Tire Temperature

[AJ]

Hi Folks,
On a black-top highway drive, 
what was your tire temperature? On side wall, on threads, on steer and drive tires?
What is the max. safe temperature range?

AJ

[JackConrad]

    There are other variables such as ambient temperature, direct sunlight (driving north in the afternoon will increase temps on the driver's side), excessive brake use (such as mountain driving or city driving).  i have never seen our tires hotter than about 115-120.  Usually below 100.  Jack

[Dreamscape]

Jacks right on the money, as uaual. When we last drove in 70-80 temps ours never got over 105-110, that's running posted speed of 70 on I-20 in Texas, tires at 100 psi. Shaded side was 10-20 degrees cooler. I always take out my IR gun and shoot tires, brakes and 871 when we take a break.

HTH,

Paul

[WEC4104]

Are you guys pointing the IR guns at the sidewalls or reaching around to hit the tread?  Is there much of a difference if you sample different places on a given tire?

[johns4104s]

Paul,

100 psi is this cold, before you get going?? Cause mine start at 90 and at my first stop 10 miles they increase 10 to 100 ?
My tyres run 115 to 120 to 130?

John

[PP]

For sake of argument, let's just assume all tire pressures are taken cold 
BTW-this is interesting information, Will

[Dreamscape]

John, Yes 100 psi cold. To be honest I've not checked them at operating temp, just figured they would be 10-15 psi higher, I need to do that sometime.
Good point my friend!

I check the sidewalls as I feel that would be the best place to check because of the sidewall flexing, maybe I'm wrong by doing that, dunno. The sides are thinner so I felt if there was to be a problem, that's where it would occur.

If I'm not doing this correctly, please someone respond with the right way.

HTH,

Paul

[PP]

If I'm not doing this correctly, please someone respond with the right way.

HTH,

Paul

Paul,
I don't have a clue which way is correct, but I think you should fire up that beast right now and take it for an evening spin and check those tire temps all the way around and then post the results for all of our enquiring minds, LOL
PS-We'll wait on you.

[happycamperbrat]

Daytona Pete once told me to get concerned when the temp reaches 150. I checked my tires constantly on a trip last month and my front tires were around 90 and my drives around 130. He also told me to ask other truckers who pulled in if I could shoot their tires to see what their temps were so I would know if mine were on que.

[TexasBorderDude]

.....
My tyres run 115 to 120 to 130?

John

John, what kind of bloody tyres do you run?

hehehehe!

dg

[Singing Land Cruiser]

Hello All, How much is a good IR gun and where do we get one?  ???M&C

[HB of CJ]

Got it at half price about 2 years ago at the local friendly auto parts store.  Use it for all sorts of things.  Very cool gadget.  I also like my soup and coffee at 120F (thank you boggiethecat)  HB of CJ (no sales tax in OR)

[Dreamscape]

Michael, I bought mine at an electrical supply house, it's a Fluke, cost about 100 bucks. You can get one from HF for about 60. It's a must have tool for the guy who has to have everything!

PP, Good idea, except I didn't see it until after my first cup of java this morning! I have an idea, take yours out and give us a report! Hee Hee

Paul

[luvrbus]

M&C, you can buy a IR from different prices depending on the spot range.I buy mine from our local air conditioning outfit in AZ www.ackits.com  sometime they have a good sale on the Mastercool gun for around 30 bucks (reg 57.00) don't waste your money on the HF gun  

good luck  

[rv_safetyman]

Tire temperature is not a strong indicator of problems, but it is still an important piece of information.  Air pressure is the major factor that should be monitored.

Having said that, I check tire temperature at every stop.  I alternate between feeling the tire and using the IR gun at each stop.  Human hands can stand 140 degrees. Anything above that is quite uncomfortable and you would not leave your hand on the object.  

I do a compete "walk around" at each stop. In my seminars, I talk about using most of my senses.   In addition to checking the tires, I look for anything unusual (emphasis on hitch area) and smell for anything abnormal.  Also use my hearing (still have quite a bit left ).

When using the IR gun, I always "shoot" the tire about 2 inches down from the tread on the sidewall.  That way you are catching the sidewall temperature primarily and a bit of the tread affect.  Sidewall temperature is much more important, as that is where excessive flexing (from under inflation or overloading) will display elevated temperatures.  

IR guns display temperatures accurately.  That is both good and bad.  Some folks get caught up in the fact that the tires vary from position to position and side to side.  As already noted, sun will affect the reading, but wind loads will also affect them (hotter on the downwind side of cross winds).  What you are looking for is abnormal temperatures.

I also check the front and bogey hubs with the IR gun.

As noted, IR guns are great tools.  I try to remember to check my electrical panels at least twice a year.   Loose connections will have elevated temperatures.

Jim