[geomax]

Check out these tire pressure valve stem caps! What a great idea:

http://www.ajprindle.com/index.jhtml?product=10295&_requestid=51841

Opinions? Worth it?

They come in 2 "sizes" - 32psi, and 36psi.

Also: this is the company that makes the indicator:

http://www.minderresearch.com/tirem.htm

Site says that they are distributed in the USA only at PepBoys

 

[SONET]

Looks like a neat idea to me. I just wish they were a bit more stylish. There is a Pep Boys not too far from my office, I think I'll drop by Monday morning to see them first-hand.

I bet they would be stolen pretty quick, assuming people knew what they were. Whenever I put the little chrome ones on my car, they're usually gone within a few weeks. I think kids steal them for their bikes or something. Anyone else have that problem?

--SONET

 

[geomax]

I bet they would be stolen pretty quick, assuming people knew what they were.

That would be my concern as well. Even the manufacturer website recommends their removal prior to service as it appears that customers have said that they get stolen.

Also - I'd like to see how much they weigh.

 

[Emission]

I like the concept, but my question has to do with weight.

Background: Valve caps are typically plastic (light and cheap). BMW (and other high performance makes) use aluminum because it is light, and heat resistant. Believe it or not, I have seen wheels get so hot on the track that plastic caps distort and fall off!

The centrifical force is very strong at high speeds. Even my light OEM aluminum caps and stems are bent against the wheel (resulting in a slight permanent impression on the rim from the impact) when I travel at 100+ mph.

I wonder if these aftermarket caps are 2x, 3x, or 4X as heavy? Will they leave a mark on the rim, or be broken at high speeds?

What about theft?

 

[ayn]

yeah no joke, they do get kindda hot. i lost one of my valve caps and i decided to get the regular aluminum one instead of those fancy ones with ///M or BMW, coz they're kindda heavy and I've seen rims scratched because of them. they're also much cheaper. =)

--Andrew

I like the concept, but my question has to do with weight.

Background: Valve caps are typically plastic (light and cheap). BMW (and other high performance makes) use aluminum because it is light, and heat resistant. Believe it or not, I have seen wheels get so hot on the track that plastic caps distort and fall off!

The centrifical force is very strong at high speeds. Even my light OEM aluminum caps and stems are bent against the wheel (resulting in a slight permanent impression on the rim from the impact) when I travel at 100+ mph.

I wonder if these aftermarket caps are 2x, 3x, or 4X as heavy? Will they leave a mark on the rim, or be broken at high speeds?

What about theft?

 

[geomax]

Well, they don't seem to be hugely expensive, around $15 for a set of 4. I may swing out today and check them out. If I decide to get them, I'll road test and post my findings as to the weight and heat issues, etc.

 

[Kaz]

Stolen caps? What stolen caps?

 

[Mystikal]

Actually, these have been around for decades, or at least in my local Canadian Tire auto parts section. I just know that they will get stolen with a month, so I don't bother.

BTW, in that said store they have 25/26 27/28 29/30...etc. models. Much more precise I think.

 

[geomax]

Yeah, I was by PepBoys today, and they only had a few in stock. Turns out that they are accurate to +/- 2lbs either way...which, uh, is not too accurate. It may be enough for the family sedan.

Oh well, looked interesting at first!

 

[Mystikal]

Oh BTW geomax, seeing your sig picture everyday for the past while has finally encouraged me to take some pics of my car with the 15" steels on w/the same factory caps.

I'll be sure to post pics for the obligatory laughter and insults. Why can't hubcaps get some love too?

 

[geomax]

Oh BTW geomax, seeing your sig picture everyday for the past while has finally encouraged me to take some pics of my car with the 15" steels on w/the same factory caps.

I'll be sure to post pics for the obligatory laughter and insults. Why can't hubcaps get some love too?

Practicality outweighs vanity any day in my book.

...Besides, I got my camera after I put the steelies on!