“What in the world is a tire thumper?” I couldn’t help but laugh as I heard a kid at the truck stop ask his mother. Her response, “I guess it thumps tires.” Good guess momma.
Actually, if you’ve been a truck stop attendee, you’ve likely seen the tire thumper a time or two; along with a bunch of other gadgets that make you scratch your head. The thumper has evolved over the years, starting back in the days with just about anything you can bang your tire with to the beautifully engineered tire thumper we have today.
RoadPro RPTT-1 Wooden Tire Thumper, 19-Inches, Assorted Dark or Light Wood
Although in the tire thumper is a novelty truck stop item, it does serve a purpose. With enough practice, you can quickly check your tire pressures. You can go through dozens of tires in a matter of a minute or two. Sure beats capping the valves.
How To Use Your Tire ThumperTruck tires make a certain sound when they’re full as required. If the tire pressure is low, it makes a different sound, hence you know that particular tire will need air added. It takes some getting use to, but the tire thumper will save you time, money and effort.
You have to get use to the sound the thumper makes, it will take practice. You’ll find that learning how to use the tire thumper is easy. It just takes practice. There’s a number of good quality thumpers out there, the two in this post I personally recommend.
Here’s the simple steps.
ATAK Tire Thumper with Light, 16-Inch
There’s a number of different companies that produce tire thumpers.
A few of the most well known include RoadPro, ATAK and Tire Boss.
Wow, what a great question. Well, you be the judge. If your truck is getting robbed, is it possible you grab the tire thumper under the seat? You bet! Well, unless you have a 12 gauge or 45 – those would be much better options. I won’t point you in the right direction, I’ll leave you with your thoughts to find the answer. Somehow, I think you know the answer to that.
Best Tire Thumpers?Three of my favorites tire thumpers are listed above. Bought them both from Amazon, not at the truck stop although I’ve bought a few here and there over the years. My favorite is the ATAK tire thumper. Sure, it cost a little more. I love the LED light that comes with it and after all my thumping, it still works. Not to mention I’ve dropped it a time or two, light still works. Solid piece of equipment.
The ATAK tire thumper is made from heavy duty aluminum, a great shell.
Mine has took some beating as I’ve had it for some time now, still use it today. Works great.
The RoadPro RPTT-1 wooden tire thumper is built solid too. That would be the thumpers on top of this article. These are built with solid wood, strong as can be. 19 inches long. You can’t go wrong with either listed in the article. Among reviews, these 2 thumpers get the most and highest praised. Personally using both, I feel confident in my findings and recommendations.
The RoadPro RPTT2 weighted wood tire thumper is equally as good. RoadPro is a brand you can trust. There’s a lot of these products out there, I like to stick to what I know and what I personally use on the road. Hopefully this article will guide you as all 3 are well worth their asking price.
RoadPro RPTT2 18″ Weighted Wood Tire Thumper
Last Updated January 6, 2023
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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.
What's In This Guide?
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.
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 thumperTo 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 powerWhen you hit the tires with little energy, you won’t be able to properly hear the sound they make.
Listen to the sound it makesWhen 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.
EvaluateThe 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.
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 ThumperMetal 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: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.
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 thumperThese are made of solid wood and are incredibly sturdy with 19 inches in length.
RoadPro RPTT2 weighted wood tire thumperThis is presented in a polished wood finish.
In terms of durability, it compares favorably to metal tire thumpers.
Because of its aluminum build, this mini baseball bat is both lightweight and sturdy. It also has a nice firm grip.
ATAK Tire ThumperIt’s made of durable aluminum but is also a little pricey.
Alternative to Tire ThumpersBodySeveral 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.
HammerA 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.
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 MalfunctionUnder-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.
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.
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.
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.
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Products: brake cleaners, rim cleaner.
Equipment: all modern tire systems are powered by compressed air: pneumatic guns for loosening wheels, tire changer, inflation guns. Therefore, the main tool for tire fitting is a compressor. In 99% of cases, reciprocating compressors with a capacity of 400 lmin are used. These compressors require ISO VG 46 and 100 compressor oils, depending on the compressor manufacturer's recommendations.
Oil change, on average, 200-250 hours when using mineral oils, that is, about once a month during the tire season. Using synthetic oils, such as Liqui Moly LM 500, article 4076, you can increase the compressor maintenance period up to two times a year. nine0003
The air gun is an essential tool for quick wheel removal. It has a lubricator lubrication system, that is, oil is supplied along with compressed air using a special lubricator-lubricator. In small tire shops, they save money on lubricators and periodically bury the oil directly into the air gun. To lubricate air guns, use Liqui Moly Oil fur Pneumatikgerat, part number 7841.
| Fig 1 | Fig 2 | Fig 3 |
To carry out work, place the vehicle at the place where the brake is to be carried out. work and fix manually Raise the vehicle with a tire jack or scissor lift, unscrew the wheel fasteners and remove the wheel.
Wash the wheel in a washing machine, dry it. Using the special tool, unscrew the valve and bleed air from the wheel. Remove balancing weights, if self-adhesive weights are used, then remove the remaining glue from the rim with a rag using Liqui Moly Dichtungs Entferner. It is necessary to carefully inspect the tread for stones stuck in the sipes, since wheel balancing is meaningless with a dirty tread. If you plan to install the tire back after repair, then it is necessary to mark the position of the nipple for inflation on the tire using a special marker or chalk. The tire is installed in the same position in which it was removed from the rim. Install the cleaned wheel on the tire changer and tear off the sidewall of the tire from the rim with a spatula (Fig. 1). Next, center the wheel on the clamps (1) of the machine Fig. 2, (use plastic protective pads when working with light alloy wheels) and completely separate the sidewall of the tire from the hump with a roller (Fig. 3). Before removing the tire from the rim, apply Liqui Moly Reifen Montierenpaste to the parts of the tire adjacent to the rim.
