How reliable are petrol station air tyre machines?

[guysy]

Just out of interest, have seen the odd discussion on this once in a while, I got the general gist of things that petrol station air pumps dont have to be as strictly serviced as tyre fitters equipment?

Its just I have a hand held tyre pressure gauge, its not the best by a long way. One front tyre looked to have less pressure then the other front yet both read near enough 32psi, the rears I hadn't checked in a while so went to my local petrol station, one front tyre was on 28 set that to 32, other was 30 set that to 32. One rear tyre read 25psi :quiet: the other 28 so I set them to 30 for the rears.

Ill double check with my gauge tomorrow and see what that reads, the car feels miles better now, think one of the rear tyres possibly has a leaky valve.

 

[Adam G]

Not sure if and how often they have to be calibrated. Would have thought the last calibration would be on the pump if it had to be. Try and find two garages close to each other and test them against each other if you really want to. Or just take your gauge and double check at the garage.

 

[Sam@NP]

About as accurate as a spastic with a biro.

 

[guysy]

I had a feeling that might be the answer.

What can I trust then? the car feels better, Ill check the pressures tomorrow with my guage and see. There's analog gauge in halfords which looks well made I might go for, Or is digital better?

 

[Adam G]

A good gauge, digital or analogue. I just suggested comparing two as that will give you an idea. If it feels okay, that's half the battle

 

[Chri5]

Don't forget to check them every time when they're cold to get an accurate reading across the board. Well at least after the same amount of driving anyway

 

[guysy]

Adam, Yeah there are 2 local, might give the comparison a go next Sunday.

Will do Chris cheers.

 

[Dan@SJM]

As Sam said. I set the gf's pressures at the weekend and they were as far as 6psi out.