I'm contemplating buying one of these things

Generic example...


I'm fully aware the models that use a probe that sticks into a tire is the best way to measure tire temps, but I'm willing to get a less than perfect readig by using one of these laser pointers because I can then use it for lots of things; and truth be told, it may get more use at home as I work to improve my insulation than at the track.

For those of you who have this type of laser pointing thermometer I have a few basic questions and feel free to incude any other insights you might have after having used one.

1- I see a huge range of temperatures different models can read, it seems the more bucks ya spend the wider the range. I'm thinking front rotors/pads might be the hottest thing I wantto measure at the track, if I'm looking at a unit that offers this range (-58

 

I've used one for years and they are very helpful.

It is important that you measure the tire temps as quickly as you can as the surface temps fade or equalize fairly quickly. Yes a probe is better but I have no complaints about this as I have used both at the same time, to check it out, and unless you wait a while the temps are pretty close to the same.

With the probe you might find your tire temps are 130 whereas with the laser you might think they were 127. This might mean that you might think your tires get greasy at a slightly lower temp than they actually do. So what? You just work your pressures around the 127 instead of the 130 since the temps are repeatable.

It is invaluable for adjusting pressures to get an even temp across the tire.

I have used mine on rotors but I have never really had an issue there so maybe I'm just not driving hard enough.

Is a probe better? Yes.

Is this light years better than chalking the tires or making quesses? YES!

And the probe is cheap enough that anyone can afford one. I simply do not do enough track days a year to make it worthwhile to buy a probe when I had a laser given to me.

 

Hey Wild, how high does your pointer go, what's the max temp it can read do you know?

 

Ok, next question, what does this mean?

Rugged thermometer with 12:1 distance to target ratio.

 

Just a guess - but maybe at 12 inches distance, it'll measure a 1 inch diamter spot, and if you're 12 feet away, you're measuring a 1 foot wide area?

 

^ Sounds like a reasonable theory...

I suspect most of the uses would be no farther than say a couple inches at the track, and no more than like 8' at home.

 

Nobody has thoughts on if 1,000 degrees will be high enough or if I should step up to the 1,400 degree one???

 

1,000F is easily high enough. Rotors or pads *might* see that temp during actual braking at the end of a long straight, but will cool to 300-400 almost instantly.

The distance ratio discussion above is correct. 12:1 is actually pretty good for one of these things; many only offer 8:1.

 

That's cool. I can get this one for $100.

[I]Extech Wide Range IR Thermometer

 

Yup, I just looked at the specs for the one that only goes up to 1,000 and here is what it says...

# 8:1 distance-to-target ratio (measures 1in. area at 8in. distance)