Ben Diss

I picked up a pyrometer and I'm playing around with it a little so that I can understand how to use it and how to interpret the numbers. When I stick the probe in, the initial reading lasts just an instant then declines for a second or two before it stabilizes. Which number do I want, the initial high reading or the stabilized one?

Hacker-Pschorr

Um, exactly where are you sticking the probe?

Ben Diss

Into the sidewall, of course!

No, into the deep tread at the inside, middle and outside.

emf

Highest temp at it's measuring point

http://www.longacreracing.com/articles/art.asp?artid=16

Last C5

The way I learned it from a tire pro was that you want the reading just after the first initial temp which is a combination of the tire temp and the friction of inserting the probe. As long as you're consistant on which temp you're using you'll have a good idea on whether to add or subtract air pressure.

davidfarmer

I have a memory probe pyrometer that measure 12 locations (3 in each tire). Mine ALWAYS starts cool, and climbs slowly to a steady state. I wait until it reache steady state, press the button, then move onto the next location. IF the next location is significantly cooler than the old location, the temp may be lower, but it equilized quickly.

The point of using a probe pyrometer over an infra-red is that you want the equilized chord temp. Chord holds temp longer than the surface, so you get a more accurate reading.

Anyway, the temp reading should stabilize within a second or two of sticking the probe in.

Ben Diss

So I should wait for the temp to stabilize, and take that reading. Thanks.