Many vehicles come equipped with run-flat tires from the manufacturer. Our sales specialists receive many calls from drivers asking if they can replace th
eir run-flat tires with non-run-flat options. There are a few pros and cons when it comes to changing to a non-run-flat tire.
Pros:
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Conventional tires are typically less expensive
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Better ride quality
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Longer lasting
Cons:
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Many vehicles don't have a spare, therefore you won't be able to drive when you get a flat
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When leasing a vehicle, many companies often require vehicles sold with run-flats be returned with them
Switching to conventional tires will not negatively affect the vehicle and will fit on Original Equipment wheels. Also, for those that don't have a spare, take a look at the Continental ContiComfortKit that seals and inflates tire punctures. It's capable of comfortably sealing typical tire punctures that make it possible for you to complete your drive home, to work, an important appointment or a tire repair facility. The ContiComfortKit combines a powerful, high-volume, 12-volt air compressor, integral pressure gauge and a latex liquid sealant packaged in a compact, lightweight unit that's easy to store in your vehicle.
I have experienced first-hand the differences between non-run-flat tires and run-flats. The BMW I owned came with 18" wheels and Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT tires and I switched to 19" wheels and the Sumitomo HTR Z III. Normally, increasing the wheel diameter has a negative impact on ride quality, however I thought the conventional tires on larger sized wheels actually rode a little better than the 18" run-flats.
To find the tire that works best for your car, shop by vehicle.
Ever hear of someone changing out "summer air" for "winter air" in their tires? It may sound a bit silly, but that old myth does have a small degree of truth to it. Of course the air itself doesn't need to be changed, but the tire's air pressure does change over time and with changes in ambient temperature. Therefore, when the temperature is changing rapidly, it's a good idea to be extra vigilant during the seasonal transitions.
While it's always a good idea to frequently monitor your tire's air pressure, it can be especially important to check it as the temperature gets colder. This is because a change of 10 degrees Fahrenheit in air temperature can change your tire's inflation by about one psi. During some winter months the temperature can be 40 degrees Fahrenheit one day and below zero just a few days later - that could mean a 4-5 psi drop in inflation pressure!
You may think your tires support the weight of your vehicle, however they do not. It's the air pressure inside them that allows the tires to carry load. Maintaining proper air pressure is a must if your tires are to provide the best handling, traction, durability and fuel economy. The above example of a 4-5 psi drop may not sound like much, but consider this: some cars that lose 4 psi could be dropping 12%-15% in overall air pressure! With fuel prices as high as they are today, you can't afford to be negligent about maintaining your tire's air pressure.
We offer several excellent air pressure gauges to help you maintain proper psi and ensure the best performance and safety your tires can provide.
For further information on properly checking your tire's air pressure, read "Remember to Check Your Tire Inflation Pressure."
Every year I am asked by BMW drivers with factory installed run-flat tires if they need to stay with a run-flat option when it comes to purchasing winter / snow tires. There is no stipulation or rule that requires run-flat tires to be reinstalled as the dedicated winter tire choice, however there are some drawbacks you should be aware of before making the switch.
The BMW can make the switch to non-run-flat tires, however, in most cases the vehicle did not come with a spare tire. If you were to decide to make the switch to non-run-flat winter tires, a road hazard would leave you stranded on the side of the road without a spare to put on the car. However, a solutions to this issue is to purchase the Continental ContiComfortKit. The kit is capable of comfortably sealing typical tire punctures making it possible for you to complete the drive home, to work or a tire repair facility. It combines a powerful, high-volume, 12-volt air compressor, integral pressure gauge and a latex liquid tire sealant packaged in a compact, lightweight unit that's easy to store in a vehicle.
Features and Benefits of the Continental ContiComfortKit:
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Braided air hose
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Threaded hose end (more secure than push-on, thumb-lock inflation head)
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15-foot power cord
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Lighted pressure gauge
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Low-intensity LED supplemental work light
Another option worth considering is purchasing a full-size matching spare tire and wheel. Going this route essentially creates a set of five tires that will last longer than just four. The spare should be integrated into the vehicle's tire rotation from the beginning, as this will "wear out" the spare tire before it "ages out."
The choice to switch to non-run-flat tires for the winter boils down to your comfort level. If having a tire failure and being on the side of the road until road side service arrives or changing a spare on a busy highway are things you could never cope with, then staying with run-flats is probably best for you. If you're confident changing a spare tire in only a matter of minutes or waiting for road side service is not a big deal, then you may be someone who could easily make the switch to a non-run-flat winter tire.
