Jul. 17, 2024
Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) may warn you if your tires are under- or over-inflated, helping increase your fuel economy and even potentially preventing a tire blowout.
This feature monitors your tires' pressures and warns you if you have one or more under-inflated tires. Poorly inflated tires are prone to blow outs and may make it more difficult to brake or steer. Some versions of this feature can also detect over-inflation. Both under- and over-inflation will affect the life of your tires and your car's gas mileage.
There are two main types of TPMS sensors. Direct sensors are small, wireless devices inside each tire, which report the tire's pressure reading to your dashboard. Indirect sensors work by measuring wheel spin and can only tell if a tire's pressure is low.
If your TPMS symbol is on, check the pressure for each tire to determine if one or more tires have abnormal pressure readings. Add or subtract air at a gas station to their recommended pressure ranges. In many cars, the TPMS symbol should then no longer activate. If it does, there may be a problem with the sensor itself as many use a watch battery that lasts about 5 to 10 years.
A direct TPMS uses wheel-mounted sensors to measure the air pressure in each tire. These sensors transmit the data to the car’s computer system, which triggers the dashboard indicator light if the air pressure drops 25 percent below the recommended level.
An indirect TPMS, on the other hand, uses the anti-lock braking system's wheel speed sensors to compare the relative speeds of the wheels. When a tire is low on air, its smaller circumference causes it to roll at a different rate than the other tires. This difference triggers the dashboard indicator light, alerting you to low tire pressure. While useful, the indirect system is less sensitive than a direct TPMS.
The primary benefit of a TPMS is that it eliminates the guesswork involved in maintaining proper tire pressure. It not only helps prevent accidents caused by underinflated tires but also aids in improving gas mileage by ensuring tires are properly inflated.
Your TPMS can also alert you to existing or impending issues with your vehicle. If the TPMS warning light flashes and then remains illuminated, it indicates a malfunction in the system, meaning it's no longer monitoring your tires. In such cases, you should have your vehicle inspected immediately.
Despite the advantages of TPMS, it's crucial to remember that it's not infallible. A direct TPMS notifies you when tire pressure drops 25 percent below the recommended level, but regular tire checks are still necessary to detect low pressure before it reaches this threshold.
When your TPMS signals low air pressure, it doesn't indicate the cause. If the warning light continually comes on and off, it's essential to take your vehicle to a tire or auto shop to ensure there's no serious issue with your tires. Regular maintenance and vigilance can help you avoid potential problems and ensure your safety on the road.
1. When you see your TPMS dashboard light come on, you don't need to pull over immediately. 2. You can wait for a safe break in traffic before you pull over to inspect your tires.
2. You should still check the pressure of each tire manually if you're planning on taking a long trip or after returning from a long trip. Long use – especially in very cold and very warm climates – can change your tires' pressures enough to affect their functionality.
3. Make it a habit to check your tires' pressures at the beginning of every new season.
A TPMS is an essential system in your vehicle. It doesn’t solve every problem, but it is considered to be the most important safety system in your car or truck, aside from the seatbelt. Knowing that a system is monitoring your tire pressure not only provides a sense of security but also gives confidence that drivers will make it to their destination without any mishaps.
Copyright © Shenzhen Foxwell Technology Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved 2009-2021 |
Sitemap
Powered by 
