Tire Minder is suppose to save us from the annoying task of checking tire pressure on our vehicles. When we fill up for gas we all know we’re suppose to occasionally get the tire gauge out and check the air pressure on each tire. Unless a tire “looks low” we typically don’t think about or want to be bothered checking it. Here’s what some consumers are saying and the Tire Minder company has some recommendations.

What is Tire Minder?

These are replacement valve caps that constantly monitor your tire pressure with indicators in bright colors. It comes with four “minders” and a separate gauge for filling your tires. Each are individual pressure gauges. They come set to a specific tire pressure, so you need to order them for the proper inflation for your specific tires.  Tire Minder claims you can use them on a full range of trucks, cars, SUV’s and minivans and motorcycles using 26 psi to 42 psi tire pressure. You can find out what the proper tire pressure is for your car just by opening the driver’s side door. Look for a sticker or plate on the side of the door’s edge or check your owner’s manual.

How Does it Work?

If a tire has the proper pressure, or is within four pounds of the target pressure, a green band can be clearly seen. If a tire falls four or more pounds below its target, the green disappears and a red ring is left showing. This is your indication that your tire needs air.

This product also comes with a tire gauge to use when filling your tires to ensure you fill them to the proper level. The gauge is a round analog needle which is easier to read than the  traditional pen style.

The Tire Minder Company Recommends

1. For consistent operation, remove and inspect your Tire Minders every two months.
2. Tire Minders should be replaced once a year.
3. Avoid spilling gasoline or other caustic liquids on any part of the Tire Minder
4. Tire Minders are for use under “normal” road conditions only, not for use with non-pressurized valve extenders, or under “off-road” conditions.
5. Fill all your tires to the correct tire pressure before installing the Tire Minders. Verify this with an accurate tire pressure gauge.
6. They should screw on smoothly and with little resistance. “Finger-tighten” only — do not use any tools.
7. If the Tire Minders are difficult to install, it usually means that the threads on the valve stem are damaged and should be replaced.
8. Don’t force-fit the Tire Minders as the threads may get damaged and prevent an airtight seal.
9. Once installed, the yellow and red rings inside the Tire Minders will disappear. This may take a few minutes after initial installation. If the unit does not turn all-green (or all-black with the Stealth model) after a few minutes, double-check that the tire has the correct air pressure.

Some Consumers Report the Following After Using Tire Minder

• The air pressure of the tire was very low but the Tire Minder never changed color.
• The tire service place had to replace the valve stem because the plastic part melted to the valve stem.
• They were great for a while, but it can get difficult to see whether it is green, yellow, or red with brake dust and condensation inside.
• After a while, the threads corrode and fuse to the valve stem. Then you have to remove the tire from the rim and replace the valve stem.
• If you knock the plastic cover off against a curb, the tire will deflate.
• If the cap isn’t tightened enough, if the o-ring fails or if the plastic cap develops a leak it will result in rapid air loss in the tire.

Tire Minder seems like a good idea although the consumer comments really make me wonder how accurate they are over the long term. I would personally stick with the old way of checking tire pressure… as long as you can remember to do it on a regular basis!

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