To view all available winter options for your BMW, shop by vehicle.
Before setting off on your summer adventures, take some time to check your car over to ensure everything is in good running condition. A little bit of time spent in advance can save a lot of time and trouble on the road. The following is a good basic checklist to help get your vehicle prepared to take you wherever you want to go:
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Brakes - Since many traction control systems use the brakes to prevent wheelspin, they may be working extra hard during your winter driving in the snow. Therefore, it's a good idea to get your brake pads inspected once the weather begins to heat up. Checking your pads is easy when replacing your Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for your summer options since the wheels will be off. There should be a noticeable thickness of pad material between the backing plate and the rotor. If the pads need to be replaced, there are cleaner, higher performing pad compounds available. Take a look at "Brake Pad or Rotor Inspection & Replacement" to gain a better understanding if it's time for new pads.
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Lighting - Recruit a friend or family member to stand outside the car while you turn on the vehicle's headlights, high beams, turn signals and step on the brakes. If they tell you one of those lights isn't working properly, take a look at our lighting options from Hella and PIAA to improve your visibility.
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Tire Pressure - Proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy, hydroplaning resistance and tire life. Make sure all four tires are inflated to the vehicle's specifications found in your owner's manual or on the door placard. Don't forget to check your spare tire, too. Also, be sure to have an air gauge in your car so you can check your tire's pressure while traveling.
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Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) - These systems only report tires that are significantly under-inflated, so checking tires yourself is still a good idea even if your car has TPMS sensors. While you're checking your tires' air pressure, also inspect them for damage and wear.
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Jack and Lug Wrench - If you're relying on a spare tire in case of a flat, make sure that you have a working jack and lug wrench. It's nice to have something to serve as a wheel chock to make sure the car doesn't shift and fall off the jack. Something as simple as a block of wood will do. If you have custom wheels, it's important to make sure the lug wrench fits. The wheels could also have locks, so don't get stranded without the key! And since the lug nuts are different from stock, have some stock lugs for the spare.
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Belts and Hoses - Check them for dry, cracking or rotting as the rubber may give way at an inconvenient time. Replacing these items is usually fairly inexpensive, and can save you trouble.
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Check Fluids - Checking oil regularly is a good idea for any car, especially older vehicles that may be more prone to leak or burn oil. Even some newer cars can consume up to a quart every 1,000 miles. Make sure to check your coolant as well. Warmer weather can be harder on your cooling system and you want to be sure it's up to the task.
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Windshield Wipers - Driving at highway speeds in the rain can be a challenge. Make sure that your wipers have survived the winter in good working order. Even with good wiper blades, consider applying a water-beading treatment from Aquapel to improve your vision in the rain.
Many driv
ers understand it's important to monitor the air pressure in their tires. Improperly inflated tires hurt fuel economy and cause irregular and/or rapid tire wear in addition to posing safety problems.
It's recommend to check your tires' pressure at least once a month and before any long trip. Who really marks their calendar each month with a reminder to check tire pressure? I'll plead guilty that I don't. Instead, I check mine each time I wash my car.
You've got your air pressure gauge in hand and air compressor ready, but some will ask, "How much air pressure should I have in my tires?" Logic might dictate that one would simply check the sidewall of the tire, much like you do on a bicycle tire. However, this would be incorrect. The tire size used on your vehicle is also used on other vehicles and the recommended air pressure is different depending on the vehicle. For example, it may surprise many that a 2006 Acura MDX SUV uses the exact same tire size as a 2010 Chrysler 300 sedan.
Remember that the pressure listed on the sidewall is a maximum pressure only, not a recommended pressure. Instead, use the air pressure recommended in the vehicle's owner's manual or tire information placard label. The placard is typically found in the driver's side doorjamb, like the example in the photo above.
For more information on properly setting your tire pressure, read "Checking Tire Inflation Pressure."
The air pressure in your tires is critical to their maintenance. Tires cost hundreds of dollars, so spending a few minutes every month is a small price to pay to maximize the return on your investment.
What are the benefits of checking your tire's air pressure? In the case of an underinflated situation, the tire can experience uneven wear on both shoulders. Additionally, fuel economy, cornering and braking are all adversely affected. In severe situations, you can even have a tire failure or blowout. When a tire is overinflated, uneven wear is still likely, but this occurs towards the center of the tire. Overinflation also results in a stiffer ride and smaller contact patch. The smaller contact patch will diminish the traction and cornering capability of the tire.
