| I often talk about the importance of checking the | | | | 160 psi. |
| inflation pressure in tires, but is your tire pressure | | | | Possibly the most common type of pressure gauge is |
| gauge giving you accurate information? | | | | the plunge or pencil type. Some of these are |
| An RVer said, "I understand that tire pressure in an | | | | calibrated and some of the cheaper ones are not. As |
| RV is crucial and can cause serious problems if not | | | | a general rule a common plunge type gauge you |
| inflated correctly. Well, the problem is this, how do | | | | would purchase will be accurate to + or - 3 psi when |
| you know if the tire gauge is accurate? I have seen | | | | it is new. The accuracy of these type gauges are |
| two tire gauges show as much as 16 psi difference | | | | also affected by temperature, humidity and altitude. |
| on the same tire. Is there a recommendation as to | | | | Note: Always check the tire pressure when the tires |
| which tire gauges are the most accurate?" | | | | are cold, before traveling. If you check the tires |
| What's funny about this is for many years, as a | | | | when they are hot you will get a false (higher) |
| Maintenance Warrant Officer in the Army, I was | | | | reading and if you let air out of the tires they can be |
| responsible for tool calibration programs. Certain tools | | | | seriously underinflated when they are cold. |
| required regular calibration to ensure accuracy. I use a | | | | Like everything else these days' things are switching |
| quality tire pressure gauge, but after reading this | | | | from analog to digital. Analog tire pressure gauges |
| question realized that after several years of using this | | | | were the standard for many years, but |
| gauge I have never had it checked for accuracy. | | | | advancements in digital technology have improved on |
| Many of the really inexpensive gauges ($5) you can | | | | that standard. Analog dial gauges are about as |
| purchase can't be calibrated, and if the reading is | | | | accurate as the quality pencil type gauges. In |
| inaccurate the gauge is worthless. This is why you | | | | numerous tests comparing different type gauges |
| should spend a little more ($15-$25) and get a quality | | | | digital gauges were the most accurate tested. |
| pressure gauge that can be calibrated. I am a real | | | | Regardless of the type of gauge you choose there |
| believer in the old saying; you get what you pay for. | | | | are high quality and low quality gauges available. |
| If you have any doubt about the accuracy of your | | | | Buying a cheap digital gauge would be the same as |
| tire pressure gauge there are a couple things you can | | | | buying a cheap pencil type gauge. Here are a few |
| do to check it. | | | | things to keep in mind when it comes to tire |
| 1) You can check the air pressure in a tire with the | | | | pressure gauges. |
| gauge in question and then check the same tire with | | | | 1) Spend a few more dollars and get a quality |
| another gauge. If there is a significant difference in | | | | pressure gauge. |
| the readings (4 or more psi) between the two | | | | 2) If the gauge will be used for checking dual wheels |
| gauges one or both gauges may be inaccurate. If | | | | on a motorhome the chuck end of the gauge should |
| both gauges read within 1 to 2 psi of each other the | | | | have a dual foot design to make the job much easier. |
| gauges are more than likely accurate. | | | | 3) Always select a gauge rated higher than the |
| 2) If you want a more precise method for checking | | | | inflation pressure of the tires you are checking. |
| the accuracy take the gauge to a local tire dealer or | | | | Applying more pressure than the gauge is rated for |
| fleet truck maintenance facility and ask them to | | | | can damage the gauge and affect the accuracy. If |
| check it using a master gauge. A master gauge is a | | | | you over-pressure a gauge have it tested for |
| gauge that is certified to be accurate. But I caution | | | | accuracy. |
| you there are lots of tire dealers who don't have | | | | 4) Try not to drop or jar the gauge. Store the gauge |
| their own tire pressure gauges calibrated. | | | | in some type of protective covering or case and in |
| Note: Don't depend on pressure gauges at gas | | | | an area where it won't be hit or damaged. |
| stations to be accurate. These are usually abused | | | | 5) Periodically have the gauge tested for accuracy. |
| and neglected, raising concern over accuracy. | | | | At a minimum compare it to another quality gauge to |
| There are several different types of pressure gauges | | | | see if both read the same, or close to the same |
| available on the market. One important thing to keep | | | | pressure. |
| in mind is the pressure the gauge is rated for. Most | | | | 6) Most importantly, once you purchase a quality |
| automobile tires are inflated to around 32 psi, so a 0 | | | | pressure gauge use it on a regular basis to check |
| to 60 psi gauge is sufficient. On the other hand some | | | | your RV and automobile tires. |
| motorhome tires are inflated to 100 or more psi. It is | | | | Remember, properly inflated tires are safer, extend |
| important, for accuracy and to prevent damage to | | | | the life of the tires, improve fuel efficiency and |
| the gauge, that you get the right gauge for the job. | | | | lessen the chance of unexpected and premature tire |
| A general rule of thumb is to find a gauge that can | | | | failure. |
| read double what the inflation pressure is set at. This | | | | Happy Camping, |
| isn't always possible especially with tires inflated to | | | | Mark Polk |
| 100 psi, so find a gauge rated for high pressure, like | | | | Copyright 2009 by Mark J. |