Where to take tire temps

I'm assuming you mean the inflation air temperature, not the tread temperature.

If that's what you want, use the sidewall while in the shade. If the (black) sidewall is in the sun, the surface temperature will normally read considerably higher than the air inside the tire.

Chum lee

It doesn't really matter. Just for fun check a tire in several different locations. I'll bet the temp will be the same no matter where you check it, if you do it as soon as you stop after driving for half an hour.

I use a radiant thermometer, and check out tires when we stop for breaks. The temperature may vary from tire to tire as much as 10 degrees, depending on the sun. Over 10 degrees and I start to worry.

Dusty