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It is recommended to apply the paste with a flute-type brush, it is not recommended to use fly brushes (Fig. 4). Pry off the sidewall of the tire with a mounting spatula, bring it up by the heel of the machine (Fig. 5) and rotate the tire until the sidewall of the tire completely goes beyond the rim. Do the same with the bottom of the tire and remove the tire from the rim (Fig. 6).
| Figure 4 | Figure 5 | Figure 6 | nine0019
| Figure 7 | Figure 8 | Figure 9 |
Before mounting a new or refurbished tire, be sure to replace the tubeless tire valve (Fig. 7), clean the tire contact surface with a Reiniger und Ferdunner cleaner (Fig. 8), place the rim in the wheel balancer (Fig.
9) and check the runout of the rim .
To mount the tire, it is necessary to put the disk back into the clamps of the machine (Fig. 2). Before installing the tire, apply mounting paste to the sidewalls of the tire adjacent to the rim (Fig. 10) using a flute brush on both sidewalls of the tire. Put the tire on the disc using the machine's thrust pad (Fig. 5). Orient the tire according to the marks made earlier, in case of using a new tire, align the factory mark (yellow or white) with the tire valve by location. Inflate the tire, allow the sidewall to take the correct position on the hump of the rim, for which give an air pressure of 6-8 bar (when the tire is seated, a loud bang will occur). Check the tightness of the fit by using Leck Such Spray or immersion in a water bath. After checking the tightness, bring the pressure in the wheel to the nominal value and install it in the balancing machine. Center the wheel on the center hole and studs and balance. Degrease the rim with Reiniger und Ferdunner in places where self-adhesive balance weights are fitted.
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| Fig 10 |
Before installing the wheel on the hub, treat the mating surface of the hub with your choice of (Fig. 11): Aluminum Spray, copper spray Kupfer Spray or ceramic paste Keramik Paste. The same compositions must be used to treat wheel fasteners (Fig. 12), studs or bolts (if there is a corresponding recommendation from the car manufacturer). Install the wheel on the car (Fig. 13), manually tighten the fasteners, make the final tightening to the required torque with a torque wrench. Attention: Do not use pneumatic tools to tighten wheel fasteners! nine0003
For seasonal preservation of winter or summer sets of tires, use Reifen Glanz Schaum Tire Foam.
The change of seasons requires car owners to purchase two sets of tires. Off-season tires do not provide stability on an icy road and a comfortable ride in hot weather.
The best solution is to purchase winter and summer tires. To save on service fees, you can use manual tire fitting when you need to change tires between seasons. nine0003
Insurance companies require timely replacement of tires. This ensures safety when moving in changing weather conditions. In the CASCO agreement, a separate clause states when to change tires to winter and vice versa. You can try to ensure high-quality tire fitting and comply with the requirements of the agreement on your own.
It is important for drivers to distinguish between warm and cold seasons in order to understand when to change tires to summer tires or prepare a vehicle for operation in winter. Experts advise relying on weather data, using homemade tire fitting under the following temperature conditions:0003
Summer tires are not able to provide reliable grip on icy roads. In order to ensure safety while traveling, it is important to change the tires in time. I use a special tool and an understandable video about tire fitting with my own hands, you can try to cope with the work yourself. nine0003
Do-it-yourself tire fitting requires a special machine that will save you:
Having decided to make a tire changer with their own hands, a manual tire changer is assembled first.
You can find suitable models in stores, but you can assemble them yourself using available materials.
To do tire fitting with your own hands, the drawings are studied, and then everything you need is purchased. You can collect different types of devices. It is recommended to pay attention to functional and convenient models, which consist of several nodes:
It is recommended to choose high-quality rolled metal for the construction. Elements must withstand increased loads. The design must remain intact, not pose a threat to the master. Having decided to do the tire fitting with your own hands, the drawings for the manual tire changer are used as in the picture below.
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To perform tire fitting with your own hands, hand tools are assembled in stages:
Last install the lever, which consists of a paw and a shoulder. The first element will be required to remove the tire.
Having assembled the structure, you can understand how to do tire fitting with your own hands. To do this, use the video guide below, photos and explanations of the masters. nine0003
In the absence of a special machine, it is almost impossible to dismantle or install rubber yourself. After assembling the device, you can start changing tires, for which you should learn how to do tire fitting. The process is carried out in several stages:
Further work can be done with a simple pry bar of great length (elements with a welded handle) to completely rid the disc of rubber.
To do this, it is necessary to insert the mount with a narrow part under the rubber in order to bring it out of the rim.
Fix the wheels after installing it on a homemade machine using a special clamp. nine0003
It should be understood that the process of changing tires is quite laborious and complicated. It is necessary not only to assemble the machine with your own hands, but also to use it correctly, helping yourself with additional tools. It is not always possible to do such work, so you have to look for high-quality tire fitting.
When deciding how to choose a tire service, it is recommended to pay attention to several points:
Quality tire service in Moscow is actually not so easy to find.
