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It’s no secret that you can’t drive with a flat tire, though it’s easy to forget that proper tire pressure can improve traction, increase fuel efficiency, and limit the chance of flats. Sure, when the sun’s shining and the trails look good, you just want to hit the road. But taking just a couple of minutes to check your ATV tire pressure can save you a lot of hassle down the line. It doesn’t need to be tedious, especially with the help of a high-grade ATV tire pressure gauge. These compact tools are designed to display the air pressure so you know whether it’s time to hit the pumps. All ATV tires have an optimal tire pressure to improve traction and keep your ride secure. With a simple look at the owner’s manual, you’ll know the perfect metric for your ride. By keeping one of the best ATV tire pressure gauges on hand, you can keep it at the right setting for as long as needed. This guide includes some of the best ATV pressure gauges.
Best ATV Tire Pressure Gauges: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Vondior Tire Pressure Gauge
Best Value
AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Most Versatile
Jaco FlowPro Tire Inflator
Easiest to Read
Accu-Gage Low-Pressure Tire Gauge
Most Durable
Rhino USA Heavy-Duty Tire Pressure Gauge
Honorable Mention
Joes Racing PSI Tire Pressure Gauge
Honorable Mention
TireTek Tire Gauge
Our Verdict
Now that you’re familiar with the ins and outs of ATV tire pressure gauges, you can make your pick. It could be the Vondior Tire Pressure Gauge or the cost-effectiveness of the AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge. There’s a gauge for every off-road ride.
Benefits of ATV Tire Pressure Gauges
- Keeps you informed. A key advantage of having a tire pressure gauge handy is that it keeps you in the know about the status of your tires. Whether you’re in the garage or deciding if you can cover those extra few miles, it’s important to know what you’re working with.
- Protects your tires. Armed with the knowledge of how pressurized your tires are, you can either deflate or inflate them accordingly. This makes your ATV tires less likely to get punctured by objects in their path.
- Gives exact readings. Modern versions of an ATV tire pressure gauge enable you to see the reading digitally and in analog. Well-calibrated technology gives you readings within a range averaging about two percent.
- Improves fuel efficiency. When your tires are full, you can properly grip the ground. Not only does that improve your traction, but it can also help your vehicle move more efficiently. Driving properly helps you save fuel and drive the ATV for longer.
- Lets tires last longer. Because properly inflated tires are less prone to punctures and also interact better with the ground, a pressure gauge works in conjunction with other ATV accessories to help tires last substantially longer.
- Compact structure for easy storage. Tire gauges take up very little space, especially if you pick the right one. It can fit easily in your backpack or emergency kit for the ATV, meaning you don’t have to add any luggage to your ride.
- Analog or digital models. You can opt for models that rely on batteries and those which perform without a power source. Most are backlit, meaning you can get a good reading regardless of the situation.
Types of ATV Tire Pressure Gauges
Analog Gauges
The traditional type of tire pressure gauges, the analog version uses no electricity to operate. It features a prominent main dial with a needle that moves according to the pressure behind it. You connect the end to the tire valve and the backflow of pressure interacts with the gauge. Provided it is well-calibrated, you will get a reading within a percent or so. Many dials also provide readings in more than one metric (kilopascals and pounds per square inch). A good model will be visible in darker settings, durable, and accurate.
Digital Gauges
This type of gauge is more modern than its analog counterparts, though the basic function is the same. With these models, the unit connects to the tire valve. The pressure is read and displayed on a backlit LCD screen. Most have controls that let you change the metric, hold a measurement in digital memory, and reset the system. To preserve battery life, usually there is an automatic shutoff feature.
Top Brands
JACO
With roots in Illinois, this company opened its doors in 1983 with a focus on providing commercial-quality tools for the automotive and powersports industries. Among its best-favored products is the Jaco ElitePro Tire Pressure Gauge.
RHINO
Based out of Temecula, Calif., Rhino USA is a company focused on offering high-end powersports equipment, all touting a lifetime guarantee. It supplies a wide range of products for motorcycles, off-roading sports, and boating. One of its leading selections is the Rhino USA Heavy-Duty Tire Pressure Gauge.
TireTek
An automotive accessory company that came into being by manufacturing tire pressure gauges and inflation technology, it offers supplies for all types of vehicles. Since its inception, this brand has been a popular supplier of this tech for SUVs, RVs, and bicycles. Of its top offerings is the TireTek Tire Pressure Gauge.
Tekton
A leading manufacturer of hand tools, Tekton is a Michigan-based company that focuses on automotive supplies. Amongst its many products are wrenches, pliers, ratchets, and sockets. Most of its products are highly versatile, such as the Tekton Digital Tire Gauge.
