Accutire MS-4445B Programmable Talking Tire Gauge with Lighted Tip and Storage Case

Product Description

Never worry about trying to see the read out on your tire gauge again. The Measurement Ltd. MS-4445 talking tire gauge announces the pressure reading in both English and Spanish. This gauge measures from 5-99 PSI in .5 lb. increments and allows you to store the factory recommended setting for both your front and rear tires, insuring that you maintain optimal tire pressure. It features an easy to read backlit LED display, white LED flashlight and replaceable lithium battery. Includes a metal case for safe storage.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4621 in Automotive
• Brand: Accutire
• Model: MS-4445B
• Released on: 2007-02-23
• Dimensions: 4.00" h x 1.00" w x 8.00" l,

Features

• Talking gauge announces pressure measurement in English or Spanish
• Stores factory recommended pressure settings for both front and rear tires
• White LED flashlight
• Easy to read backlit LCD
• Replaceable lithium battery

Customer Reviews

Accutire MS-4445B Gauge
This gauge appears to work well and the 'voice' feature is handy as is the 'programmable' feature. However, I agree with prior reviewers' comment that one needs 'good aim' to get a good seal. I've been checking tires for 50 years and still need precise positioning to keep air from escaping while trying to check it! I'm not sure why this is such a problem - Accutire needs to come up with a better nozzle design.

Decent tire pressure gauge
The measures seem to be accurate but it is difficult to get a solid seal on the valves.

The gauge itself and the case look very nice.

Great Gauge... Not Perfect, But Pretty Good!
I bought the earlier version of this product back around 2004 and it had the same problem of not making the perfect seal. It finally broke while taking readings out in the rain. I ordered the MS-4445B along with the MS-4751WC to do a product comparison. The MS-4445B has improved in quality over the years and it now comes with a great hard cover case. It is sleek and slim as before. The pistol grip seems to feel better. The older version had a dim backlight and thus at night the LCD screen was harder to see. This one has a bright backlight so the talking feature is more of a novelty to impress your children, but still kind of cool. The case is a hard cover so it is great, but way too big. It doesn't fit in the center console of a G35 Coupe nor the glove compartment if you have the manual in there so I had to put it in my side door compartment where it rattles after every bump. They should have made the case a lot smaller. The case that came with the MS-4751WC fits like a glove, which is pretty nice, although not a hard case. The MS-4751WC is for my wife's Denali which fits the "bulky" profile. Both gauges did well as far as the readings were concerned, but I prefer this one because it is less bulky and the shape fits comfortably in my hand. I've heard that using tape solves the perfect seal issue for both gauges. I have not resorted to that method, luckily. Maybe it is because I was use to the less forgiving older model that I can take a perfect reading most of the time. If you press the gauge down perpendicular to the pin, you should not have a problem taking a reading. Any slight degree off 90 may bring on some frustration.

Accutire MS-5510B Racing Tire Gauge

Product Description

This is the ultimate tire gauge for the performance enthusiast. If you like to have the best tool available, this is the gauge for you. The MS5510B is the most accurate tire gauge available. It reads tire pressure from 0 to 60PSI in .01 increments, with a large, back-lit LCD screen to make it easy to read. The convenient bleed valve makes it easy to drop the pressure if you overinflate. If you have a motorcycle, an off-road vehicle, ATV or performance car, get the most out of your expensive tires with accurate, consistent inflation.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #158 in Automotive
• Color: Black
• Brand: Accutire
• Model: MS-5510B
• Released on: 2005-10-04
• Dimensions: 1.00" h x 3.00" w x 18.00" l, .50 pounds

Features

• The most accurate tire gauge available
• Reads tire pressures from 0-60PSI in 01 increments
• The quick disconnect insures a positive attachment
• Easy to read blue back-lit display
• Bleed valve to drop tire pressure to desired pressure

Customer Reviews

Nice Gauge but misunderstood
This gauge works well and is easy to read. It seats well and does mostly what it should.
There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding from what I have read in other reviews. Let's clear a few things up.
First of all, you do NOT have to wait ten seconds between readings. You DO have to hit the recall button on the bottom between readings.
Secondly, you DO NOT have to send the unit back to replace the batteries. The instructions VERY clearly state the model number of user replaceable batteries (if you were to read the instructions).
The hose was flexible for me in 30 degree weather contrary to what I have read elsewhere. Maybe it gets stiff in really cold weather but then I use mine in the garage.

