What Is A Tire Thumper?
Using a tire pressure gauge is perhaps the most common way to check tire pressure. This method is the most accurate, but it is time-consuming. Most people are discouraged from purchasing one because of this. They are also inconvenient for truck drivers who have more than eight wheels.
Thumping the tires is a fast and simple way to check tire pressure. Some vehicles have a lot of tires, and this method is the quickest way to check tire pressure before driving. With that, a tire thumper is a rod that can be used to quickly check tire pressure. It will provide you a good indication of tire pressure if you hit a tire with it and hear the sound it makes. It resembles a cut baseball bat and it is frequently equipped with a curved grip and a leather strap. Using it will save a lot of time especially when they need to go through a number of tires in a little while.
When used in a tire with air, the tire thumper will be able to bounce easily and make a loud sharp sound; on the other hand, if it is used in a flat tire, it won’t be able to bounce and will only make a muffled sound compared to the aired tire.
One can quickly check their tire pressures if they have practiced enough. The tire thumper takes some work to use, but it will save anyone not just time, but also cash and energy.
Whereas tire thumping is a fast way of checking for flat tires, if users believe a tire is low on air, they should always verify it with a tire gauge. The equipment must be utilized as a tool for identifying changes in sound when beating tires in order to successfully identify if a tire has a problem.
Tire Thumper vs Pressure Gauge
A pressure gauge’s accuracy is astounding. However, the tire thumper’s convenience and ease of use are also excellent. Choosing between the two is a difficult decision. It is not really a “either/or” situation. Both tools have their advantages and disadvantages and each has its place in different situations. Preferably, buy one of each if needed.
A pressure gauge is required to determine the exact pressure in a tire. It is strongly advised to use one to evaluate all of your tires before venturing on a long drive, as this correctness comes at a cost. To measure pressure with a gauge, one needs to remove the tire cap. As a result, testing the pressure in multiple tires is time-consuming and should be done when there’s plenty of time.
Experienced drivers can tell whether or not a tire is safe to drive on. To get a “feel” for the wheel, they may not need precise measurements. Often, these people can tell if a tire is underinflated even while driving. Alternatively, for short-distance driving, you can utilize a tire thumper but one can use a pressure gauge to check if they are unsure. This tool protects you while helping you save time.
How Tire Thumpers Are Used
The tire thumper requires a few trials and errors, but it will save you money, and time and energy. Here are the easy steps on how to use it:
Firmly grip on the tire thumper
To give your tires a good beating, ensure that you have a good grip on the thumper. This will allow you to hear if your tires are properly inflated.
Hit the tires with full power
When you hit the tires with little energy, you won’t be able to properly hear the sound they make.
Listen to the sound it makes
When truck tires are properly inflated, they make a particular sound. When the tire pressure is low, it creates a different sound, indicating that the tire needs to be inflated.
Evaluate
The tire thumper will bounce off if there is enough pressure in your tire. It will do so in a spring-like way. This will result in a loud, solid thud. If this is not the scenario, your tires need to be inflated. A few thumps are all that is required.
Tips in Using a Tire Thumper
- Try practicing with a fully inflated and a low-pressure tire to discern the difference.
- The driver must always keep both feet planted firmly on a flat floor while using the tool.
- To prevent unnecessary slipping when using the thumper, it is recommended that the driver wear proper, dry work gloves that are free of any oily, or other substances.
- The product must be stored in a safe place if it is not being used.
- Minimize the exposure of the tool to extreme heat or cold for long durations, as this may reduce the product’s durability while in use.
- To avoid injury, make sure all tools are properly set before using them. You can use a safety strap to reduce the possibility of the tool slipping out of your handle.
Types of Tire Thumpers
Tire thumpers are classified into two types: wooden and metal. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but they operate similarly. A wooden one will produce the same results as a metallic one.
Wooden Tire Thumper
Metal appears to lack the natural feel and attractive appearance of wood. However, it is not as sturdy as metal and requires more care, including regular greasing. Wooden tire thumpers are typically less expensive than metal models, but they would not last as long. Wooden tire thumpers are also frequently found in groups.
Pros:
- The attractive appearance of wood
- Have a firm grip
- They are frequently less expensive than metal tire thumpers
- There will be no temperature extremes because wood is an insulator
Cons:
- Management is necessary
- Less durable
Metal Tire Thumper
Metallic thumpers are frequently more pricey than wooden. However, they last longer and are cheaper to maintain. Because metal conducts heat, the temperature of a metal tire thumper can vary depending on its environment. When using it, this could be uncomfortable.
