Review of the best pressure gauges of 2022

Every motorist knows that a pressure gauge is an integral and important device for measuring the pressure in car tires. In the material we will tell you what devices are, where and how to choose, at what price and which company is better to buy. We tried to make an overview of the most popular models and their best manufacturers, to collect a rating of high-quality products with excellent characteristics and functionality. We hope that the information presented in this article, based on the reviews of motorists and manufacturers' recommendations, will help you avoid mistakes when choosing, and fully satisfy your needs.

Why do we need pressure gauges in cars

A manometer is a device that measures the pressure of air, gases and liquids.

Every driver knows that even a small discrepancy in atmospheric pressure in tires can affect fuel consumption, vehicle stability on the road, its handling, tire tread wear, and, accordingly, affect driving safety.

Increased air pressure contributes to:

• a decrease in the comfort of the driver and passengers, since all shocks from bumps are transmitted through vibration to all elements of the car;
• increase the likelihood of rubber damage, the formation of "hernias" and cracks;
• increased tread wear on the central part of the wheel and damage to suspensions due to increased load, and, accordingly, accelerated wear of shock absorbers and springs.

Low tire pressure contributes to:

• overheating of the tire cover, which leads to deformation and rapid wear;
• an increase in the load on the side parts of the rubber, contributing to its further destruction;
• loosening of the tire fastening on the disk, which can lead to disassembly and the creation of an emergency on the road;
• increase in the volume of consumed fuels and lubricants (by about 3-5% per month) due to increased resistance to the road while driving.

That is why the pressure gauge is considered an indispensable and indispensable attribute of any motorist, as it allows you to quickly measure and further control the level of atmospheric pressure in the tires of the "iron horse". So, what should you pay attention to when measuring pressure? Here are some tips.

• checks should be carried out daily, preferably before departure. If this is not possible, then this procedure should be carried out at least once a week;
• the most reliable indicator can be seen after measuring cold tires. Indicators from "hot" rubber may differ from reliable by 10-20%.Therefore, on the road, it is better to increase the low pressure of “warmed up” rubber by 10% above the prescribed norm. But it should be remembered that in winter, during severe frosts, the pressure in the rubber can, on the contrary, decrease by 10%. The tire inflation rates recommended by the manufacturer can be found in the vehicle's technical data sheet. For a passenger car, the pressure level is 2.0 bar.
• after the trip, measurements can be taken after 3-4 hours of inactivity of the car.

Compliance with these simple rules will help you increase the safety of your trip and increase the life of the car.

Types of pressure gauges

1. A mechanical or dial gauge is a simple, reliable, accurate and inexpensive measuring instrument. On the dial of the device is a scale that shows the level of pressure. Most models have a valve to release over-inflated air.

• not afraid of the cold;
• low cost models;
• high measurement speed.

• afraid of moisture;
• obtaining accurate data occurs after several measurements.

2. Rack-and-pinion or with a retractable scale - in shape it resembles a ballpoint pen inside which there is a spiral spring of a cylindrical shape. The pressure moves the piston-scale and stops at the desired value. The device is reliable, because of the small dimensions does not take up much space.

• compact;
• average price.

• inconvenient to use;
• fragile;
• hard to read scale.

3. An electronic or digital pressure gauge is a device that combines a pressure transducer and a digital indicator. The device has high precision in work and compactness. They have LCD screens with backlight, which greatly simplifies the work in the dark.

• high accuracy in readings;
• has a wide measurement range in various units;
• easy to work.

• high price;
• in severe frosts can fail;
• runs on batteries.

4. An air gun with a pressure gauge is a professional device that is more often used in car services and service stations. It connects to the air supply unit and easily inflates the tire on the car.

• easy to pump and measure pressure;
• built-in check valve allows you to control tire inflation;
• occupies the middle price range;
• reliable in work;
• can be used for stitching.

• noisy, high vibration;
• short hose length;
• excessive energy consumption;
• oversized.

5. Hydraulic pressure gauges - allow you to measure the pressure in the pipe (gas / liquid) on equipment, control and, if necessary, adjust it in various mechanisms and systems. The description of this product is as follows. As soon as the required parameter is reached and the threshold value exceeds the declared norm, the group of contacts of the electrical circuit closes / opens with the arrow fixed at the maximum / minimum measurement value, which allows you to see the pressure level in conditions of a pulsating and vibrating measured medium.

• long service life;
• indication accuracy.

• high price;
• difficult to operate.

6. Deformation devices contain elements with increased sensitivity, which convert pressure and proportional readings transmitted to the arrow of the device with a digital indicator.

• widely used in industry;
• has a small size;
• has good accuracy and great measurement capabilities.

• not found.

7. Liquid or pipe manometers are communicating vessels in which the applied load proportionally shifts the column of liquid filling the device, thereby showing the pressure.

• easy to use;
• reliable;
• has high accuracy.

• limited in use (only in laboratories and to check the correct operation of other pressure gauges).

Criterias of choice

Before choosing one or another tool, you should decide on the following criteria: find out the measuring range, accuracy class, characteristics of the selected model and methods of attaching the tips.

For rare use (several times a year), it is more rational to choose an inexpensive budget model. If daily operation is planned (in car services, tire shops or service stations), the choice should be stopped on devices with durable cases.

Pay attention to the accuracy of the equipment, which has 3 classes: class 1 - from 1.0 to 0.5, class 2 - from 0.5 to 0.1, class 3 - up to 0.05. The higher the class, the more accurate the measured pressure readings will be.