Very Nice Gauge

Accurate and efficient tire pressure gauge
I like this gauge. For the price, it is efficient and accurate. Yes the hose is a bit stiff, but hardly more than a minor annoyance. As for any leaks, I have had none (so far). The fitting over the tire valve stem seems just fine to me. Just get it on snugly; grips the stem just fine. I also simply bleed the pressure out of the gauge between readings and all is good to go for the next reading, so not sure what others here are talking about when they say they need to press the recall button. I only use that for calibration. In addition, I do not understand what one other reviewer was referring to when having to wait 10 seconds between reads... As I bleed, sure, the pressure reading is not accurate, but once you stop the bleeding while using the bleed valve, the current pressure is immediately updated for me...

Overall, definitely recommended, at least for now. If that changes, I'll be sure to update here.

Large batch of defective gauges
I had the same problem described by R. Nielsen. The gauge would not take a new reading after I pressed the release valve to let air out. It only took a new reading if it was removed from the tire completely and reconnected. I called the manufacturer, who told me that it sounded like a problem and that I should return the gauge to them for a replacement. I returned it to Amazon as defective and got a new one with the same problem. I contacted the manufacturer again and they again asked me to send the gauge in for a replacement. I have sent the gauge to the manufacturer at my expense. The second replacement also had the problem. Customer service told me that they had sent the second replacement from the wrong batch/crate.

Six weeks later (November 27th) I received a properly functioning gauge. So it seems that a properly manufactured example of this gauge really does work properly. There was just a very large run of defective ones. At this point, I would give this item 3 stars: 4 for performance and price, minus one for the hassle involved in getting one that isn't defective.

If yours is defective, you should contact Accutire customer service and let them know: 973-402-4240.

Accutire MS-4751WC Digital Programmable Tire Gauge with Light

Product Description

The Accutire MS-4751WC Digital Programmable Tire Gauge with Light is a smartly designed tool that feels right in your hand. The large back-lit display is easy to read, and the rubberized grip and cast metal housing ensure many years of service. Driving with correctly inflated tires is important for safety, reduced tread wear, improved handling and ride performance and better fuel economy.

Accutire
Driving with correctly inflated tires is important for several reasons:

Increases safety

Reduces tread wear

Improves handling and ride performance

Maintains better fuel economy

Although most drivers know this, many still do not take preventative action by regularly checking their tire pressure. According to a survey by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 27 percent of the passenger cars and 33 percent of the light trucks (including SUVs, vans and pickups) on America's roads have at least one substantially under-inflated tire.

Under-inflation of tires increases the likelihood of many different types of crashes, including those involving: (1) skidding and/or loss of control of the vehicle; (2) hydroplaning; (3) increases in stopping distance; (4) flat tires and blow-outs, and (5) overloading of the vehicle.

For the small amount of time it takes, checking tire inflation at least once a month is one of the best investments you can make to get the maximum life out of your tires. Proper inflation can also improve gas mileage by more than 3% when maintained regularly. Keep this in mind: Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) drop in pressure of all four tires. You may want to check your tires more often during the winter months. Tires will lose about 1 PSI of pressure for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature drop.

Keep an accurate tire pressure gauge in your car's glove box (many gauges at "air stations" give false pressure readings) and check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Never trust the appearance of a tire as a gauge for inflation. A tire could be 10 PSI low on pressure and not appear to be low on air. Use the recommended inflation pressure listed in your vehicle's owner's manual or on the inflation sticker found on the driver's door jamb. While you're at it, don't forget to check the spare. There's nothing more annoying than a flat spare when you have a flat tire

Tire pressure checking is an important auto safety check that everyone should do frequently. Use the Accutire MS-4751WC to get quick, accurate readings.

Customer Reviews

Well built with no problems
I assume that Amazon will directly be selling this product at some point in the future (1/2008 right now), so I wanted to take the time to review this product.