To learn more about tire pressure and how it can affect your tires, read one of the following tech articles:
Ready to check your tire's pressure? Make sure you have an adequate tread depth gauge or find one here.
Having 
adequate air in your tires is nothing to overlook. You wouldn't want to take a long trip with your gas tank on empty now, would you? An underinflated tire is more prone to early tread wear, bad fuel economy and also affects the handling and braking of the vehicle.
A handy tool to keep in your glove compartment is a tire pressure gauge to ensure you can check your tire's pressure at any time. An outstanding option to consider is the Accutire ABS Coated Air Gauge. The following are some of the key benefits and features to the ABS Coated Air Gauge:
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Registers pressure levels from 5 to 150 psi on an easy-to-read digital LCD display
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Rubber handle for easy grip
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Powered by a permanent lifetime lithium battery
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Top recommended tire pressure gauge in a popular consumer publication
To gain a better understanding of how to properly check and adjust your tire's inflation pressures, read "Checking Tire Inflation Pressure."
Many people don't consider the role tires play on their vehicle. Your tires make contact with the road and the total contact area is about the size of a sheet of paper. Tire sidewalls are extremely pliable and soft; the entire load of your vehicle is carried by the air that fills the tires.
For every 10-degree Fahrenheit shift in ambient air temperature, you can expect a fluctuation of 1 psi in tire pressure. Also, you'll lose on average 1 psi per month just from regular driving. A high quality air gauge or tread depth gauge will help you maintain accurate pressures, maximize your vehicle's tire wear and fuel efficiency.
It's important that you adjust your air pressure in the morning before you drive more than a few miles, or before rising ambient temperatures or the sun's radiant heat affects it. For more information on the importance of maintaining sufficient air pressure, read "Air Pressure, Temperature Fluctuations."
To help protect your investment, properly inflated tires will provide your vehicle with great service and long life. Time and temperature are not your friend when it comes to maintaining optimal pressure. As tires are used, the rubber they're made of stretches and conforms to the road with each rotation. This stretching results in about 1 psi of lost air pressure over the course of
a month. For example, if your vehicle calls for 32 psi and you do not add air to your tires over a six-month period you could lose almost 20% in air pressure.
Additionally, the fluctuation in temperature also impacts your tire's psi. The rule of thumb is for every 10 degree Fahrenheit change in ambient temperature, your tire's inflation pressure will change by about 1 psi (up with higher temperatures and down with lower). This means that a properly inflated tire at 85 degrees could lose approximately 5 psi if the temperature were to drop to freezing (32 degrees). To gain a better understanding of how temperature affects your tire's air pressure, read "
Air Pressure, Temperature Fluctuations."
As you can tell, frequently checking your tire's pressure is time well spent to ensure optimal performance and wear. Proper inflation helps drivers avoid uneven wear and tire sidewall damage in extreme low pressure situations.
Maintaining sufficient air pressure is required if your tires are going to provide the handling, traction and durability of which they're capable, so take a look at the
air and tread depth gauges available so you can monitor your tire's air pressure.
With winter in full swing and temperatures dropping across the nation, it's never been more important than now to carefully monitor your tire pressure.
Underinflated tires cause vehicle imbalance, promote irregular wear and can cause load-carrying capacity issues. When the temperature drops, the air inside your tires naturally contracts at a rate of about 1 psi per 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, it is natural for air pressure to permeate through the tire's rubber sidewall at an additional rate of approximately 1 psi per month regardless of temperature.
This means that if you had set your tire pressure at 36 psi on a 70 degree summer day (six months ago) and the pressure has since dropped to 30 degrees, your tires at this moment could have as little as 26 psi in them.
Checking your tire pressure on a monthly basis takes only a few moments and keeps you and your family protected during these cold winter months.
A wide array of tire pressure gauges are available at several price points including the cost-effective
Accutire Digital Pencil Air Gauge and the extremely accurate
Accutire Racing Air Gauge that measures to 1/10th a pound of psi pressure.
Now that you have taken the plunge and made an investment in safety, let's talk about how to maximize the life of your winter / snow tires. Snow tires are truly different, so consider the following factors to ensure you get all you can from your investment.