Accutire
A business entirely dedicated to tire pressure gauges, Accutire has all types of options. It provides gauges for vehicles of all sizes, ranging from heavy-duty trucks to ATVs (and everything in between). Among its most-popular options is the Accutire Tire Pressure and Tread Depth Gauge.
Tacklife
Opening its doors in 2015, Tacklife originated as a small group of dedicated engineers, aiming to enhance the development of tools. It has since expanded the product range to include robotics, power tools, items for the home, and more. One of its top selections is the Tacklife Car Tire Inflator Air Compressor.
AstroAI
This brand commenced operations in 2016, with three locations across China. Quickly becoming an international leader in the automotive improvement industry, it supplies everything from car parts to power tools. The AstroAI Tire Pressure Gauge is one of the leading products from this brand.
ATV Tire Pressure Gauge Pricing
- Under $20: Most ATV tire pressure gauges fall in this category, so you can easily find either an analog or digital model without breaking the bank. These tend to be compact and easy to transport.
- $20 and up: You can find ATV tire pressure gauges in this price range, though the vast majority also come with an air compressor. Keep in mind that these likely take up more space.
Key Features
Pressure Range
To work for your vehicle, the pressure gauge needs to work within the range of the tires in question. Many tire pressure gauges have a wide range, going as high as 100 pounds per square inch. Though the average pressure for an off-road vehicle like an ATV lies between four and eight pounds per square inch, bigger vehicles require more air. The wider the range, the better the versatility of the pressure gauge.
Accuracy
Every measurement has a margin of error — a range where the metric may be larger or smaller by a certain amount. Especially when you think about how low the pressure requirement of ATV tires is, you want something with as small a margin of error is possible. The standard bell curve has a margin of error of five percent, though your pressure gauge must be calibrated to a higher standard. Aim for somewhere between one and two percent when choosing your model.
Battery Requirement
Particularly for those who prefer digital over analog, investigating the power requirement of the gauge is important. Analog models use the force of the air pressure alone while digital systems feature a display to give you the readings. Either they will use a replaceable or rechargeable battery system. Replaceable batteries are better for gauges you plan to bring with you, though rechargeable models are more eco-friendly.
Other Considerations
- Size and Design. Once you’ve determined that the pressure gauge meets all your needs in terms of features, there are still some other factors to consider. Look at the design of the gauge. Is it reasonably user-friendly? Can you see the readings? Think about how easy it will be to store in your vehicle and aim for something that isn’t too bulky yet is still durable enough to last.
- Weight and Grip. If you aren’t comfortable using the pressure gauge, is it worth the investment? You want something lightweight enough to handle easily yet is sturdy enough to handle off-road conditions. It’s about more than the weight, though. Look out for models with ergonomic handles, a grip that is structured so that you won’t drop the gauge while you’re using it.
- Convenience Features. Anything, however small, that makes your life easier is worth looking into. Some models have valves to deflate tires, others have multiple metrics so you don’t have to convert your measurements, and some can also check your tread level. Opting for models that have more intuitive controls and extra features can make using the device that much easier.
Tips
- Keep a tire pressure gauge with you in the vehicle with your tire repair kit to prevent issues on the road.
- Check the pressure of your tires before you take a trip to see if they need a refill.
- Tire pressure is sensitive to cold weather, so keep the temperature in mind when you check the tires.
- Pressure gauges work in conjunction with air compressors to refill the tires as needed.
- Consult your ATV owner’s manual to confirm the optimal tire pressure for your ride.
- Find a tire pressure gauge with a wide reading range so it works on all sizes of vehicles.
- If using a digital pressure gauge, keep spare batteries on hand and reset the gauge between uses.
- Make sure you have a tight seal with the tire when you go to read the pressure to prevent air loss.
FAQs
Q: What PSI should ATV tires be at?
Typical tire pressure for ATV tires is between four and eight pounds per square inch (PSI). Larger off-road vehicles and UTVs range between 12 and 18 pounds per square inch. Check your owner’s manual to get the precise requirement.
Q: Do most gas stations have a tire pressure gauge?
While many gas stations have an air compressor, most don’t have a pressure gauge. Usually, if you don’t have one, you need to buy a basic model in the gas station (and the mark-up is pretty significant). It’s easier to plan and bring your own.
Q: How long should ATV tires last?
So long as you properly care for the tires, you should get between one and two years of utility out of them. It all comes down to the terrain on which you ride, the type of tires, and whether the tires themselves are new when you get them.
Q: Do ATV tires need to be balanced?
It’s not necessary to balance off-road tires because typically they travel at slower speeds than highway vehicles. However, if you have the time to spare and the means to balance them, it can help the tires last for longer.