Each year, Consumer Reports purchases and tests almost 1,000 tires. During that process, the team checks tire pressures literally thousands of times. Building on that experience, we recently tested and rated 14 different tire-pressure gauges to guide car owners in choosing the best tool for the job.

We tested eight digital, two stick types, and four dial types of gauges from five brands: Accutire, Intercomp, Gorilla, Milton, and Slime. We tested them for accuracy, ease of use, and durability, and also checked to see how they were affected by ambient temperatures spanning from just above freezing to 113-118 degrees F.

We found many gauges had significant limitations, with accuracy and ease of use being highly variable. Most gauges were considered durable, with one notable poor exception. Our testing showed that good gauges for consumers typically cost $5 to $15.

Keeping your car tires properly inflated is an easy maintenance chore that’s vital to driving safety. Underinflated tires build up excess heat as you drive, which can result in tire failure. With too little air pressure, tires can also wear faster and unevenly, waste fuel, and negatively affect the vehicle’s handling. To help keep tires in top condition, use a tire-pressure gauge to check the pressure of your tires at least once a month and before starting on any long trip. For an accurate reading, make sure the car has been parked for three or more hours before checking pressures.

If a gauge is old, worn, or dirty, or it has been dropped, it may not be reliable and you should get a new one. For such a nominal cost, it is a wise investment.

To determine the best tire-pressure gauge for your needs, read our complete buying advice and consult our ratings.