Emergency tools, solar panels and energy-saving features boost user convenience.

TOP TRENDS

• Various attachments: Besides using multiple scales, new digital tire pressure gauges are fitted with several tools for road emergencies or accidents. Window glass breakers and seat-belt cutters are among the most popular attachments. Some can also be used as a flashlight, compass, bleeder valve and tread depth gauge.
• 'Green' features: To save energy, most models shut down automatically after 60s of inactivity. In addition, several releases have a solar panel integrated in the housing to power a built-in battery.
• Ergonomic designs: Many units have angled heads and backlit LCD screens to make checking more convenient. Housings are shaped for a comfortable, stable grip.
• Price & export forecasts: Quotes are expected to remain stable or decrease by as much as 5 percent in coming months because of steady raw materials and component rates. Suppliers, however, may raise prices if the yuan’s appreciation against the US dollar accelerates. Meanwhile, exports are anticipated to climb more than 10 percent in 2012 in line with strong demand for various vehicles.

Product gallery Hangzhou Bright Tools Co. Ltd Model: RT-CT06 Description: Tire pressure gauge and tire inflator; metal and rubber housing

Ningbo BellRight Tool-Manufacture Co. Ltd Model: LTG-006 Description: Plastic housing; LED light; 1 to 99psi measuring range

Richforth Electronics Co. Model: LTG-006 Description: 4-in-1 tool; gauge, flashlight, emergency hammer and seat-belt cutter

Shenzhen A.T.R. Industry Co. Ltd Model: 97126 Description: ABS housing; LCD screen; 5 to 99psi measuring range; ±1psi accuracy; knife; emergency hammer

Shenzhen Sailwider Electronics Co. Ltd Model: RCG-A1 Description: ABS housing; 0.5 to 99.5psi or 0.05 to 7 bar measuring range; -10 to 50 C working temperature

Wenzhou Rongxin Hardware Product Co. Ltd Model: 86801 Description: 5 to 99psi measuring range; LED light; emergency hammer

Note: This article "Multifunction digital tire pressure gauges take center stage" was originally published by Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research.

All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed.

Disclaimer: All product images are provided by the companies interviewed and are for reference purposes only. Those product images featuring products with trademarks, brand names or logos are not intended for sale. We, our affiliates, and our affiliates' respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or contractors, do not accept and will not have any responsibility or liability for product images (or any part thereof) which infringe on any intellectual property or other rights of a third party.