On Wed, 11 Jul 2001 20:09:28 -0300 Eugene Balinski <eugeneb@nni.com>
writes:
> I need a recommendation for a good tire gauge. I
> have a couple of the stick type but I am not sure
> that I trust them. Are the dial type any better ?
> How about the digital type ?
>
I just read an article in a car mag (I forget which one) that had a long
article on tire gauges. Basically, it said that virtually every gauge
they tested was accurate within about half a pound or so, including the
stick type, in the "normal" ranges. The digital gauges were no more
accurate than any other. On the other hand, almost all the air hose
gauges they tested at gas stations were very inaccurate. Those are the
kind that are attached to the air hose and poot out when you release the
lever. I've also had a stick type checked by an engineer before
(involved use of government equipment, so I'll say no more) and he found
it quite accurate.
For street use, a half pound or a even a pound difference is not going to
be significant. However, if you race your car, pressure accuracy is very
important. I use a Longacre dial gauge with about a 6" hose on it on my
racecar. It should be a bit more accurate than the stick type, but what
is more important is the way you use it. It has a "bleed down" valve on
it. That means that you overfill the tire slightly, attach the gauge,
and then hit the bleed down button until the needle on the gauge rests
exactly where you want it (without detaching the gauge). This is a more
accurate (and easier) method than pumping air into the tire, putting on a
stick gauge, finding the pressure still not right, and repeat. Also,
unless you get that stick gauge right onto the valve stem right every
time, you'll lose a half pound or so every time you use it. In other
words, it is hit and miss.
If you decide to buy a dial gauge type, get one that has a big rubber
impact cover around the dial. The magazine article found that
unprotected dial gauges could be easily damaged and become very
inaccurate if dropped. Personally I find digital gauges more difficult
to read, but that's up to you.
David Littlefield
'62 MGA MkII
'51 MGTD
'74 MG Midget vintage racer
'88 Jaguar XJ-S
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