Tire temp measurement

[Luke Zyla]

I see in the latest Harbor Freight flyer a Non-Contact Pocket Thermometer for only $9.99. Would this device be accurate enough to measure tire temperatures after runs?

[SeanB]

Not very accurate, you would need a probe type device to get best results. My Longacre one was around $70, but well worth the money.

[RobbieNelson]

Not very accurate, you would need a probe type device to get best results. My Longacre one was around $70, but well worth the money.

While I'll agree that th accuracy might be off, I'd think that it would be relatively precise(repeatable). If your looking to verify that your running a certain tire at a certain temp, go for something different. However, if your just wanting to see the temperature profile across the tire or the general range of temps that you're running, I think this would work great. Make sure to read the manual, because there are things that you need to know about using an IR temperature probe. It would be worlds better than my current instrument... my hand. I may pick one up myself.

[Jason V]

The problem with non contact measuring is that coming off a run the surface temps change VERY VERY rapidly because in auto x our runs are short.. so using a probe style goes under the surface where temps are a touch more stable... that said any way to measure tire temps is better than none at all... I have a probe style pyrometer available for use at events.