I am considering purchasing the Smartire system from tirerack. I have some lingering doubts, however.

The system adds weight to each wheel. Not a lot, but still significant (7 oz). And what happens if it becomes loose at speed?

Any comments? experience? words of wisdom? no? a bit of speculation, then?

It can be seen at: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/pre...uremonitors.jsp

[Edited by Luis on 02-07-2001 at 02:56 AM]

 

I had the Smartire system installed within a week of getting my S2000 and I love it. I don't think there's much of a chance the sensors will come loose -- they're attached with a large stainless belt clamp that would probably survive a small war. The weight of the whole assembly is minor and the wheels are perfectly balanced. I have the sensors on both sets of wheels, stock and 17".

The system is very accurate. I have an accurate gauge and the Smartire readings match what I get on the gauge everytime I've checked. What's most fascinating to me is that the tire pressures typically rise about 2-3 lbs within 5 minutes of driving from a cold start, even on the coldest days. I haven't checked the temperature changes yet, although the system does provide a temperature read-out.

 

Rick,

Where did you mount the display? Any pictures?

 

You gain weight in each wheel, but the sensors are located as close to the center of rotation as possible. Also, you can take out the spare and save weight there. That gives room for amplifiers and other add-ons. I think that's one of the reasons Rick did the system in his car. It looks like a nicely designed package.

 

You can only take out the spare if you want to chance it. A pressure monitoring system doesn't improve the puncture resistance of tires. Perhaps you are thinking of run-flat tires which require tire pressue monitoring. With run-flats you can boot the spare (except in England where you would unboot the spare).

 

Questions for Rick:

1)How much does the SmartTire system cost?
2)Can I mount the sensors on the stock wheel/S-02 setup?
Rick, I know you have aftermarket wheels and tires)


I've had 2 flat rears already, so I'm a little paranoid now when I drive the car that I'll get another flat. This system would give me some confidence

 

Ooop, just looked at the Tire Rack website. Never mind

 

Luis,

The display is mounted under the dash on the far left side. It's hinged to fold out of the way and out of sight. I fold it up when I want to check the pressures, usually at a stop sign or traffic light. I don't have pictures of the set-up.

Yes, I have no spare. If a tire starts to lose pressure and the pressure falls below a pre-set limit I have set into the system, it give me an immediate warning. So yes, it won't prevent a flat, but it will warn me when one is imminent so I don't ruin the tire.

I have AAA. That's the way I'll deal with flats if and when I get any. Since changing a flat is a nightmare with this car anyway, I figure I don't have much to loose by taking this risk.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by NSXS
[B]You can only take out the spare if you want to chance it.

 

I'll give you another reason something like this would be extremely helpful. I was at the track last weekend and when I got off the track after my first run session someone mentioned that one of my tires was pretty low. I checked it and it was at 0 PSI!! Yes, I said 0 PSI! Apparently I had a nail in the tire and when I got on the track it pulled out and the tire deflated quickly after that. Fortunately, the tire wasn't ruined and I was able to get it plugged and continue with my day but an in car display of tire pressures could have saved me had this turned out more ugly.