Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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  • FrankMcFrankMc Member Posts: 228
    looking to see if the tires rotate at different speeds, If the pressure gets low then the tire would rotate at a different speed.

    Frank
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Now that would be clever. In fact it would point out other problems too, like when only one new tire is replaced and the old ones are too worn to match up well.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I know with the Hummer, one can purchase a "factory" on-the-fly tire pressure adjustment feature; so one can raise or lower the tire pressure at will. I don't know if it's "tire specific," or if it affects all the tires at the same time. For an off-roader, it sounds like a worthwhile feature.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd be worried about cost and weight. It could be very useful, though. I had to air up and down every day for a week at the OBX.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    but for HUMMER customers, it's probably not much of an issue.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Oh, absolutely. I'm just thinking of how it could become more mainstream.

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I've seen those air pressure monitors for something like $300 installed. I think it's a great tool and have considered getting one -- maybe someday in the future.

    Ken
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    uh yeah. here's my solution: check your freaking tire pressure at least once per week. visually inspect the tires for wear or deformations at the same time. once per day would be better, but I know that's too much to ask.

    and spec appropriate tire pressure and load index of tires for a given vehicle's load, NOT for comfort.

    they would need to devise something much better than the bulky pressure sensors used with runflat tires before I would think it was a good idea...

    -Colin
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    That's all we need NO MORE IDIOT LIGHTS!!!!

    If you want to give me a guage that tells me the pressure in each tire, fine, but no idiot lights. They are more of a pain than having 1 jillion guages.

    Why can't people just be responsible, and check their air-pressure? I'm sick of people suing for stuff they are supposed to be responsible for, and then the manufacturers put in expensive things like air-pressure sensors.

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I knew we could count on Colin to present the opposing argument. ;)

    In a perfect world everybody would do just as Colin suggests. Reality, however, is quite a bit different.

    If it works, and it isn't too expensive, I think it could be a good idea. It's really no different than an oil pressure gauge, or engine temperature gauge, and I think most people think those are worthwhile items.

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Great, so let's see, now I'll be up to 2 different Idiot lights on the dash lit while off-roading, maybe even 3.

    ABS
    Air-Bag
    Air-Pressure

    Not to mention, what about when you buy new tires? How will different rims/tires effect this? Will they indicate too much pressure as well?

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Maybe it would only require a new "trick" air valve stem with a built-in monitor? If that's the case, it wouldn't affect rims at all. Just a guess...

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    How would it transmit the info? via wireless technology? Otherwise you'd need it to go through the hub in order to work. I think they sell wireless ones that mount inside on the rim, and transmit to a wireless device.

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    It sounds like the technology is already developed. I just don't know what it is.

    Bob
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Useless, yes and no. The one scenario that I think the monitor would be useful for is a slow leak. While I am pretty anal about checking my tire pressures weekly, these are only discrete measurements.

    I've once had some road debris cut into my sidewall causing a slow leak. It happened at the start of my 30 mile commute and I really didn't notice my Forester pulling to one side until I was pretty much getting off the freeway at work. When I pulled off the road, the driver's side front tire was nearly flat!

    Similar story with my wife's car. I check her tires regularly too, but somewhere in between she ran over a nail and was riding on 15psi on one tire for several days.

    True, the current systems are bulky and cost prohibitive, but I think they provide real time information that could save lives.

    Ken
  • dsackmandsackman Member Posts: 145
    Why can we not have a system that will automatically keep the tires inflated at the correct pressure. We have auto gear changes, ABS, VDC, ESP, ABC, DEF and many other three letter gadgets for cars. Shall we call this one ATI (Auto Tire Inflation)?

    Daniel
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Someone mentioned the sensors that note a difference in tire rotation from side to side, so maybe the ABS hardware already in place could be used on a system like this.

    I could see this used on the VDC. If it's sensing a difference all the time, as opposed to in curves only or only when there's slipping, then it should know one tire is flat.

    Now that I think about it, the "VDC On" light may already notify you of that, if the difference is extreme enough.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    my guess is this could be the scenario:

    • price-sensitive mainstream cars will get nothing more than a warning light. It would act much like a low fuel warning light, in that as tire pressure gets low in one tire, it would flicker, and when it reaches a certain point, it would stay on.

    • Moderately priced vehicles could get a graphic, much like that in Mike's Trooper (which indicates the Torque-on-Demand feature), in which the individual tire could light up, to show you which tire is effected.

    • More expensive cars, with trip computers, could even give an actual digital tire pressure readout, in addition to a warning light. Perhaps it could occur whenever you start the vehicle, much like a pre-flight check, before you drive off.

    I really doubt that you will see an analog gauge. You would need a gauge for each tire, and that would take up too much real estate on the instrument panel.