Winter tires use the same pressure as shown on your door's placard. The key is to set it in the coldest temperatures outside that you will be driving in - first thing in the morning before you drive and not in the sun. I do this by leaving all my garage doors open for a few hours. Also, I fill and drain my compressor each time it's used. An alternative if you don't want to freeze your garage out is to add a few extra pounds of air pressure to each tire. And, since many vehicle's owner's manuals recommend operating winter tires several psi higher than recommended, read "
Higher Tire Pressures for Winter Driving."
Snow tires are soft. You'll want to rotate them regularly and usually more often than your all-season tires. If you're looking for a mile schedule, I rotate mine every 2,500-3,000 miles. I like to keep my winter / snow tires wearing out at the exact same time and matching treadwear keeps them as quiet as possible. The moment I see a 1/32" deviation between axles, I rotate them - you could say I measure tread depth often! Metal tread depth gauges are awesome and that's what I like to use. However, they can tend to get expensive, so if you are looking for something that works well at a great price, take a look at the
Dill Digital Tread Depth Gauge.
Designed to stay in contact with the snow and ice, winter / snow tires need to be connected to be effective. As it's not necessary to carry momentum when you have grip, you can reduce the vehicle's wheel spin. My car has Haldex four-wheel drive, the minute my traction light flashes I respond. I pull much larger vehicles out of snow drifts and ditches at less than 2 mph. Remember, keep that connected feeling.
Each tire manufacturer has their appropriate temperature cutoff, as snow tires wear faster in warm weather. My rule of thumb is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, when the temperature regularly is around this mark, I consider taking the tires off.
Since measuring your tire pressure is so important, be sure to take a look at our selection of
air and tread depth gauges.
As we transition to cooler weather in much of the Northern Hemisphere, now is a good time to check your tire pressure. Tire pressures are set at ambient temperature, and a
10 degree drop in ambient temperature drops your tire pressure roughly 1 psi. So a tire that was set perfectly at 75 degrees would automatically be 3 psi lower at 45 degrees. A little air always escapes over time, and with our busy lives we often neglect checking tire pressure. Between a drop in temperature and a month of neglect, a tire can easily be 5 psi lower than normal or more before you know it.
For details on how to properly set your tire pressure, read
"Air Pressure: When and How to Set." I just picked up a new
Intercomp 2.5" Deluxe Air Pressure Gauge (pictured at left) to help me keep track of my tire pressure. It is easy to use, solidly constructed and made in the USA. The handy bleed valve lets me simplify filling my tires. I put in a little more air pressure than I need, then bleed it down to the exact pressure that I want. No trial and error of adding and letting out air and checking multiple times, just fill, check, bleed and be done.
In September 2010, the California Air Resources Board issued state regulations that require all tire and vehicle service centers in the state to check and correct the inflation of all passenger vehicle tires on vehicles they service. The law further requires that tire and auto service providers have and utilize tire gauges that are accurate within +/- 2 psi. On average, tires will loose 1 psi of air pressure per month due to normal permeation loss. Tires can also loose 1 psi of air pressure for every 10 deg F drop in air temperature.
At Tire Rack we feel that the use of
tire air pressure gauges with greater accuracy is merited, as air pressure checks are critical for all tires.
When selecting a dial type pressure gauge, the average pressures you check should be in the middle third of the total gauge range for the greatest accuracy. The range of pressures most often required for standard load automotive tires is between 28 and 35 psi.
The Intercomp 4" Deluxe Air Pressure Gauge is accurate to within +/- 2% between 20 and 40 psi. Even the bottom and top third of the gauge is accurate to within +/-3%. The gauge measures air pressure between 0-60 psi in 1 psi increments.
The Intercomp 4" Deluxe Air Pressure Gauge features a high quality thumb-operated pressure release, for quick and accurate adjustments. The swivel nozzle attached to the end of the 17" Goodyear hose allows for easy access from any angle while the hose stays flexible in all temperatures. The glow-in-the-dark face offers high visibility with major and minor graduation marks.
You deserve greater air pressure accuracy, with Tire Rack and Intercomp, it's easily attainable.
El medidor de presión de aire Intercomp 4” Deluxe lee de 0 a 60 psi en incrementos de uno y posee un botón de gran calidad para dejar salir el aire al ser presionado con el dedo pulgar. Una boquilla giratoria a un extremo de la manguera de 17 pulgadas, permito acceso fácil por diferentes ángulos. Además, la superficie del medidor brilla en la oscuridad y ofrece mayor visibilidad.
