Tyre pressure monitors

[v_forty]

I've been looking at various tyre pressure monitors and wondered if anyone has any experience of using one - how reliable are they?

I've discounted those that come with an extra little box to install on the dash/windscreen - not sure I need to be constantly reminded of it, and don't like the clutter either.

There is then the dust cap variety, that simply shows green or red depending if the pressure is correct or not.

I've also looked at Bluetooth sensors - one fitted on each valve, that communicate with an app on your phone (e.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycl...oAAOSwmoNfj-A3). This looks better - I'd probably check the app every week or so. Reviews on Youtube look fairly favourable, but unsure how long the batteries last in reality or how accurate they are.

Any thoughts or experience?

[Dash300]

Originally Posted by v_forty

I've been looking at various tyre pressure monitors and wondered if anyone has any experience of using one - how reliable are they?

I've discounted those that come with an extra little box to install on the dash/windscreen - not sure I need to be constantly reminded of it, and don't like the clutter either.

There is then the dust cap variety, that simply shows green or red depending if the pressure is correct or not.

I've also looked at Bluetooth sensors - one fitted on each valve, that communicate with an app on your phone (e.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycl...oAAOSwmoNfj-A3). This looks better - I'd probably check the app every week or so. Reviews on Youtube look fairly favourable, but unsure how long the batteries last in reality or how accurate they are.

Any thoughts or experience?

If they're anything like the (in tyre valve) Volvo fitment they are more trouble than they are worth. If they could give notice that you were about to have a blowout I would have kept mine enabled. Constant false warnings. Tyres in the sun for instance would always trigger a warning. The rotational monitoring system I had on the BMW however was more reliable.

Edit: I would add as far as I know, the Volvo 'in tyre' system has been replaced in favour of the more reliable ABS rotational system.

[andy_d]

reviews on youtube

really count for less than you'd think, paid for reviews that fail to state it etc,,

Battery life "might" be acceptable but why risk it ?

a Decent tyre pressure gauge will serve you better ,you See the state of the tyre As well as the pressure, Waiting on "an app for that" to beep or flash,, isnt the best.
Esp as you say "ill probably check it once a week" , a Decent tyre pressure gauge will suit that a Lot better than some cheap chineese "bluetooth" supposed monitor

there a gadget for the sake of,

[green van man]

I use a pcp tyre pressure guage attached via an airline to my compressor once a week when I do the weekly checks.

A quick glance at the tyres as you approach your car will show you something not normal when it's time to get the guage out and check properly. 35 years of driving commercial vehicles has instilled a daily check routine on all vehicles I drive.

Paul.

[Whyman]

I now always carry a tyre pressure gauge in the car. The reason, I had a TPMS on my last Merc. Got out to check the tyres and there was no obvious flat tyre.

The only way to find the problem was with a gauge. It was in fact one of the rear 35 profile tyres but even when flat it was not obvious. Would have been impossible to see in the dark.

[DSK]

+1 for a tyre pressure gauge.

I have driven cars and have one now with a tyre pressure monitor system, built into the rim of the wheel. When I had them, for the first couple of days, it was nice to fiddle with the gadgets. Did I use it in the real world? No. Would I trust electronics over a good old fashioned pressure gauge? On a newish Porsche 911 it was a decent sequence to navigate to/from the tyre pressure and it was OK to occasionally glance at when perhaps you don't want to get your fingers dirty if you haven't washed the car in a while. In the Mercedes, its a more tedious sub menu navigation method need, which, for me is just a PITA compared to whipping out a gauge.

I do a weekly/bi-weekly check on tyre pressures as its the way I have done it as part of routine maintenance for some 20+ years. It only takes a few moments to do it yourself at home. The psi readings on a gauge are more accurate than electronic readings in bar. Additionally you will know how well your tyres hold air and especially when something out of the ordinary starts to appear on your weekly check such as a lower reading than usual, indicating a slow puncture that needs sorting before you find yourself driving along with a buggered tyre.

I wouldn't bother with valve cap style items, I think they are gimmicks and also its not advised to fit heavier than normal valve caps on tyre valves due to the forces created when a wheel is turning at speed.

[EssexExile]

I've learnt not to take much notice of tyre pressure monitors. The first time I had one give me a warning I panicked and pulled over to the side of the motorway. I checked all the tyres and they were fine. That has been the case every time a warning has come up since.

[DaveNP]

Originally Posted by green van man

... 35 years of driving commercial vehicles has instilled a daily check routine on all vehicles I drive.

Paul.

I drive my wife nuts with that, as you say 35 years commercial driving embeds the habit of checking the tyres at the start of a shift, but now I walk up to either of our cars and check the tyres visually before I get in, she's then convinced there's something wrong and I don't even realise that I've done it

[JRL]

Never had an electronic tyre pressure monitor and am quite sure I don't need one. I have always carried a tyre pressure gauge and for the last 20 or so years a compressor. Check the tyres once every couple of weeks and pump them up if needed with the compressor. That gives me a true reading as the tyres are always cold.

On another note, beware free tyre pressure gauges in garages. They are not tested by the Weights and Measures people so there is no obligation to keep them accurate. Only paid for gauges are tested for accuracy....supposedly.

[green van man]

Originally Posted by JRL

Never had an electronic tyre pressure monitor and am quite sure I don't need one. I have always carried a tyre pressure gauge and for the last 20 or so years a compressor. Check the tyres once every couple of weeks and pump them up if needed with the compressor. That gives me a true reading as the tyres are always cold.

On another note, beware free tyre pressure gauges in garages. They are not tested by the Weights and Measures people so there is no obligation to keep them accurate. Only paid for gauges are tested for accuracy....supposedly.

Indeed, which is why I use my own, they may be inaccurate to a degree but the inaccuracy is consistent. Also do not rely on the pressure guage of portable compressors, check with a decent stick guage, I have found the compressor guage way out.
While I carry one in each of the cars there is also a stick guage in there as well along with a tyre depth guage.

Paul.