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- It requires less care and maintenance
Cons:
- It is more costly
- Heat can be transferred through this material
Recommended Tire Thumpers
There are two types of tire thumpers, as previously stated. They vary in price and material, but they will all perform the same function. In addition, hereunder are by far the most strongly regarded products available in the market.
RoadPro RPTT-1 wooden tire thumper
These are made of solid wood and are incredibly sturdy with 19 inches in length.
RoadPro RPTT2 weighted wood tire thumper
This is presented in a polished wood finish. In terms of durability, it compares favorably to metal tire thumpers.
Boone Aluminium Bat
Because of its aluminum build, this mini baseball bat is both lightweight and sturdy. It also has a nice firm grip.
ATAK Tire Thumper
It’s made of durable aluminum but is also a little pricey.
Alternative to Tire Thumpers
Body
Several people check the tire pressure by kicking while others press their hands against the tire. These methods can be harmful that they should be avoided. The hands and feet are incapable of exerting sufficient force on a tire and using those to thud a tire will not produce the expected sound. However, this will only result in injuries if not done properly.
Hammer
A hammer is a good alternative, but make sure to use the flat end to protect your tire. In reality, if your vehicle has only four wheels and you have a nice quality hammer, you won’t be needing a tire thumper because it can already do a great work of tire thumping.
Spanner
A spanner is also referred to as a specialized wrench. It has two major drawbacks. The grip comes first because it lacks a natural grip for striking a surface. The absence of a flat surface is the second source of concern. The surfaces of the majority of spanners are curved. They will get the job done, but they aren’t ideal.
The Most Typical Reason for Tire Malfunction
Under-inflation is one of the top reasons for tire failure. Inadequately inflated tires have more flex in the inner side. They generate heat much further than their normal working average temperature of too much flexing. If driving at high velocities for extended periods of time in warm temperatures, this problem arises.
When a tire becomes too hot, the rubber starts to deteriorate, leading to a breakage in the sidewall of a wheel, or tread separation, if pushed on long excessively. As a result, the tire loses air pressure quickly and loudly, frequently preceded by a huge noise.
How to Prevent Tire-Related Issues
Whether you’ve been driving all over the neighborhood to the local supermarket or across the region for a weekend getaway, a flat tire is just one of the factors that can turn a good day into a bad one. The real kicker is that flat tires can often be avoided by following a few simple precautions and performing routine maintenance.
- Drive carefully around road surfaces and sidewalks. When crossing a curb or driving on a road that has been damaged, drive carefully. Don’t go too fast.
- Always fill the tires with the proper air pressure. Don’t try to make them function efficiently by overfilling them for it will always go horribly wrong. The pressure of a vehicle’s tire should be checked at least once a month, but ideally at least once a week.
- If you actually think that your vehicle is out of alignment, make an appointment with an auto repair shop. It’s possible that one’s car is really not properly aligned if it tilts to one side while steering.
- Ensure that your tires are rotated in a frequent manner. Tires that aren’t rotated on a regular basis can develop irregular wear patterns. They may deteriorate over time hastily as a result of this, necessitating replacement earlier than required.
FAQs about Tire Thumpers
Is tire thumper also used as a weapon?
Truck drivers are said to carry tire thumpers as self-defense weapons. It may appear absurd, but there is logic to it. Due to its size, it can fit in a glove compartment. It is also durable enough to knock someone out. When not in use, it has no sharp edges that could endanger children.
Individuals should not be afraid to use a tire thumper as a self-defense weapon if the situation calls for it. When it comes to self-defense, you should use whatever means are available to you and it should be the same for a tire thumper.
Will Tire Thumping Cause Tire Damage?
No, in most cases. The tires ought to be secured if you use a standard tire thumper. However, users should avoid applying too much pressure. You would then damage your tires or injure yourself if you use a double-handed hold and stiffen your jaw.
Conclusion
To guarantee the safety of all those with who you share space as well as yourself, it is essential for monitoring your tire pressures. Conduct precise pressure checks with a pressure gauge ahead of time of a long drive, while and a tire thumper, on the other hand, will reassure you if your tires are properly inflated.