Tire wear is often misunderstood by even seasoned drivers. Most people understand that improper tire rotation and wheel misalignment are the leading causes of premature treadwear. However, what is often overlooked is how
tire pressure impacts the tread life of tires.
As underinflated tires run with pressure that is below the specified setting, they wear faster on the shoulder due to the additional load being placed on the shoulders of the tires. Also, underinflated tires by only 6 psi can build up internal heat that increase rolling resistance and can cause a reduction in fuel economy of up to 5%. As tires lose air pressure, drivers will experience a significant loss of steering precision and cornering stability.
One thing to remember is that it is very difficult to spot underinflation without an
air pressure gauge. Take a look at the photo below to see how an underinflated tire compares to a properly inflated tire to the naked eye:
Can you easily identify which tire is 30% underinflated? Here is what they would look like in the morning parked in your garage.
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| Tough to tell; isn't it? Tire pressure must be checked with a quality air gauge as the inflation pressure cannot be accurately estimated through visual inspection. |
Less common than underinflation, overinflation will cause a tire to wear faster in the middle of the tire. This is due to the "ballooning" effect that occurs when a tire has too much air. Some drivers incorrectly inflate their tires to the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. If a vehicle's tires are overinflated by 6 psi, they could be damaged more easily when running over potholes or debris in the road. The most common place to find the proper tire pressure for your vehicle is the sticker on the inside of the driver door or inside the gas filler door.
For a better understanding on how to maximize the life of your tires, read "
Tire Rotation Instructions," "
Alignment" and "
Air Pressure: When and How to Set."
When rotating your tires, it is also important to measure their tread depth to help determine if your vehicle has an alignment issue. You may find that when the edge of a tire wears differently than another it can point to camber.
- Negative camber is wear on the inside edge of a tire and is pretty common on performance-oriented vehicles. It occurs when the top of the tire tilts inward toward the center of the vehicle. When a vehicle is lowered beyond stock ride height, additional camber is added. This can begin to become excessive causing consistently quicker wear on the inside edge.
- Positive camber causes more wear on the outside edge of a tire because the top of the tires lean away from the center of the vehicle. Read "Alignment" to gain a better understanding of camber and how it can affect your vehicle.
In addition, one of the most critical alignment settings relative to tire wear is the vehicle's toe. Toe angle identifies the exact direction the tires are pointed compared to the centerline of the vehicle when viewed from directly above. A toe setting that is just a little off can make a huge difference in the wear. An axle is said to have positive toe-in when imaginary lines running through the centerlines of the tires intersect in front of the vehicle and have negative toe-out when they diverge.
- Toe-out is used to get a vehicle to respond quicker to steering and cornering response.
- Toe-in is used to keep a vehicle tracking in a straight line.
Take a look at the diagram below to get a visual understanding of toe-in and toe-out:
You can keep your tires quiet with good monitoring and find a good rotation schedule based on wear not mileage. I will rotate my tires once I begin to see a deviation of 1/32" difference in tread wear. View the benefits and instructions on proper tire rotation in "
Tire Rotation Instructions." Once the tires have been rotated, be sure to check your tire's pressure. I use the
Intercomp Deluxe Air Pressure Gauge as it makes pressure adjustments easy!
Running non-standard tire pressures on all my vehicles, my rule of thumb is to never keep the tires below the manufacturer's recommended pressure. This allows me to get the tires to wear as evenly as possible. Good notes to remember when checking your air pressure are:
- Wearing in the middle of the tread, you need to lower pressures.
- Wearing on the edges of the tire, you need to raise pressures.
- A tire loses on average 1 pound per month during normal driving.
- For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit temperature change, expect to see a loss of 1 pound of pressure in colder temperatures.
- Conversely, pressure will rise roughly 1 pound for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit increase in ambient air temperature.
This of course should only been done on a solid alignment. Otherwise you may be compensating for wear due to misalignment.
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure inside the pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles. This system reports real-time tire pressure information to the driver of the vehicle, either via a gauge, a LED display or a warning light. Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for driver safety as well as maximizing tire tread life.
In October 2000, United States legislation enacted the TREAD Act (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation). This Act mandated the use of TPMS in all light motor vehicles (under 10,000 pounds), to help alert drivers to severe tire under-inflation. This act affects all light motor vehicles sold after September 1, 2007.
