TPMS accuracy
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 10
From: Cumming GA
On order: Torch Red Z51
TPMS accuracy
When reading w/hand held gauge cold in the garage I can get my tires to the recommended 30psi. But after I've been driving long enough for them to register (slow speeds) they can vary up to 2-3lbs between the four tires in the DIC (29LF 28 LR 31R 32RR) but 30 all around w/hand gauge. It's leading me to believe the display is more a guide than an accurate gauge. Has anyone else noticed this?
Going out shopping today probably for an a really 'accurate' psi gauge other than these cheap pen style or round ones.
Going out shopping today probably for an a really 'accurate' psi gauge other than these cheap pen style or round ones.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 2,080
From: Guelph, Ontario
I noticed the same thing with my C5 and with my C6. What is frustrating is that sometimes all four sensors will read the identical pressure, but then another time one of them will be off by 3 or 4 psi. So it's not even consistent. But it's not really meant for fine tuning the tire pressure, as long as it informs you of a tire that is considerably lower in pressure then it's doing it's job. (but nonetheless I still find it annoying) 
Scraping the splitter.
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,111
Likes: 1,029
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
Longacre makes very nice tire pressure gauges among other racing products. You can get these from Summit, Jegs or Wine Country. I am not sure of what price range. But as I recall the gauges I have and use at the track were ~$70.
'Most' of those available at AutoZone and the like are junk.
S.
'Most' of those available at AutoZone and the like are junk.
S.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 562
From: Pittsburgh PA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,961
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From: Texas Hill Country
Set cold pressure to 30 or 32 or whatever your preference in a garage after it has sat overnight. Be very meticulous about exact pressure and use a good gauge (ie. more than 10 dollars). Set the display to tire pressure and drive slowly until it registers. If they are off by 3 or 4 psi from tire to tire then something isn't right. If they are all off the same amount from your gauge then it's no big deal, that's normal.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 10
From: Cumming GA
On order: Torch Red Z51
As good as this car is, it's hard to accept the accuracy of the TPMS is so awful. Anyway I used my subscription to Consumers Reports and they validated that most of the stuff sold at Wall Mart and other auto stores is junk. They recommended Accutire MS 4400-B or MS 4021-B. Both are digital and there not supposed to go crazy if dropped from 30 inches which is what blew most of the gauges out of their acceptable zone.
I do have a nice 5 gal air pump in my garage so that isn't the issue. I used my neighbors gauge this morning before going on a drive and now the fronts are matching and so are the rears tho their a lb off between them 32f& 33r psi warm.
I do have a nice 5 gal air pump in my garage so that isn't the issue. I used my neighbors gauge this morning before going on a drive and now the fronts are matching and so are the rears tho their a lb off between them 32f& 33r psi warm.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 24
Companies like JEGS, Summit Racing etc etc have a wide selection on quality gauges. $10 is not going to buy one. Nor does one need to spend $200.
There is nothing magical about digital gauges. They are nice, but there are some very accurate, high quality analog gauges also.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 107
From: Cherry Hill PRNJ
When reading w/hand held gauge cold in the garage I can get my tires to the recommended 30psi. But after I've been driving long enough for them to register (slow speeds) they can vary up to 2-3lbs between the four tires in the DIC (29LF 28 LR 31R 32RR) but 30 all around w/hand gauge. It's leading me to believe the display is more a guide than an accurate gauge. Has anyone else noticed this?
Going out shopping today probably for an a really 'accurate' psi gauge other than these cheap pen style or round ones.
Going out shopping today probably for an a really 'accurate' psi gauge other than these cheap pen style or round ones.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,641
Likes: 464
From: Houston TX
my experience as well...
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,910
Likes: 2,701
From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
After waking her from winter hibernation, first checked the DIC pressure and then with a digital guage....DIC had it as 30, 30, 30, 29...digital guage had pressure at 30.5, 30.5, 30.5, 29.5. I'd say that shows the TPMS is pretty much spot on...not going to worry about 1/2 lb. difference in pressure readings...
They don't give "ballpark" readings. They are very accurate.