Update: Tire Lights Actually Still Exist, Are Completely Absurd
After reading our post on dumb inventions from the last century, many commenters declared that lighted tires were actually a great idea and wondered why they haven't caught on (especially among rappers). So we did some more research.
We assume that the illuminated tire of the 1960s didn't catch on because someone at Goodyear realized that inflatable tubes and lots of glass are not a good recipe for road safety. As LEDs and fiber optics have become more common, we thought someone might have taken another crack at it. Alas, we couldn't find a modern day illuminated tire.
We did find some motion-sensitive LEDs that attach to the inflation stem and create a ring around the wheel when the car is moving. These are pretty cool, but we were expecting something even more ridiculous.
Luckily, we weren't disappointed. Behold the Dub Custom PimpStar, which is a set of programmable LEDs that attach to a car's wheels and can display pictures and messages. Some example images on the PimpStar's site include an American flag, a dollar sign, the Air Jordan logo, or a naked lady mud flap silhouette.
But the PimpStar is even better because it has wireless connectivity, allowing you to "create your own images and send them to each wheel individually or all wheels at the same time as you drive!"
Not impressed? Check out this video:
A 22-inch tire and wheel set starts at $12,050.
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Comments:
Actually those are old...only the LEDs in the wheel light up as it spins...we want real rubber tires that light up! Don't show us something we can't have!
This article reads like a review for the tires.
The commercial is kind of creepy. You drive by a woman and like how she looks so you start following her?
That may have been the worst commercial I have ever seen. The cheesiness...the fact that they are advocating you using the computer, wait, scratch that, DESIGNING IMAGES while you are driving, and the sheer creepiness of the guy following the girl...it was terrible!
Yet, I know I'm going to be sending this to everyone I know.
If anyone needs me, I will be ordering a set of these so I can create tiny hamster images on my tires. Never mind that it costs $5K more than my car did. THAT'S NOT THE POINT.
Funny the beginning of this video reminded me of some....eh hem...."adult" movies.
I'd rather have a full scrolling marquee on my back window that says "The closer you get to my bumper, the slower I'm going, moron!"
This was a 'Lifetime' stalker movie and episode of 'Pimp My Ride' all rolled into one. I still have to admit though, the idea is pretty sick.
Reminds me of my MonkeyElectric LEDs for my bicycle. You can't just program whatever into them, but my guess is they're a lot cheaper as well...
That *is* pretty slick, but it's just a toy, and like most toys, it will be old news two weeks after you buy it.
Oy, really? I must be getting old as I don't even see the appeal of these. Im sure all the Vinny boom botz's in my neighborhood will be snatching these up soon.
@Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather: I forgot to add: with the Yankee logo in the italian flag colors.
@squinko: Seriously creepy commercial. I was hoping she was calling the cops instead of the creeps in the SUV.
Cool in theory. Stupid in real life.
For some reason I am surprised that the gentleman in the video didn't have, "Sup'" on one wheel, and "Bitch!" on the other as he drove by. Either that or just disappointed it didn't.
I've thought about that too, but I figure it would lead to a 500% increase in road rage. I also want a loudspeaker on the front of my car so I can shout "Hey idiot...left lane is for passing, not cruising and chatting on your cell phone!"
How about one that measures the distance between your bumper and his along with your current speed and announces the celebrity who has the necessary reaction time to avoid a crash.
Perhaps when told they need to be better than Flash Gordon on the brakes, they'll back off? Or they'll just get closer to see what the next message is. Perhaps "God"?
@UGAdawg:
We need to program Meredith Baxter Birney on one wheel, and a depraved man with a tire iron on the next wheel.
I think these would be illegal in many states. I know that technically ground effects are in Florida.
Like a lot of things of this type I can't decide whether it's terrible or awesome.
My husband and I joke around about putting Spinners on our Scion xB, just so we could roll in nerdy style.
The LED things for the inflation stems is strangely tempting.. Especially if they were blue LEDs.
I remember the first time I saw the Dubs spinning rims on an SUV. It looked good. Then I started seeing the cheap plastic ones for sale at Pep Boys, and they quickly became a joke. That's what would happen with these. They'd look good, until someone found a way to manufacture them for $200 for four, and then they'll become a joke.
These PimpStars are so 2006.
They also run $4,000 a rim.
Last I heard they were illegal in NY, a friend of mine was trying to be cool and got LED valve caps and was fined $150 or $250 per tire. I also painted a car for a buddy of mine, it was a chrome paint job and he got a $1500 fine.
The fines were for distracting other drivers and I did warn my buddy against the chrome paint but he didn't listen...
After a few of these distractions cause crashes, I'm sure these will be outlawed or banned. Until then, the inner-city urban democrats will light up the neighborhoods!
@pecan 3.14159265: How better to get into the Christmas spirit by attaching a small blinking light display on your tires? It would work for me.
Or give me epilepsy. Heck, you can call the fit where I swallow my tongue an overdose of Christmas Cheer.
@VOIDMunashii: Funny...I always wanted something that said the word GO in the front of my car (but backwards, so the slowpoke in the passing lane that I'm stuck behind could read it in their mirror, like the Ambulance signs).
It would be cheaper to mount a very fancy flat screen TV to the top or sides of your car, you could even mount two of them. Then you could play videos instead of small little animations.
1) Yes the commercial was cheeeeeezzzzzy.
2) The geek in me thinks that the technology is very cool.
I could see them being fun.
3) HOLY FARK are you kidding.
22x9.5 package with tires ($12,050.00)
24x10 Package with tires ($14,050.00)
26x10 Package with tires ($16,050.00)
GAG. That,s more than both my cars put together.
@squinko:
How else are you supposed to meet women? If following them down the highway and flirting with them using your LED tire lights is wrong, then I'm out of ideas.
@MisterE: And when they ARE banned, thus preventing the inner-city democrats* from using them, outer fringe republicans will be all up in arms against the democratic president infringing on the rural whites' right to drive in style.
*For the record, I think you are a dick for making that characterization. I just rolled with it to highlight the irony.
That's one nerdy back guy. I gotta say he's pretty good at image manipulation and driving. He better not be texting though!
@lemortede: I take it they don't make them small enough to fit my '96 Neon, then.
Oh, darn. And I do so want my rims to be twenty times the cost of my car.
If your car only costs 8 grand, good luck trying to pick up a chick in a Ferrari no matter how pimp your wheels are...
This is exactly what my 1996 Ford Escort needs.
Now, witness this fully armed and operational Pimp Star...
I guess I wasn't alone... I stopped watching the video as soon as I saw the woman getting dressed...creepy
whats that have to do with tires?
I knew it! I knew this existed still! I know what I'm getting my Mom for Christmas :-P