Smartire

Smartire

When Smartire offered to donate one of their remote pressure sensing systems for use on the Range Rover we saw it as a useful addition to the vehicle but had no idea just how beneficial the system would be.

The Smartire system is incredibly easy to use and comprises of a master control/receiver module and a number of sensor/sender units. The system works by strapping a matchbox sized sender unit to the wheel rim inside the tyre and wiring the receiver unit into the car in view of the driver – we have ours stuck to the windscreen, just to the right of the steering wheel. Once installed and the parameters set the system is fully automatic and requires no user switching – ensuring that it is in constant operation monitoring tyre pressures when the vehicle is on the move.

One feature of the system allows the user to set maximum and minimum pressure limits and a maximum temperature limit. If any of these limits are exceeded the display unit beeps (a noise that can be heard over the loudest of stereos!), a red light comes on and the offending tyre is highlighted on the display, along with information relating to the cause of the alarm.

So how has this helped us? Primarily, the Smartire system removes the worry of not knowing that you have a puncture. Punctures are a rare occurrence when driving on sealed roads; however once you are off-road it is a different story, as we found on our previous overland expedition when we suffered two punctures within a few weeks of each other – one occurring when driving through a stony desert and the other as a result of a short but sharp stick piercing the tyre’s sidewall. On this expedition we have spent a great deal of time off-road, particularly in Saudi Arabia where we tackled everything from powder soft sand to harsh, flint-covered desert plains and while the Smartire system cannot prevent punctures it has certainly given us peace of mind! Additionally, Richard has found that the temperature readings have allowed him to reduce the tyre pressures when running on the road and as a result the Range Rover handles much better.

The Smartire system is one that we would certainly recommend – and in our opinion it should feature at the top of any overlander’s ‘things to buy’ list.

For further information please visit the Smartire Website – www.smartire.com