Gauges do go out of calibration...just by dropping them. Drop them one time from steering wheel height and depending on how the gauge lands, the accuracy is +/- 5 psi. Drivers who have had the same gauge for years...good luck.

To check the accuracy of your tire gauge, visit a tire dealer. They should have a Master Gauge. Many truck stops have these as well. These gauges are just for checking the accuracy of any given tire gauge. If the gauge is off by 5 pounds or more, discard it! Buy a new gauge from a reputable manufacturer.

You can order a tire maintenance kit which includes, a top quality truck tire gauge, tire tread depth gauge and 18 metal valve stem caps from Tuffy Manufacturing, Inc. for $9.95 + $3.95 shipping. Send check or MO to Tuffy Manufacturing, Inc. 360 Massillion Toad, Akron, OH 44312. To use a credit card, call them at: 800/341-6667.

"TIRE BUSINESS", September 2nd, 2002 reported "Consumer Reports"Rates Tire Gauges

"Consumer Reports" magazine recently rated 8 tire gauges according to accuracy, ease of use, readability and ruggedness. As TRIB has stated before, gauges loose their accuracy if frequently dropped. Of these gauges the AccuGauge H100X and Monkey Grip M8854 were knocked out of calibration by an average of more than 5psi when dropped from a height of 3 feet onto a hard floor, (ruggedness test) and rated as Fair. The Pressure Inc. DT-105's digital "went blank for about 5 minutes and then returned to normal." It was rated as Very Good.

Tire gauges numbered 3 and 4 are available (wholesale) through Tuffy Manufacturing Inc.

Just how do those things work? As a part of the ASK THE DOCTOR series from Bridgestone/Firestone, the following is an illustrated brochure answering any questions you might have about stick and dial type gauges. Download here, "How Does A Tire Pressure Gauge Work ?" and remember to check the psi while they're cold!

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