A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is an electronic device that measures air pressure inside the pneumatic tires of a vehicle. It alerts the driver when the pressure of one or more of the tires is too low. If the pressure falls below the recommended level, a light will illuminate. The light is usually a yellow symbol, shaped like a horseshoe.
Tire pressure monitoring systems have become standard equipment on modern cars. They are designed to help drivers keep their tires inflated at proper levels and reduce the amount of time they spend at the gas station.
TPMS has two basic functions: detecting low pressure, and displaying the information to the driver. Unlike the previous model, which used a ‘pressure gauge’, TPMS utilizes special sensors to detect low pressure and transmit this information to a central control unit. This unit will then interpret the data and display the information to the driver.
To get the best possible reading from the sensor, TPMS will adjust its frequency depending on the speed and motion of the vehicle. For instance, if the car is in a parking lot, the pressure may be too low to trigger an alert. Lug Nut Indicator Fortunately, this is not always the case. When a vehicle is moving, the sensors send out more frequent data signals, while when the car stands still, the signal may be too weak.
Regardless of which type of TPMS is installed in a car, the main goal is the same: to make sure the tires stay inflated. Keeping the inflation at its optimum level will ensure optimal performance, as well as safety. Underinflated tires are prone to wear, while overinflated ones have a reduced service life. In addition, underinflation can lead to a higher CO2 emissions and increased fuel consumption.
TPMS can also improve vehicle handling and brake performance. When a tire is underinflated, the tire’s circumference decreases, causing it to roll at different wheel speeds. Combined with the wear that this results in, this can affect braking distance, and cause the vehicle to perform poorly.
Some systems will use a sensor inserted into the valve stem to collect pressure data. These are known as direct TPMS systems. Another option is an indirect TMPS system, which works with the vehicle’s Antilock Braking System. Rather than having a separate sensor, indirect TPMS uses a wheel-speed sensor and ABS monitor to calculate the rate of deflation. Depending on the manufacturer, indirect TPMS can provide more accurate results than a direct TPMS. However, these systems may not be suitable for critical safety functions.
Some TPMS products also incorporate real-time tire pressure displays. This helps the driver determine which tires are underinflated and can lead to problems. Many manufacturers offer software that can analyze the data and recommend appropriate adjustments for each tire.
Lastly, a TPMS may be able to detect when a tire is punctured. Although it is not a miracle, it can warn the driver of a puncture before it becomes a serious problem.