Pyrometers
 

Im looking at purchasing a pyrometer for tire temps and other items. Can you use one of the laser (or IR) pyrometers on tires? Or do you need the unit with the probe? If so, can you use the pyrometet with the probe on ther things than tire?

http://www.discoveryparts.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=pyrometers


Thanks

R

The IR ones are not suitable for taking tire temps as the tires surface cools too rapidly. The "laser" ones are IR ones with a laser to help you aim/see where you are taking your measurement.
-Chris

I have been using an Infrared Laser Thermometer for about a year now. It works very well on tires, exhaust manifolds, calipers (I diagnosed a stuck caliper when the temp was about 10 F. hotter than the others) and many other things around the house.

Even though the tire surface cools quickly, you can still check the temps across the tread with an infrared thermometer (and on the sidewalls) to get a very clear reading of what is going on. You can also use it to check caliper temps to check your brake system (something you cannot do with a pyrometer with a probe), exhaust temps, A/C temps...

I agree w/ CB on this one, too much cooling occurs too quickly and non uniformly.

A few years ago there was an article in Grass Roots titled "The Big Stick" (I think) by a track tire vender/consultant. He basically said that the tire temp data method of tuning was developed on open wheel, nylon belted or bias ply tires (can't remember which) and was less applicable to steel belted DOT radials running on closed fendered cars.
The reason being that the steel belts hold and conduct heat across the tire and the outside edge of the tire was more exposed to the cooling wind than the inside.
Don't shoot the messenger, just thought it was interesting.
-Chris

Laser will not do any good on the tires, you have to get into the tread. Lasers will give you either too hot if right off the track. Kind of like touching the outside of a steak off the grill. The outside does cool too fast from a cool down lap.

First of all, I never said my IR thermometer was as good as a pyrometer with a needle, it is just much better than the back of your hand on the tire. Used correctly, it is very accurate, and it will tell you a lot about what is going on (but not as good as anything that probes into the tire).

For me, I choose chalk, a good tire gauge, and my IR thermometer. At my level (non-racing), this is plenty.

Laser is for pointing only. It has no effect on the measurement. It's the IR senor which picks up the reading. I know because my company makes these IR meters.

If you're gonna get a probe (tire) pyrometer, I might suggest springing for one with memory capability. I didn't, but soon learned that taking and writing-down 12 readings by yourself -- in the blazing sun and 30mph wind -- is a PITA.