I recently got an xtech pressure gauge that reads up to 160psi. My bike is a road bike that uses presta valves on the inner tubes. Here's the gauge (the one at the bottom): When I pop it on the valve the reading only seems to go up to about 40 psi. I feel if I inflate my tires much more they might explode (they are pretty much rock solid and I was expecting a reading of something more like 100) - they seem to have the same level of inflation as I bought them. So my question is, is there a special way in which I should be hooking this up? At the moment I'm just unscrewing the metal release thing on the presta valve and pushing the gauge on firmly. The gauge holds its reading even after you remove it, and I've tried resetting it by pressing it's release valve button but that doesn't seem to make any difference. I'm guesssing it's busted but maybe I'm doing something silly. I suggest borrowing a pump with a pressure gauge and pumping up your tyres with that. Then try your gauge once you know the tyre pressure.

Bike shops and a lot of cyclists have a floor pump because they work better than the little portable pumps than most cyclists carry. And those have a gauge on them that's usually fairly accurate. You say the pressure release button on the gauge "doesn't seem to make any difference". What do you mean - does the gauge drop back to zero? If not it's definitely busted. Presta valves can be a little tricky as well. An old practice is to unscrew the lock-ring all the way and then push it in to break the seal before applying the pump. Sometimes the valve will stick and you'll get false readings. Just went on a ride with some friends, one of which has his tires inflated to 90psi. 90psi is way higher than I thought.. there is no give on his tires when you squeeze them. Looks like I need to pump mine way higher! Also, considering getting a floor pump as 90psi might be a pain with my hand pump.Browse other questions tagged tire or ask your own question.Maintaining proper tire inflation is relatively simple and essential to the overall tire performance of your vehicle.

A properly inflated tire will provide longer life, quicker steering response, better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride than an improperly inflated tire. Both underinflation and overinflation can cause headaches like premature treadwear and possible tire failure. The best way to ensure you're getting the most out of your tires is to check your tire pressure on a monthly basis. Knowing how to use a tire pressure gauge is very simple. Here’s how to check tire pressure and refill your tires.Weight Loss Diet Plan 800 Calories Items You Need When Checking Tire PressureBackless Lace Wedding Dress Pinterest Your tire pressure gauge can be digital or standard. Used Hot Tub Parts EbayAuto parts stores typically carry both.

Many auto parts stores sell portable air compressors that run from your car battery or 12v power port. Alternatively, you can use the air compressor found at most gas stations. They usually cost $0.50 or $1.00 to use. Vehicle manufacturers specify PSI – literally “pounds per square inch” of pressure – assuming tires are cold. Tires are considered cold when the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or if the vehicle has been driven less than a mile (1.6 km) at moderate speed. PSI is the unit your pressure gauge uses to provide readings. Look on the driver’s side door jamb or your owner’s manual to find the recommended cold tire PSI for your front and rear tires.  If you cannot find it, you should consult your vehicle dealer, manufacturer, or a qualified tire professional. If your front and rear tires require different pressure levels, write down the correct PSI for each to avoid getting confused as you move around your vehicle checking tire pressure.

Remove the valve cap from one of your tires. Then place the pressure gauge on the valve stem and press down hard enough so the hiss sound disappears and your gauge provides a reading. With a standard gauge, the air pressure will push a small bar out from the bottom of the gauge. Measurement units are etched into the bar. A digital gauge will show you the reading on a screen. Write down the reading and repeat this process for all four tires. Use an air compressor to refill any tires with low pressure. Many air compressors are different, so read directions carefully to be sure you’re using it correctly. If you’re using the air compressor at a gas station, be sure to park so that the hose will reach all four tires. Insert change into the machine until you hear the motor running. Fill each tire by placing the end of the hose over the valve stem and pressing on the lever. Using a gas station air compressor means your tires might be “hot.”  If it is necessary to adjust inflation pressure when tires are “hot”, set their pressure to 4 psi (14 kPa) above the recommended cold inflation pressure.

Recheck the inflation pressure when the tires are cold. After filling your tires, use the gauge to check pressure again. At this point, it’s ok if you overfilled the tires because you can always let some air back out. Never drive on overinflated tires. Overinflation can result in decreased traction, premature wear, and decreased impact absorption. Make the above procedure a monthly ritual. Regularly checking your tire pressure is the best way to ensure your tires never dip far below the optimal PSI. Accuracy matters and you should keep that in mind when choosing a gauge. For just a few dollars, you can find a quality, accurate tire pressure gauge that gives accurate readings. If you’re not sure which one to purchase, ask a professional technician which he or she prefers. A digital tire pressure gauge will provide accurate readings, but don’t forget that it operates on a battery. If you think having to replace the battery will prevent you from using it, it’s best to go with a standard gauge.