dial pressure gauge. It has a liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen that displays the pressure level of the tyres after placing the gauge valve against the tyre's pressure valve. Notably, it is easier to read the pressure on a digital gauge than a dial pressure or stick gauge, especially when the pressure level falls between in between the calibrations on the scale. On the downside, the digital gauge uses batteries to power their electronic display. Underpowered batteries can easily lead to a faulty reading.
Stick Gauge
The stick gauge can easily be mistaken for a large pen. It has a calibrated rod that slides out when you press its valve against the tyre's valve. As you press firmly against the tyre's valve, a white stem pushes to the opposite end and stops to indicate the reading of the pressure level. Stick gauges are, by far, more portable than the other two types of gauges.
Share