Where to take tire temps

My TPMS is on the valve stem. Temperatures can vary as much as 25 F from side to side. The inside dual on the Driver's side is always the hottest after driving for 2 hours. It makes no sense to me as the tail pipe is on the passenger's side.

I shoot the tread but the important thing is do all the tires the same.

Regarding the next question which wasn't asked yet; there is no set temperature to look for. You want all the tires to be in a reasonable range, trouble is indicated when one tire is substantially hotter than the others.

With a set of dual tires I temp on the sidewall near the tread.

Our TST TPMS system reports pressure and temps. To be honest I don't know what the temp reading is from, ie tire, air in tire, or valve stem but if one changes dramatically is doesn't matter. I know I have a problem.

azdryheat wrote:
Why would you want to take the tire's temperature?

It's an easy way to check for a soft tire. A soft tire will be much warmer than the rest of tires.

Dusty

Why would you want to take the tire's temperature?

In the rear part

IR guns are handy but they are also 'distance' sensitive....meaning you need to 'shoot' at same distance for repeatable temp readings.

The laser light is just an aiming device....does not take temp. The Infrared Sensor does (not visual) .....farther away less accurate reading


I shoot between center threads holding my hand against wheel skit (roughly 8" distance)

Looking for a 'trend'........tires same side roughly same temps. Same with other side. The two sides may be different due to sun exposure
One tire should NOT be higher then it partner on same side

I also shoot brake drum hub in two places......outside near grease cap and inside area where hub curves up to drum (close to inner/outer bearings)
Again from about 8" distance

Just put your hand on it, is it or not?

Bill

We've driven in 90 degree temps sun side was 10 degrees higher than shade side.