Kart tyre pressure gauge and pyrometer: how to measure pressure and temperature
Updated: Oct 23
In a kart a few tenths of a bar change grip, handling and lap time. But setting the tyres "by feel" is not enough: you need two tools, a pressure gauge for pressure and a pyrometer for temperature. Here is how to use a kart tyre pressure gauge and pyrometer, when to measure and how to read the numbers.
In short The pressure gauge measures pressure, the pyrometer the temperature of the tyre surface. Pressure is measured cold before going out and hot as soon as you come in, always with the same tool. Temperature is read at three points (inside, centre, outside) and must be taken immediately, because the tyre cools quickly. The data, noted session after session, guide pressures and setup.
Kart tyre pressure gauge and pyrometer: what they are for
• Pressure gauge: measures the air pressure in the tyre, in bar. In a kart you work with small differences, so you need a precise, easy-to-read tool.
• Pyrometer: measures the temperature of the tyre surface. It tells you whether the tyre is working in its window and how it sits on the asphalt.
To understand why pressure matters so much read the guide to karting tyre pressure.
How to measure pressure: cold and hot
• Cold, before going out: you set the starting pressure. Measure with the tyres at ambient temperature, not after they have been sitting in the sun.
• Hot, as soon as you come in: the pressure has risen. The difference between cold and hot tells you how the tyre is working on that track and at that temperature.
• Always the same tool: two different gauges can give different readings. Use just one and note the values.
How to read kart tyre temperature at three points
With the pyrometer you measure the temperature at three points of the tread: inside, centre and outside. It must be done right after the session and quickly, because a kart tyre cools in a few seconds. Comparing the three values tells you how the tyre is sitting:
• Centre hotter than the edges: the tyre is working in the middle, a sign that the pressure may be high.
• Edges hotter than the centre: the tyre is squashing, a sign that the pressure may be low.
• Inside and outside very different: the tyre is not sitting evenly and it's worth looking at the setup. For the basics there is the kart basic setup guide.
These are indications to confirm with the stopwatch and the driver's feelings: one reading is not enough, the trend over sessions is what counts.
Which tool to choose
The Alfano Tyrecontrol 2 measures pressure and tyre surface temperature, up to 3 points per tyre, as well as asphalt temperature. It records the date and time of each session and stores up to 495 data sets for 5 vehicles. The Alfano Tyrecontrol AIR measures and adjusts pressure with ±0.01 bar accuracy and can inflate using a CO2 cartridge. For a simple tool there is the New-Line Racing digital pressure gauge with a 0.5 scale. Compact and robust, there is the Alfano TJR2 pressure gauge, with self-calibration at every switch-on and memory for up to 100 sets.
If you want real-time data during the lap you can use the Alfano A1220 internal tyre pressure and temperature sensors, paired with telemetry. To read the data effectively there is the guide to Alfano 7 telemetry.
The most common mistakes
• Measuring temperature too late: after a minute the tyre has already changed.
• Using different tools: the values can no longer be compared.
• Not noting the data: without a history you learn nothing. Note the track, air and asphalt temperature, pressures and lap times.
• Copying other people's pressures: they depend on kart, setup, driver and tyre. For the Rotax Mojo tyres there is the guide to Mojo D5 pressures, management and wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a pressure gauge and a pyrometer?
The pressure gauge measures the air pressure in the tyre, in bar. The pyrometer measures the temperature of the tyre surface. Some tools, like the Alfano Tyrecontrol 2, do both.
When should kart tyre pressure be measured?
Twice: cold before going on track, to set it, and hot as soon as you come in, to understand how the tyre is working. Always use the same gauge, so the values can be compared.
Why measure kart tyre temperature at three points?
Because inside, centre and outside tell you how the tyre is sitting on the track. Comparing the three values shows whether pressure or setup need correcting.
Product data: Alfano Tyrecontrol 2, Alfano Tyrecontrol AIR and New-Line Racing N-L 315 data sheets.
Questions about this topic?
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Read also: Karting tyre pressure: grip, handling and lap time → · Mojo D5 tyres: pressures, management and wear → · Kart tyres: the complete guide →
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Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 18 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
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