AN easier, quicker and cleaner way to check your tyre pressures? What’s not to like!
Here’s a handy little gadget that allows you to just that, accurately and in double quick time.
Michelin”s Pressure Checker can be used on everything from bicycles, mopeds, scooters, motorbikes, cars, 4x4s, vans, minibuses, motorcaravans and light-duty trailers – and that includes caravans and horse box trailers.
It allows you to check all four pressures accurately and without the need to connect a pressure gauge to the valve, which is unhygienic and removes air from the tyre.
The set includes four pressure sensors to replace the dust cap on each tyre you want to monitor.
To get a pressure reading (claimed to be accurate to within 1.5 psi), you just switch on the supplied pressure checking device and hold it against the sensor. The pressure will be shown on a backlit LCD screen for 30 seconds (before auto-powering off), making it easy to use in both daylight and hours of darkness. And you can toggle the readings between psi and bar.
There are no batteries in the sensors (they work using Near-Field Communication technology), and the pressure checker can be recharged via the supplied USB cable.
The system is designed for use on tyres with an operating pressure of up to 86 psi, which makes it ideal for touring caravans which run with far higher tyres pressures than their towing vehicles. We’re currently trying the Checker out on our own caravan and car combination and it is, as they say, simple to use. But note that if you haven’t washed your car for a while and the checker tells you you need to add a bit of air to the tyres, wear some disposable gloves as the valves will be dirty too!
Many latest generation vehicles feature TPMS as standard, but access to pressures is often buried in sub-menus, or sometimes not accessible unless a tyre issue has been detected. With this handy piece of equipment, no matter how old your vehicle is, access to precise pressure readings are just seconds away.
What’s included in the £39.95 price?
Each kit comes as standard with a pressure checking device with keyring attachment and USB charging lead, four ultra-light pressure sensors to replace the original valve caps, and Installation instructions
Below are some frequently asked questions – and the answers!
Q: Do the external sensors corrode?
A: The sensors use a thread which is nickel-plated. This will avoid corrosion with valve stems such as aluminium. During winter when the roads are heavily salted, it is advisable to take precautions and periodically remove the sensors for checking.
Q: When cleaning my wheels can I wash the sensors?
A: This is not a problem, however please avoid using specific wheel cleaning chemicals which may, in some cases, attach themselves to the sensor. This may give the effect of a discolouration of the sensor, which can only be removed with rigorous cleaning.
Q: Do I need to fit batteries?
A: The only part of the kit which runs on a battery is the pressure checking device, which comes with a USB charging lead, meaning you can top up the battery whenever required. There are no batteries in the sensors.
Q: What happens if a sensor is damaged in an accident or needs replacing out of warranty?
A: Additional sensors can be purchased at any time.
Q: Are the sensors waterproof?
A: The sensors are waterproof and have been tested to IP67 rating which is a 1 metre depth. However, they don’t recommend that they are left immersed in water permanently as this can cause corrosion over time.
Q: Can the system be used with rubber valves?
A: Yes, the system is designed for fitment to either metal or high quality rubber valve stems without damage.
If you’re interested in buying one here’s the link: https://fit2gotpms.com/michelin-pressure-checker/
■ Most vehicle and tyre manufacturers advise tyre pressures be checked at least once a month and before any long journey, to support safe and efficient motoring.