labrat

After problems with my old manual tyre pump/gauge combo, I tried out the little compressor supplied with the tyre emergency kit. The thing works a treat, except it takes a while to stuff it all back in the box. Has anyone tested the gauge for accuracy? As a side question, is there any consensus on tyre pressures? I did mine to 240kPa (~35psi). Is this too high for normal motoring around?

Gomez

Hi mate, 35psi is absolutely fine. Can't say I've checked the compressor gauge for accuracy. I use a Snap-on/Blue Point Bourdon tube tyre pressure gauge......

fatmarco

i used it once to pump up the tyres to 40psi
then let them out to 37psi using my gauge. It registered
40psi after i pumped them up so they seem to be accurate.

takahashi

I've never touched it... I may have trouble opening the damn thing when I need to use it (*touch wood)

RXE16T

......it could be empty! You better check it asap Taka! :D

sco

I dont trust it... it looks cheap to me. I always have a reasonable quality gauge in my glove box.

rx8cited

Hi Gomez,
Our manual (USA) says 32 PSI. What does yours say? Do the tires still wear evenly at 35 PSI? What's the advantage of 35 PSI vs running at our recommended 32 PSI?

rx8cited

I'll second that. Not spending $20 on an accurate digitial tire pressure guage is silly considering the cost of replacing tires.

labrat

Actually I made a mistake in converting psi to kPa this morning, as the gauge on the little compressor is in kPa (at least in metrified Australia). I meant to pump to 34psi, which converts to 234kPa (a little hard to read that fine anyway). 240kPa is approximately 35psig. I have always pumped to a psi or two over recommended pressures, as I have been told that manufacturers habitually quote a little low to give a more comfortable ride. Going a little higher in tyre pressure can also decrease rolling resistance and help fuel economy, although too high can distort the tyre profile and cause uneven wear.

Cheap or not, the little sucker seems to work quite nicely, and the gauge seems quite stable. As an analytical chemist, I tend not to trust any measuring device unless I've calibrated it myself. I've had bad experiences with so-called "quality" devices. Then of course, you get into matters of repeatability and reproducibility, and then you start not to believe anything.....

takahashi

Manufacture's tyre pressure always aim at comfort and road sound.

I pump my V6 Camry at 40psi for highway (250km @ 110km/h each day), my wife's Holden Barina at 36 psi for trips to supermarket and shopping centre and my RX-8 at 39 psi for all round performance.

Kas

Hi guy's i havent posted for a long time...very busy boy.

I had a flat tyre not long ago and my tyre pressure sensor didnt even do anything. I'd assume thats what its for.

sco

Kas, there is no tyre pressure sensor on Australian cars (like what the US has). Or are you talking about the pressure gauge on the compressor that is included with your tyre goo (which is the topic of this thread)?

Kas

oh i thought we had the pressure sensor. that explains it perfectly!

Wildcard

I have my tires at 40 psi.

That was one of the recommendations I took away from the Jim Murcott driving day.