Why I Don’t Like Digital Tire Gauges
Let’s be clear: I’m not a guy who hates technology. In fact, I welcome the improvements it brings to life. For example, I pack much more compact photo equipment on my motorcycle trips than I did in the past, and I can more readily share and reproduce the resulting photos due to digital technology. Heck, you would not be reading this article if it were not made possible via digital technology.
And, I also don’t believe that any rider can own too many TIRE GAUGES.
But when it comes to “digital” tire gauges, over the years I have evolved backwards: I’ve tossed out several of my digital tire gauges and reverted back to the tried and true non-digital (analog) versions.
Now, with all due respect to the digital tire gauge pictured here (I have not used this “specific” one), I don’t recommend them.
Digital Tire Gauges Benefit The Manufacturers More Than Users
I believe these digital gauges are designed to sell more gauges instead of serving as a long-term useful motorcycle tool.
Why?
Those darn batteries just don’t last that long.
The last thing you need is to have a gauge NOT working when you need it. The non-digital gauges NEVER have battery failures.
Digital Tire Gauges Can Be More Precise
Conversely, what I “do” respect about these gizmos is that their tire pressure measurements display more precise increments than the non-digital gauges.
Now, I suppose that a full-fledged mechanic, who is using such a gauge daily may find the inconvenience of replacing the batteries a moot point, relative to his/her frequent use of this tool.
However, over the years, I have found that I’ve ended up spending considerably more money on replacing digital tire gauges that cease to perform, because it’s easier to just buy a new one than to find/replace the correct battery.
Analog (Non-Digital) Tire Gauges Last Longer
I should have recognized long ago that an analog digital tire gauge, that does not need a battery, is a simpler tool. And that simplicity results in a much longer-lasting, reliable and useful tool.
I’m not ready to switch back to film cameras instead of digital cameras, but I don’t see any more digital tire-pressure gauges in my future.
Get a Tire Gauge: Whether Digital or Not!
In conclusion, you need a tire gauge!
Whether you have a digital one (with a good battery) or an analog tire gauge, you need to regularly check your tire pressure to ensure they are inflated at the optimum pressure to ensure you benefit from all the traction those little contact patches between your tires and the road can give you.