    Also, what about the spare tire? I guess that would be monitored too.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    This would actually cost a lot more for cars that didn't have ABS. It may have a desirable side effect of making ABS standard on every car.

    It should only require a software upgrade if ABS is in place. Light up when there is a steady difference in rotation speeds from side to side over an extended period.

    Spares would left up to you, I guess.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    What if the spare is a donut, and not full-size? Would that be monitored too?

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Actually, it would be good if that light stayed on even with the donut, reminding the driver that it was a temporary spare.

    I can't tell you how many donuts I've seen on cars that are driven well beyond their intended speed and range.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    You're right about that. I see people all the time speeding on the highway with these donuts. I think they're nuts. Not only are they endangering themselves, but other drivers too.

    Bob
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Last month I rented a Buick LeSabre in FL that had the tire pressure as part of its onboard trip computer system. All it says is tire pressure normal. It seems simple enough, if people bother to check it.
    Mark
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Ditto that, Colin!!

    I can't believe we may get this as a mandatory feature. If this is anything like the current run flats, that's not good.

    My father had the Michelin run-flats on a used Lincoln he bought. He ditched the tires quick because they were hard as a rock. The air pressure monitor was also acting up.

    My wife and I have both had nails in our tires just in the last few months. Because we visually inspect them about every other day, and check the pressure weekly or bi-weekly, it wasn't a big deal. My wife even has a foot pump in her car and uses it when she needs air. Before she met me, she had never used a pump at a gas station. Tires are a DIY area that she excels in.

    Things would be SO much easier if people would RTFM.
    Quick - I spilled hot coffee on myself. Who can I sue? Quick - I'm running 24 psi's in my SUV and the tires exploded, who can I sue?

    True question from a Swiss friend of mine. "Why do you have signs on your mirrors that 'objects are smaller than they appear'? And why do you have a sign in the restroom telling you to wash your hands? Are Americans that stupid?" (he married an American btw). Umm ...

    /rant off

    Dennis
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, as good as the government's intentions may be, you're right, some goofy law full of loopholes will be enacted.

    Remember passive restraints? The loophole allowed for motorized mice and, even worse, those silly seatbelts attached to the door. How ridiculous were those?

    So it'll be up to the manufacturers to come up with something clever that meets their requirements. The ABS sensor idea could work and cost very little.

    Not everyone belongs to our little OCD club and checks things like tire pressures every week. We're car guys, so it's normal for us, but my guess is half the drivers on the road have not checked their air pressure this year.

    -juice
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    True, we're probably more tuned into these things. Although, if you're going to buy a 1 - 1 1/2 ton vehicle the least thing you should do is check the fluid and tires regularly, or have them checked.
    My wife isn't a "car guy" and she has been checking her tires regularly since she bought a Corolla in the early 80's. :-) She even put snow tires on it in the winter.

    Dennis
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    She's one of a kind. Hang on to that one.

    For too many people it seems, the bigger the vehicle, the less they are concerned with safety, perhaps due to the perceived built-in safety of the behemoths they drive.

    -juice
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    I think it's great that most people here check their pressure so often. Personally I admit to checking it with the gauge every 2-3 weeks, as well as visually on a daily basis. That is because obviously those who post here are interested in maintaining their vehicles in top condition. That being said, you have to admit that most drivers if asked probably would not remember the last time they checked the tire pressure. That is why I think these gauges would be beneficial in the long run.
    For example when I drove a private cab in Brooklyn the other drivers used to laugh when I checked the air before the shift started. Then again, they also laughed at my carrying my own 4 way and cables; that is until they would call me for help!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Even though I have guages in each car, I still think I'd notice a change in the handling first, because I drive them every day.

    On any on or off ramp, listen for tire squeel. They will at the limit regardless, but if they are flat they will squeel helplessly and at slower speeds. Same thing in a parking garage.

    -juice
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    every time I get into my car, I glance at the tires. After a short while, you can accurately guess what the pressure is. Of course, this is not how I check the pressure in my cars. My Sienna has a warning light that illuminates if it detects different tire speeds (i.e. low pressure in one tire), but a constant readout on my dash saying "Tire Pressure Normal" would drive me nuts.

    Greg
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    OK, so we're all car guys/gals on this forum, right? When was the last time you checked your car tire pressures? Do you check them regularly for all your vehicles? How often is regular? Daily? Once a week? Once a month? Once every 4 months? Ever?

    I'll be the first to admit, I don't do it regularly. In fact I "rarely" do it, even though I know I should—and I'm a car guy.

    If the tires look low, I check them. If they don't—I don't check them. And, I'm supposed to be one of the enlightened ones..

    Ok, so now hang me out to dry... But I bet (if you're being honest) there are more people on this "educated Subaru forum" like me than not.

