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Average user rating: Average user rating: 3

Great Digital Gauge!

Before buying the Accutire MS-4020GB Digital Tire Gauge, I was using the typical manual gauge which wasn't giving me a precise measurement of the pressure in my tires. Now, with this gauge I can have a better lecture when I put air into my car tires. This is helpful since most of the times you need to have the recommended pressure on your tires according to the car or tire's manual. It has a nice hand grip, very easy to use and it measures pressure is in 0.5 psi incremental. I do recommend it for those out there who are looking for a more precise measurement, instead of using a manual gauge. I did in fact reviewed other digital gauges out there in the market, but I went for this one due to its low price and the manufacturer specifically makes measuring systems which gives you more confidence regarding support and other technical issues.

Not Recommended Due To Unacceptable Coupling

I recently purchased this tire gauge based on an evaluation I read by Consumers Report. The gauge in fact did not seal or engage the valve stem on any of the tires I tested tightly and had to be moved around too much to get an acceptable seal. For me, this makes this tire guage unacceptable. Additionally, the gauge is made of very light weight plastic and subsequently feels cheaply made. It is made in China or at least the one I recieved was labeled made in China. Also, if you are planning to order the gauge through Amazon, Amazon has classified the tire gauge under "Tools & Hardware" which means that if you return the item due to your dislike of how it performs, Amazon will charge you a handling charge (in fact)of $9+ in addition to postage. This return charge is the highest catagory Amazon now has listed. If you really want to buy the item, look locally, where you may be refunded all of your purchase charge without paying a high penalty charge. Be very careful ordering this type of item from Amazon. Amazon does make it costly for the consumer to return items and their communications is less than acceptable or does not answer the question asked. Buyer beware, especially when dealing with Amazon.

Inexpensive assurance for obtaining optimum tire pressure

This product was purchased in the Fall of 2002...

Of the ten or so units on the display rack, two of the units' LCD readout turned on by itself when I squeezed the handle. The reading was 00.0. The units may have been dropped by other customers. Who knows.

Having checked all of the open box units (the newer shipments were sealed in plastic blister packages), I bought the one without the abnormal symptons. For comparison, I also bought a store brand Mastercraft Canadian Tire LCD digital unit for the same non-discounted price. Thank goodness for their generous refund policy at this store.

Tests were conducted on one cold tire. After 3 readings, the Accutire consistently read 30 psig (which was the recommended tire pressure for my car). The Canadian Tire unit consistently read 30.5 psig. The cheapest spring loaded stick-type tire gage consistently read 32 psig.

I can safely declare that either one of the Accutire and Canadian Tire gages are correct within 0.5 psig as specified. The stick-type gage is way off.

Pros;

1) Accurate to within 0.5 psig which is acceptable for safe and economical driving.
2) [cost less]
3) 5 year warranty.
4) Aside from the occasional cleaning of the tip, and as long as you don't drop it; it's maintenance free.
5) Low temperature tolerable lithium battery.
6) For my hands, the unit has an ergonomically comfortable rubber-coated grip.
7) Air tight seal on all valves tested everytime.

Cons;

1) A bit chunky in size for compact storage inside the car.
2) It's an electronic equipment, so be delicate with it.
3) Not designed to be water resistant.

The unit has sat inside the car through one 2002 frosty southern Ontario winter, and several hot and humid 2003 summer days. No problems so far.

A valuable and value priced tool.