I originally had separate air compressors and gauges. So I had to take a reading, hook up the compressor and pump in some air, then check the pressure again. This setting allows me to check the pressure and as I fill up, control the pressure until I reach the desired psi. It's more comfortable for me. This gauge reads exactly like my old gauge but also reads in 0.1psi increments instead of 0.5psi. The only problem is that this gauge jumps as it fills up, but wait a few seconds for the gauge to stabilize.