    Bob
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I last checked my Forester tire pressures last night. :-)

    I check both my vehicles tire pressures at least once a week and *always* before a change in load (ie. roadtrip with extra passengers and cargo).

    Ever since I was involved in a car crash due to a blown tire (I was a passenger), I've become quite sensitive about the only 4 contact points that keep us on the road.

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm inconsistent. It's usually when I service any of our 3 cars, so any where from 1 week to 3 months.

    But like I said, I'll end up "hearing" a tire with low pressure before I actually measure it. Only the 626 leaks any air at all, actually.

    I guess I could rate myself by the lowest I've ever let it get. We set the 626 to 33psi, and I've caught one tire at 28psi. The Forester runs 33psi and stays there. The Miata runs 28psi and stays there, except the spare, which I had to add air to once.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    but rarely do I get out there with the tire gauge. I know I should, but I don't.

    Bob
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I use a guage to check mine before every road trip or if they look low, otherwise, probably twice a year. But I don't want another idiot light (sorry Bob).

    -Frank P.
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Oh yeah, juice brings up a good point -- when's the last time everyone checked the air in your spare? I'm guessing that's even more neglected than the four we run on.

    I usually check my spare every month or so. I usually just fill it to the max psi so that I don't need to worry about it every week.

    Ken
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I think it's a good idea, but I'm not preaching for it. If it comes via government regulation, so be it. I'm more concerned about the government outlawing radar detectors than this issue.

    Speaking of which... I understand there's a new movement afoot in NY to outlaw radar detectors. Paison, ya listening?

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm curious to hear how many people carry a tire guage in their car. Or how many even own one?

    I have two - in each of my cars. I borrow one of them to check the wife's car.

    -juice
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I only have one and I keep it in the Forester. I'm afraid that my wife would call AAA before she checked the pressure herself!

    -Frank P.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    and it's always within an arms reach of me. Actually two, because I do also carry an air compressor with me in my Explorer, and it has a gauge. So does that make me a better citizen?

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    LOL!

    Mine would probably do the same thing.

    Though I'll hand it to her. Even though she's very Point-A to Point-B oriented, she drives in a spirited fashion. She's actually pointed out to me which specific tire was low, not by looks, but by driving it. I was impressed.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I usually don't bother putting valvestem caps on any of my tires. 'nuff said? ;)

    -Colin
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Last time I checked the air in both cars was this past weekend. I check with a gauge at least every 3 weeks, the wife usually checks hers with a gauge every 2 or even every week.
    We both visually check almost every day.

    Dennis
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    you know - one that bounces off everything, flies over traffic - -- -

    I have a nice little digital tire gauge from Radio Shack and I check once a week. I check my husband's car once a week, but I have to do it at night with a flashlight so as not to embarrass him with the neighbors ;~} He does not like me tinkering with his car in front of people. I don't understand why - I don't mind if he helps me with the housework?

    Patti
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    I check when I change oil, rotate tires and even when I wax... any maintenace event usually includes air pressure check. Also when I am getting ready for a road trip. I have a gauge in the car but funny how many of those cheap guages I have and none read the same. Same goes for gas stations when I'm on the road. I have a compressor in my garage and a nice dial type gauge that I consider the standard by which I measure. Since my wife commutes she is a little more anal about tires and checks almost once a week on her si. She has a good eye for tires infaltion and when we walk the neighborhood she is always pointing out low tires. Amazing how many underinflated tires you see.

    bit
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's hilarious, Patti. I would kill for the wife to even hand me some tools while I work on *her* car.

    -juice
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Old fashioned dial-type gauge. Probably needs replacing. I check the Forester once a week to every 10 days, the Stude every time I take it out (on average once every 2 weeks).

    Odd thing I noticed: On my Forester, I have really long valve stems and the caps don't cover all of the threads even when snugged down tightly. Is this anomalous? When the time comes to replace tires I will no doubt have the stems replaced as well. There's always the threat of having the stem snapped off on a curb. I replaced the stems on my old Jetta with short ones from NAPA and had no problems. Then again, I had problems aplenty with those soft Brazilian-made (no offense, juice) GTI/GLI alloys.

    Ed
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Last I'd checked my tires was last Saturday, and the next time will be this Saturday (Once a week).
    Just remembered I have a spare to check too (forgot it was there).
    Like Bob I carry two guages, one via air compressor.
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    She's a regular gear head. Does her own oil changes, tire rotation, plugs and wash n wax. Even burps now and then (oops, guess that's from the Forester discussion)

    bit
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd the first to warn people about the Mini Cooper's 1.6l engine made in Brazil. No offense taken.

    Don't forget our chat tonight. I invited a couple of newbies that are car shopping to join and ask questions, so pop in if you can.

    -juice
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