Pressure pointer
Pop quiz: do you know what your tire pressures are? Do you even
know what they're supposed to be? Even the most fastidious of
enthusiasts probably doesn't. Not only is keeping tire pressure
regular a chore, it's also at best an inaccurate process; gas-station
pumps and pocket-clipped gauges are accurate to maybe 5 psi. The only
indication that we normally have that our tire pressure is low is
when it's too late, when we can hear the fluttering of a flat tire
coming on.
SmarTire promises to change all of that. Designed and patented by
UniComm Signal of Richmond, B.C., and manufactured in Norwalk, Ohio,
the system consists of four wireless transceivers that are literally
strapped to the wheel rims and a small, light (3 oz.) display unit
that can be mounted anywhere within the car. The transceivers monitor
tire pressure and temperature, and the unit warns the driver both
visually and audibly when a tire is losing pressure.
While the system is of value on any car, it is essential for use
with extended-mobility tires such as the Michelin ZPs which will not
be sold without it. Because these tires deform relatively little, and
because they retain so much of the original tire's performance even
at zero pressure, a warning system such as SmarTire becomes
imperative, the only thing keeping you from running them past their
performance and distance limits.
Low-pressure warning is not SmarTire's only benefit, though. Even
if used on cars without extended-mobility tires, the ability to
monitor tire pressures and temperatures is a great boon. Proper tire
pressure not only increases tread life, but it also results in more
even wear and better fuel economy.
Because the system is accurate to within 1 psi, and because the
pressures and temperatures are easy to read, maintaining the proper
tire pressure becomes a lot easier than it used to be&emdash;no more
fishing the tire gauge out of your pocket, pumping in too much air
and then letting some back out&emdash;all you need to do now is watch
the screen.
Weekend racers who drive to the track, pump up their tires, race,
deflate to the original pressure and then go back home will love this
function. Not only will it save time during the initial setup period,
but it will allow competitors to easily adjust pressures as needed.
(The system updates itself every minute while the car is in motion,
but it works even when stopped.) Two buttons allow you to easily
cycle between tires and between functions.
SmarTire's applications aren't limited to passenger cars, either.
The system is currently in fleet testing, where accurate tire
pressures have the potential to save companies tens of thousands of
dollars in tires and fuel. They're also being tested on heavier
trucks and even earth-moving equipment.
Right now, the major drawback to SmarTire is its price; its low
weight and wireless technology make issues of mass and complexity
negligible. At $599 list, and with an estimated street price around
$400, it's no small investment, especially for older cars. But its
benefits are many, and the advantages of well-maintained tires and
tire pressures may outweigh the cost for many consumers.
The SmarTire system has been on the market since October 2. You
can obtain it wherever Michelin's ZP tires are sold, or call (330)
497-1659. Web site:
http://www.smartire.com/.