Tyre Pressure Gauges - Which one?

[WhipLash]

I never took much notice of my tyre pressures before; I'd just occasionally check them (ie every 6 months!) when getting petrol. This lack of care cost me dear when my last set of tyres certainly wore out long before they should have (never mind the reckless driving habits!).

However, now I want to keep a weekly check on my Bridgestones and wish to buy one of them small pressure gauges, but which one? Can anyone recommend any particular make or type? Which ones are accurate enough to be reliable?

[BeCos]

Buy a Bluepoint or Snap-On one. I have had one of these for 10 years and carry it in the car always. You should check the pressures when the car is cold or hasn't been driven in a while, i.e first thing in the morning. The forecourt devices are a joke and when combined with a "hot" tyre the difference can be over 10psi. This would make the readings a complete waste of time.

[WhipLash]

Thanks Ben, just a few more questions for you...

The gauges you mention, are they common enough in motor factors, or would I have to scout for one? Also, what type of price range are we talking about - £10, £20, £50???? (just so I'm not ripped off!) Now, considering that the forecourt air pump gauges are not always the most reliable, and one will have warm air in their wheels after driving there in the first place, do you still use the forecourt air pump, or do you have one of your own? Would you recommend purchasing one?

[Junior]

You seem to be doing a lot of enquiring about car care stuff lately, you trying to look after the Matiz so it doesn't fall apart ??

[BeCos]

I paid £15 for mine and bought it from a Snap-On dealer. Go to a place that sells tools. I pump up my tyres then check them the next morning !!

[WhipLash]

Originally posted by Junior
You seem to be doing a lot of enquiring about car care stuff lately, you trying to look after the Matiz so it doesn't fall apart ??

Who told you my secret Junior! And before you ask, its sporting red! ;)

[WhipLash]

Well I had difficulty finding a dial gauge, maybe I wasn't looking in the right places?!

I had a look at a review of tyre pressure gauges in Autoexpress, and found a pencil gauge that scored well for sale in Homebase. 1.5PSI accuracy which is good enough for my needs, so a total price of £2.89 was very well invested IMHO!!! :)