TYRE PILOT STP1400 (EXTERNAL)

Price: £99.99 Available from: Snooper www.snooper.co.uk 01928 579 579

Produced by Snooper (famous for its speed radar detectors), which is part of the Cobra Group, this is the company’s least expensive aftermarket TPMS, which boasts a discreet head-unit that plugs into the cigar lighter. Despite its screen being illuminated permanently, the current usage is relatively minor and should not cause the 12V battery to discharge, unless the vehicle is used very infrequently. Helpfully, a two-amp, five-volt USB port is provided, allowing the charging of other portable accessories. During testing, the pressure readings were accurate and the unit responded quickly to low and sudden pressure changes. Separate air temperature readings are available, although they require the driver to press a side-mounted button. While we liked the external sensor design, which features a special clamp that prevents it being dismantled unintentionally while dismounting it from the tyre valve, the replacement battery lasts only for around 18 months. Despite working well and being priced very competitively, we felt that other kits provide better value for money. SCORE 3/5