Tyre pressure indicators.

davethetaller

I have seen advertised the above,and they look to be a good idea.

There is a clear window on the end which changes from green (normal),through amber,to red,if your tyre deflates due to a slow puncture etc.

The way I check currently is to kick each one in turn!

Are they sold in pairs,or 4 in a box?

If anyone can point me in the right direction,I would be obliged.

anewman

Kicking your tyres doesn't check the pressures. You need a BS approved pencil type pressure gauge.

The tyre pressure indicators by their very nature leave the valve open, as to how well they prevent air loss after that I do not know, but I'd rather just use a pressure gauge myself.

Conor_3

THey only work if you can remember to look at them. Waste of time.

dopester

You're really best using a good Tyre Pressure Gauge (Auto Express Reviews) and just don't be lazy doing weekly checks, or fortnightly.

I can highly recommend their top two choices.

1) Race X Professional Tyre Gauge
2) Halfords Digital Tyre Pressure Gauge

The Halfords "Deluxe" version I bought at first was a right pain to get airtight on the valve.. leading to loss of air before you can get a reading. I took it back and got the basic version to keep in car, and sourced the Race X version to keep in the garage.

And my suggestion is not to be relying on the tyre air compression supply at any petrol station.... just think of the abuse those things get daily, weekly, monthly..... I have my doubts as to the accuracy of the gauges on them. Also last I remember they can be awkward to use messing around with that long twisting airline to the other side of your car.

Consider getting a mini air compressor (but again I don't think you should rely too heavily the accuracy of any with an inbuilt pressure gauge). Mines a cheap old one but has always made life easy for filling the tyres to optimal bar/psi, without any need to messabout at petrol stations - just plug it in to cigarette lighter socket. Also handy to keep in the boot for emergency road use.

Wig

It sounds like these tyre pressure gizmos are screwed onto the tyre valve, if that is the case, the local chavs will soon relieve you of them.

I check by looking if they appear flat, I go and pump them up. With the occassional spot check when leaving Tescos. That said I do possess a pencil gauge, just never use it.

dopester

You're probably right about the screw-on coloured indicator thingies there Wig, and I believe the range in which they monitor PSI is significantly wide - but I would urge anyone to take checking their tyre pressures seriously.

You may be asking for trouble if you think you can rely on visual summarising alone.

Just a look won't do ...




Tyres can be under inflated by as much as 50% before it's noticed! (visually)

With underinflated tyres:
- Tyre life can be very significantly reduced
- Fuel economy is worse
- Handling and braking performance suffers

Added to which seriously underinflated tyres can (so I am told) be punished with heavy fines, may make you liable in an RTA, or invalidate your insurance altogether.

October was Tyre Safety Month.

thescouselander

I cant see those tyre pressure indicators working very well. Every model of car needs to have a different amount of pressure in the tyres based on on the weight of the car and the size and type of tyre. For example, the rear tyres on my car have to be inflated to 42 psi but the rear tyres on my girlfriends car only need 30 psi. How will the indicators know what the right pressure is?