Jeff N.

Anyone ever tried using a digital instant read kitchen thermometer as a low cost substitute for a tire pyrometer? I'm not racing but I do need a quick way to check temps across the tires to validate suspension setup.

You can purchase a contact based instant read thermometer for about $15. Has a pointed tip but likely wouldn't push under the rubber.

Like one of these at Amazon

Thoughts? (Be kind).

Jeff

KuHL 951

You would need to perforate the tire as the entire tip has to be covered to read right. Just buy a cheap IR/laser type from Harbor Freight and they are much more accurate.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96451

marksportcts

What's wrong with perforating a tire? The savings he gets can go towards new tires.....

Jeff N.

It was my understanding that a surface read is not as accurate as a contact read especially if you can read below the surface.

That said, I think I just need relative temps more than perfect temps. Suspect either will work.

schwank

I have always read it is better to have a contact thermometer that takes temps from below the surface of the tire.

That said, it sketches me out and I am comfortable with a cheapie laser non-contact model for my current purposes.