I purchased this product from Costco for Christmas (well, the wife did for me) ... price was about $15. The model number was MS-4751WC. I can't see a difference betweeen mine and the MS-4751B advertised here.

Correcting some specs that are in the description ... Range is 5-99 PSI, Accuracy is +/- 1% + 0.1 PSI. Resolution is .1 PSI. The unit uses two replaceable batteries (CR2032). The unit is extremely well built ... with a heavy solid feeling that probably comes from its 1/2 pound weight! The unit is 5-1/4" Long by 2-1/2" Wide by 1-1/4" Thick. There is a bright white LED light in the tip of the unit that works well. Strange is that neither the users guide nor the unit itself tells you the model number ... it is only on the cardboard in the blister pack. Perhaps it is under the battery compartment that is held on by a philips screw. The actual display is 1-1/2 in diameter. The unit comes with a nice zippered storage case.

The unit allows you to program in front and rear tire pressures, and then will indicate if your pressure is either high or low. It looks more like a marketing gimmick, but I did program the front tires for one car, and the rear for my other car so I don't forget the inflation pressures that I use.

The unit needs to be held onto the valve stem for 2-3 seconds before the unit beeps to tell you that the pressure is recorded. It stays on the screen for 10 seconds and displays with a nice blue LCD backlight display. Unlike other Accutire gauges, this one makes a great seal between the gauge and the valve stem with absolutely no hissing or loss of air. This was on different types of tire valve stems.

Overall I like the unit, although it's a tad on the large size. It fits my hand well and the outside has a nice rubber cushion to allow you to have a good grip. A definite 5 star rating in my book.

Nice Gauge - May not be able to get onto your stems
I really like that you set the pressure you want for your tires and it remembers them. Having a couple of vehicles I always want to double check the values, and this is perfect for that.
What is really good about this gauge, is it is big, it has a nice sweeping design and the screen is very easy to read.

Unfortunately the bad with this gauge are the same, due to its size and swoop design I can not use this with my motorcycle. There is just not enough room to get this gauge onto my stems with a decent fit, instead I end up just leaking huge amounts of air and not having any confidence in the reading.

This is a very nice two handed gauge, but it will not work universally and no matter how nice it is, if it can not determine your pressure it is of no use.

Great little gauge
Great little gauge with a big, easy to read display. It works well, providing consistent readings, and seems quite solidly built. The only flaw I've noticed is it doesn't include a bleed valve or other means to let air out of tires when they're over-inflated. A nuisance, not a show-stopper, but it is a strange ommission on a more deluxe product like this. Even the cheapest pencil gauges include a stud or pointed tip.

Accutire MS-4021B Standard Digital Tire Gauge

Product Description

The Accutire Standard Digital Tire Gauge features heavy-duty construction to withstand shifting around in your glove compartment. Designed to last, it has an angled head and rubber coated handle for easy gripping. The LCD display is large and easy to read. If you forget to turn the gauge off, don't worry -- it is equipped with automatic shut off. The gauge will read within 0.05 PSI. This gauge measures air pressure from 5-150 PSI in 0.5-pound increments.

Customer Reviews

Please ignore the other 1-star reviews...they didn't know what they were doing...this gauge is perfect!
Please ignore the other two users that gave this gauge only one star because it only read 28.5 psi. I find it amusing, but sad, that they didn't realize that there was a protective sticker on the screen that read 28.5. If you peel off that protective sticker, then you get a nice, bright red backlit number displaying your true tire pressure. This gauge works great! The display is amazingly easy to read, and it is also simple to get a good reading.

Prior to owning this Accutire model, I had a 7 year old Accutire digital gauge that finally broke. WIth that old model, it was much harder to get a reading without air leaking out. With this new model, if you just push the gauge straight into the valve stem, you easily get a solid reading without leaking air. The old model's display wasn't backlit either, and I was truly impressed with the large, bright numbers on this new model. I'd highly recommend getting this gauge, as it has all the functionality you need, at a very reasonable price. I like having accuracy to 0.5 psi, and I never use non-digital gauges unless I have no other choice. I also tested this gauge with back-to-back measurements, and it was accurate every time. You won't regret this purchase...

excellent tool!
This is by far the best tire gauge I've ever had. It lights brightly, easy to see even in sun and always visible at night. Accuracy is high, construction quality is excellent. Highly recommended!