Although vehicle manufacturers are now required to install TPMS sensors in new vehicles, there has been some confusion on whether or not drivers are required to keep their TPMS active. Although most states have not mandated the TPMS remain active, there are at least four states that currently require vehicles manufactured after October 2007 to have properly functioning tire pressure monitoring systems. These states include Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia and verification of proper TPMS function is part of the annual vehicle inspection.
Take a look at "State TPMS Regulations" to help confirm restrictions in your area.
A
t the installer I was handed a pamphlet explaining that nitrogen filled tires will save the dolphins. Is filling my tires with nitrogen going to actually do what the pamphlet explained:
- Longer tire life
- Smoother, quieter ride
- More even tread wear
- Better gas mileage
Let’s take a step back for a minute and look at the differences between standard air and nitrogen. The atmosphere is just under 80% nitrogen. Therefore, you are paying for that last 20%. Is it worth it?
The difference between standard air and pure nitrogen basically comes down to predictability and air permeation. Pure nitrogen is more predictable in its fluctuation (or change) of tire pressure across different temperatures. This is very helpful if you drive your vehicle at an autocross event or race track because you can plan for changes in pressure based on temperature. For the other 99.9% of us this strength doesn't matter. The air permeation (or how quickly the air escapes the tire by natural means) is roughly half the rate with pure nitrogen vs. shop air. This relates to losing about .5 psi a month with nitrogen, versus about 1 psi a month with standard air.
So in conclusion, it would be beneficial for you to spend the money instead on a good air gauge for the garage and glove box, and really make it a point to stay on top of air pressure in your fleet of vehicles. That would serve you the best and probably save you money in the long run as proper tire inflation will give you longer and even tread wear, an improved ride and better fuel economy. Check out "Clearing the Air About Nitrogen Tire Inflation" or contact one of our sales specialists for more information.
Most drivers these days understand that it is important to monitor the tire pressure in their tires. Some problems that improperly inflated tires can cause include:
- Reduced fuel economy
- Irregular and/or rapid tire treadwear
- Reduced braking traction
- Tire failure from under-inflation
- Reduced corning traction and emergency handling
The good old days of simply kicking a tire sidewall to ensure it is properly inflated are over (and have been for a long time). In fact, with today's lower profile tires and tires with stiffer construction methods, not even a seasoned tire expert like myself can see if a tire is at the correct air pressure by simply looking at the tire. Many performance and run-flat tires could be under-inflated by 25% or more and not look any different from a properly inflated tire! Therefore, be sure to use a
quality tread depth gauge to check your air pressure. And to better understand the importance of maintaining correct tire inflation pressure, read "
Air Pressure - Correct, Underinflated and Overinflated."
It's recommended that you check your tire's air pressure at least once a month, and before any long trip. Who really marks their calender each month with a reminder to check tire pressure? Not many. However, you can use your smart phone to set up a reminder each month to make sure you check your pressure. And if that doesn't work, use the time at the gas station when you pull over to fill up to monitor the air pressure in your tires.
View all
air and tread depth gauges.
Proper inflation helps tires last longer, as well as improve the fuel economy and handling of your vehicle. Modern vehicles have TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems), which sound an alarm when a tire is significantly low. So an air gauge is still an important piece of equipment for any driver, but which one is right for you? Sometimes too many choices can seem overwhelming. Within just one brand,
Accutire, we have several tire gauges available. While they all work well, they do have different features to distinguish them from each other.
The
Digital Set Point Programmable Air Gauge is our best-seller. It can be programmed to remember your vehicle's recommended pressures, has a clean, ergonomic design and is moderately priced. If you are still on the fence after researching all the options, this is the one to choose.
The
ABS Coated Air Gauge has the highest maximum pressure reading of 150 psi. Its design is rugged and utilitarian. The readout on the side means you do not have to change your grip to read the pressure. If you like to keep things simple, this is your gauge.
The
Digital Pencil Air Gauge has the slim design of an old, stick-style gauge, but is updated to incorporate an easy-to-read digital display. On the back end, it has a tread depth gauge, giving this gauge the ability to measure two key aspects of a tire's road-worthiness. It is the least expensive of the Accutire gauges. If you have limited space or budget, this multi-function gauge is an excellent choice. Are you obsessive about air pressure?
The
Racing Air Gauge may be your match. It measures pressure all the way down to zero in 0.1 psi increments. It has a bleed valve to allow precise release of excess pressure. This gauge is a step up in price, but is worth it for those who race, or who want the most exact measurement and control of their tires' air pressure.
2008 Honda Accord Sedan
