[dougyfd_8564]

If your readouts are within a few psi of an accurate gauge, why even worry about it ?

 

[ELDORADO2K]

If your readouts are within a few psi of an accurate gauge, why even worry about it ?

A few? That’s not good enough for me.
Because there’s a noticeable difference in ride smoothness the further it goes up from 32psi.
And gas mileage goes down when it’s “a few” psi under 32.
Not to mention tire wear.

 

[jguerdat]

For my usage (autocross) a few lbs. is worth a lot - traction and predictability. That also translates out onto the street although at a lower level of intensity. Using 200TW tires in the Extreme category, I use 27f/26r (which sets off the TPMS warnings off bigtime!) and adjust between runs for even .5PSI.

 

[tinman]

I check my tire pressure about once a week or at the very least every other week. All my TPMS does is keep things honest in case of a major flat tire. I don't rely on them for doing what a driver should do, and that is to check your own tire pressure.

 

[FL103Dave]

A little off topic, but does anyone know if the valve stem insert for the TPMS is the same as a standard valve stem?

 

[wanderer54]

I agree with Tinman. Drivers need to regularly check their tire pressures regularly and not get so lazy as to rely on the DIC.I always check tire pressures on my Piper Seneca as part of every pre-flight check procedure. I have no idea about the valve stem insert..

 

[jguerdat]

A little off topic, but does anyone know if the valve stem insert for the TPMS is the same as a standard valve stem?

Yes, indeed. The valve has nothing to do with the TPMS.

 

[BoilerUP]

If you're driving on track or autox, yeah verifying with a quality gauge is important.

For normal street driving, the DIC is accurate within 95% which should be MORE than enough.

Air tire to 35psi on quality gauge, cross-check with DIC, go drive and stop worrying.

I'd also submit that in 7500+ flight hours I have never checked tire pressures on any airplane, including those I've managed...as nitrogen should be used in aircraft tires.

 

[wanderer54]

I will look forward to reading about you at some point in an NTSB or FAA incident report.

 

[ELDORADO2K]

Call me what you want, but I went outside and inflated my tires last night and once again that inflator claims it inflates my tires to 32psi. but when I immediately check with their digital gauge it says 30psi. and that s*** gets on my nerves… If they had a store with employees I’d go in there and demand a refund and ask them why the heck their digital gauges give me 2 different readings that are always off by 2-3psi.

 

[FL103Dave]

I set all 4 tires yesterday to 36.0 psi with a NIST calibrated pressure gauge (calibrated every year). On the TPMS screen, two tires read 37, one read 36 and one 35.

 

[ELDORADO2K]

I'd also submit that in 7500+ flight hours I have never checked tire pressures on any airplane, including those I've managed...as nitrogen should be used in aircraft tires.

I asked my brother who’s a pilot if he checks the planes tire pressure, he said no, they have mechanics that do that.

But planes are made made to fly, not drive. Lol.

 

[wanderer54]

I was taught in flight training school, to always be certain of everything you can be sure of before you leave the ground, which includes not relying on a mechanic to check things that you can check yourself. Witness the tragedies that have befallen commercial airlines because some aviation mechanic did not go their job or did it sloppily Takes only minutes to verify, so why wouldn't you check tire pressures?
Remember what Ronald Reagan said, "trust but verify" about the Russians.

 

[BoilerUP]

I never once put tire pressure gauge to valve stem on a piston Cessna or Piper or Cirrus as a student or flight instructor or professional pilot, from C150 through PA34, as that was not part of the POH/AFM preflight procedure. If a tire looks low, you notify maintenance and let them check/service tires.

If I were a GA owner, perhaps I would do that myself along with oil/bulb changes, etc.

In my Cadillac, I set tire pressures where I want on a gauge, note what the TMPS says, and if they're within 1psi I go about my business.

 

[wanderer54]

I am a Piper Seneca V owner and I always do it myself along with oil and filter changes. Everyone makes their own choices, some good, some poor. The key is to respect what others chose to do and not try and impose your point of view on others.

 

[ELDORADO2K]

I never once put tire pressure gauge to valve stem on a piston Cessna or Piper or Cirrus as a student or flight instructor or professional pilot, from C150 through PA34, as that was not part of the POH/AFM preflight procedure. If a tire looks low, you notify maintenance and let them check/service tires.

My brother seems to echo your statement.

 

[wanderer54]

Nice to know that I am not the odd person out here

 

[BoilerUP]

I just set tires on my V Sedan (265/285 PS4S on stock wheels) to 34.8psi on a Jaco digital gauge.

TPMS reads 35 across the board.

 

[tinman]

This thread sure has gone downhill.

 

[dougyfd_8564]

You're not kidding!