If your gauge always shows 28.5 PSI...
...try peeling the protective plastic film off the LCD display. The film is imprinted with a "28.5" to simulate the gauge's display so it looks more attractive when it's on the rack at the store.

Accutire MS-4350B Programmable Digital Tire Gauge

Product Description

Accutire's programmable digital tire gauge is an easy-to-use, multi-featured gauge with an extra large, blue, backlit LCD screen and ergonomic styling. It measures PSI from 5-99 pounds in 0.5-pound units, and includes the patent-protected Set Point programmable feature which allows for recording the factory-recommended tire pressure for both front and rear tires. Other helpful features include a white LED flashlight to make checking tire pressure at night or in the garage a cinch; an audible pressure signal; auto off; and a five-year manufacturer warranty.

Customer Reviews

Nice Features, But Needs Homemade Rubber Gasket to Seal Properly
The Accutire "Setpoint Tire Gauge," model MS-4350B from "MSI Sensors" (aka "MS-4350: Digital Set Point Programmable..." from "Measurement Specialties"), UPC 1550710566, has seven nice features. First, it's easy to hold. The bottom of the larger-than-usual body is rubberized, and the shape allows you to firmly press it onto a tire valve stem with a thumb. Second, there is an LED light activated by a big round button on the back. Third, the screen is backlit and the numbers are large. Fourth, there is no need to turn it on/off. Instead, you can push the nozzle onto the valve, and it displays the measurement; about 15 seconds later, it turns itself off. Fifth, it beeps when an accurate reading is taken. Sixth, the two CR2032 lithium batteries will presumably last a long time, and can be replaced if they wear out. Finally, if you keep forgetting how much air is needed, you can program separate front & rear target pressures.

UNFORTUNATELY, it's hard to obtain a solid seal on valves. It's the same problem noted here and in reviews of "Accutire MS-4000B Deluxe Backlit Lithium Digital Tire Gauge" on Amazon.com. One September 24, 2004, review there by "Crazy Dude" says "because you're pressing plastic (the gauge) against metal (the tire air stem), you must hold it perfectly flush or air will escape, making a reading difficult to get."

So to improve my gauge I more-or-less followed the instructions of "Crazy Dude," which were: "I used '3M Scotch linerless rubber splicing tape.' The thickness is important. I used .03 in. (.761mm). I wouldn't go any thicker. ... All you need to do is cut it to the diameter of the inside of the gauge's mouth, then cut out a small hole for the air hole."

Since my home has no rubber tape, I took a wide pink rubber band (from a bunch of broccoli) about 0.75mm thick. I cut a gasket about 7.5mm diameter with a 3mm hole and glued it in place. Now it works like a charm. If you have the time to make this modification, buy it from Amazon.com!

O-Ring
I agree with the other reviewers who said this product needs an o-ring. I found it very difficult to get it to seal on the tire valve stem, but with the o-ring it works perfectly. (Why they don't manufacture it that way I don't know). But by getting an inexpensive o-ring from Ace Hardware you have a product that is outstanding. Another reviewer said the size o-ring he bought was 1/4 x 1/8 x 1/16. However I found this size was too small and didn't fit. I had to get 5/16 x 3/16 x 1/16, and it's a perfect fit. And with tax it cost me a mere .18 cents. An easy modification well worth it.

Fix the leaking problem
I bought an O-ring at Ace Hardware [stk no.35774B] and this ring fits perfectly into the inside of the sensor. Around the hole which makes contact with the metal tire stem. Walla ! the leak problem has stopped and one gets a very tight fit onto the stem curing the problem.
The exact size of the this rubber O-ring 1/4 x 1/8 x 1/16. [#60 O-ring]
at Ace Hardware. So one does not even need to cut or glue this thing to make it work. Give it a try! Cure the problem for sure. The part cost me
.74 cents.