You should also find out what units of measure the scale / digital display is graduated (bar, atmosphere, kg / cm², MPa, kPa, Psi).

For a passenger car, the second accuracy class of the model with a measurement scale of 0-7 bar is suitable.

Pay attention to how the tip is attached. Instantaneous measurements are made through pressure tips, as they only require pressure. But when using devices with such tips, without having the knack, it is easy to release all the air from the tire. To avoid this factor, it is better to use devices with a hose on which there are clamping (in the form of crocodile) or threaded tips. Such devices provide a tight pressing of the valve.

Top Producers

At the moment, the Russian market can offer you a choice of high-quality pressure gauges from the following manufacturers:

1. The German concern BMW supplies the market with mechanical and electronic pressure gauges, which are distinguished by quality, accuracy of readings and long-term operation without deterioration in properties;
2. The Chinese manufacturer supplies the consumer market with low-cost CARPOINT pressure gauges that are simple and easy to use;
3. The model of the Russian manufacturer of the brand "Berkut" of the Digital MAX modification, due to its principle of operation, wide functionality (with a unique function for saving information from a previous measurement) and ease of use, is in high demand among both ordinary people and specialists.

Rating of the best pressure gauges according to buyers

Heyner pressure gauge

Analog device of mechanical type, characterized by prevalence in the consumer market and low cost, light and easy to use. It has small dimensions, a rubberized case made of durable plastic and high-quality chrome-plated metal, which helps not to slip out of hands, and also protects against impact when dropped. There is a valve in the form of a button, which helps to release excessively pumped air in order to bring the pressure in the wheel to the required level. There is an additional function - a rotating measurement head, which increases the maneuverability of movements during measurement. Allows you to save previous measurements. Dial with two clear measurement scales. The first is in bars, the second is in psi.

The country of origin is Germany.

The average price is from 320 rubles.

• compact dimensions;
• body covered with rubber;
• clear scale.

• inaccuracy of indications.

Berkut ADG-031

When creating this device, the manufacturer tried very hard and combined many technical functions and nuances. The product is made of high quality material, which contributes to its long-term operation without breakage. The device has a deflator that allows you to deflate the tires and remove excess air from the wheel to the desired indicator (value). This feature will be especially appreciated by hunting and fishing enthusiasts who often have to drive off-road. The device is connected to the wheel using a hose made of high-quality rubber and a threaded tip. The device does not need an additional energy charge, which contributes to its successful operation in any weather conditions (dampness, heat, sub-zero temperatures). Pressure indicators can be viewed using two scales of units of measurement (atmospheres and PSI). The kit includes a bag-case for storing the pressure gauge, which will also perform a protective function from dirt, scratches and other damage. The pressure gauge combines the accuracy, reliability and versatility that are so necessary for the motorist.

Manufacturer - Russia.

Approximate cost - 1200 rubles.

• shows accurate measurements the first time;
• the presence of a deflator for lowering excess air;
• pouch included.

• the PSI scale distracts attention from the desired indicators.

Pressure gauge JTC 5611 with retractable scale

A versatile and reliable device that allows you to measure pressure up to 11 atmospheres, so it can be used by drivers of both cars and trucks. Made of chrome, which greatly increases the strength of the device.Outwardly, it resembles a regular pen with an additional ring-shaped mount, on which you can hang a tool for ease of use. Differs in compactness in the sizes that allows to store and transport easily. The retractable scale has a graduation of 0.2 bar. Helps you quickly and accurately determine tire pressure.

Production - Taiwan.

Approximate cost - 1250 rubles.

• the presence of a handle-ring for hanging on a hook;
• compact;
• made from quality material.

• poor visibility of the scale.

Electronic pressure gauge Berkut Digital Pro

This improved version of the pressure gauge looks like a carabiner with many additional features. There is a wide LCD screen with backlight, which allows you to use the device in the dark. A tool for measuring the depth of the wheel tread, a flashlight and a special device on which you can attach the cap from the nipple so that it does not get lost. The device is powered by additional power sources - lithium batteries, which allow it to be used in sub-zero temperatures (up to -10⁰). It has extended application possibilities, as it is suitable for use on any (passenger and truck) vehicles. The error in the accuracy of determining the pressure is very small and amounts to 1%. Differs in the increased universality and a small error.

Country of manufacture - Russia.

The average price is from 1500 rubles.

• accuracy of measured readings;
• the presence of a display with backlight;
• scale for measuring tire tread;
• thread to keep the cap from the nipple;
• the presence of a flashlight.

• there is no pressure relief valve;
• afraid of moisture and strong sub-zero temperatures;
• inconvenient location of the flashlight button.

Kachok M30

This tool is suitable for measuring pressure in tires of all brands and sizes. The light and compact device fits comfortably in the hand and allows you to take measurements from 0.15 to 7 bar. The liquid crystal display has three scales of indicators (bar, PSI, kPa). Additional batteries in the form of batteries help to illuminate the screen well and facilitate the use of the device in the dark. Lightweight and easy to use. Occupies an average price category in the market.

The average price is 900 rubles.

Production - China.

• low price category;
• the presence of illumination.

• weak batteries;
• inaccuracy of indications.

We have tried to describe in as much detail as possible the most popular models of pressure gauges that occupy leading positions in the market. Whether you prefer one of the above or choose another for yourself, it's up to you. The main thing is that it meets all your stated criteria, from functionality to the price sector.