Spare Tire Pressure question

[CLMims]

Researching previous threads, I have found (I believe) that the source of the Tire Pressure "idiot light" on my dash is probably due to the spare tire being underinflated (since it is now 9 degrees here in MD).

I have also found that to check/inflate the spare, you need to get the tools out, lower the tire, inflate, and raise it back up.

Is there an easier way? Does anyone know if there is an extension or "snorkel" that could be attached to the valve stem so that it could be accessed from below, without having to lower the spare?

(I don't want to appear lazy, but when it is 9 degrees outside and the 20-mph winds make it seem even colder, any less time at the gas station air pump is a plus!)

 

[Hitman]

I don't know of any easier way to check the pressure of your spare tire, but when you do drop it down, you should overinflate it before you put it back up.

Think of it like this-- you can always bleed some air pressure off when you need to use the spare. And then the low temps won't cause your tire pressure light to come on in the first place....

 

[carina71]

I don't know of any easier way to check the pressure of your spare tire, but when you do drop it down, you should overinflate it before you put it back up.

Think of it like this-- you can always bleed some air pressure off when you need to use the spare. And then the low temps won't cause your tire pressure light to come on in the first place....

Excellent suggestion!

 

[CLMims]

Found something!

Hey, I did a Google search for "spare tire valve stem extension" and found this:

http://www.getagauge.com/accessories.cfm

I think this will work nicely on particularly cold days when the low pressure light comes on again!

 

[carina71]

I think inflating the tire to the maximum rated psi (on tire sidewall) is a cheaper and better solution. Of course, if you are into gadgets... get the extension.

 

[CLMims]

I'd gladly pay the $6; I was just trying to find a way to bypass having to drop the spare tire down for a routine inflation check...

Does anyone know if you overinflate the spare if that will affect the indicator? I was under the assumption that the sensors would indicate a change in pressure in one or more tires - so if the spare is at a higher psi, would the other 4 be considered "off"?

 

[Jim_Chow]

Is there any way to flip the spare around so the valve faces the ground rather than the body? On my 1st gen, I rotate my spare tire in (so when i buy new tires, they're all the same model w/ the same amount of tread wear) every 6-8K mi for a 5-tire cross rotation. For this PITA reason (of lowering the spare, not to mention these tires are heavy), I got a Kaymar rear bar w/ tire carrier. Now, rotating in the spare is a breeze. Part of the reason was, I do a lot of road trips in the desert SW, and I don't want to get a flat on the highway and have to change the spare at night. Sticking that bar into that little keyhole can be quite a challenge, esp. when it's cold. At least that's how I justified it to my wife.

 

[carina71]

Is there any way to flip the spare around so the valve faces the ground rather than the body? On my 1st gen, I rotate my spare tire in (so when i buy new tires, they're all the same model w/ the same amount of tread wear) every 6-8K mi for a 5-tire cross rotation. For this PITA reason (of lowering the spare, not to mention these tires are heavy), I got a Kaymar rear bar w/ tire carrier. Now, rotating in the spare is a breeze. Part of the reason was, I do a lot of road trips in the desert SW, and I don't want to get a flat on the highway and have to change the spare at night. Sticking that bar into that little keyhole can be quite a challenge, esp. when it's cold. At least that's how I justified it to my wife.

Jim,

Sound to me like you have 98% of the problem solved--convincing the wife!

You might be able to turn the spare around so it faces the ground, I'm not sure. HOWEVER, if you did so you would almost certainly create wear marks from the spare mounting bracket--not something I would want. Especially sice I do a 5 tire rotation like you.

 

[AK602]

YOU CAN CHECK THE SPARE TIRE PRESSURE RIGHT THROUGH THE WHEEL EVEN WHEN IT IS MOUNTED, I ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENSION MEANT FOR A BMW ( I WORK FOR BMW ) THAT I HAVE YET TO INSTALL. IT IS SMALLET THAN THE ONE IN THIS THREAD.
AS I SAID WHEN I WAS UNDER THE TRUCK LAST WEEKEND, CHECKING THE SPARE TIRE THROUGHT THE SLOT IN THE WHEEL IS EASY, YOU MAY NEED A DOUBLE SIDED AIR CHUCK TO ADD AIR THOUGH.

 

[CLMims]

Thanks for the advice to all - AK, I'll try to locate the stem from below (I'm not as spry as I used to be!)

 

[Brewster]

I found a gas station with a double sided air chuck like AK602 suggested. I could add air fairly easily without lowering the tire.

 

[Jim_Chow]

Jim,

Sound to me like you have 98% of the problem solved--convincing the wife!

You might be able to turn the spare around so it faces the ground, I'm not sure. HOWEVER, if you did so you would almost certainly create wear marks from the spare mounting bracket--not something I would want. Especially sice I do a 5 tire rotation like you.

Hey, I also had great arguments for convincing her to get the ARB winchbar and factory e-locker. If it's your wife's DD, it's a lot easier to convince her.