TX500 TYRE PRESSURE MONITOR

Although many vehicles are now fitted with run-flat tyres, most of us still run on conventional tyres that need changing when flat. This means that at some point in our lives, we’re going to have to pull over to the side of the road and dig out the spare. And as the First Law of Flat Tyres dictates, this will seldom happen at a convenient time or place.

Sudden punctures can be unforeseen (though you should really have spotted that wheel-gobbling pothole) but it helps to be given advance warning of a problem that could lead to an unplanned emergency stop, or even a disaster while driving. Receiving early warning of a tyre anomaly will not only alert you to a potential problem: by making you more aware of regular maintenance, it could help prolong tyre life.

This kit is a DIY version of the tyremonitoring systems fitted as standard to some high-end cars. Used in combination with a smartphone app and connecting via Bluetooth, it is able to send real-time tyre pressure and temperature data. It uses an OBD standard interface compatible with most cars on the market.

Essentially four miniature sensors and a receiver unit, it’s able to transmit up to 8 metres to a smartphone using an app compatible with both Android and IOS.

Set-up commences with either scanning the QR code on the box or downloading the SYTTPMS app in Apple’s App Store or Google Play. When a tyre pressure abnormality is detected, an audio/vibration alarm is generated. The app dashboard includes an overhead view of the vehicle, with each tyre individually displayed along with its related pressure and temperature. Pressure units are shown in either bar, kpa, Psi or Kgf/cm2. Upper and lower tyre pressure thresholds can be set by means of a slider control.

Though there’s a exterior valve-capreplacement sensor option, installation of the more accurate interior sensor system is recommended. This

does entail a visit to your local tyre fitment centre to remove tyres and slot the sensors in place of the original valves. Price: About R3 500 from cardvdgps.co.za.