How Does a Tire Pressure Monitor System Work?

There's a lot that can impair or harm your tires' capacity to sustain pressure, from punctures to faulty wheel alignments. Fortunately, some modern cars are equipped with sensors that can alert you instantly if there is a problem. However, these tire pressure monitoring devices aren't perfect, which is why some manufacturers are attempting to improve them.

TPMS: HOW DOES IT WORK?

The TPMS in your car, like other security and driver-assistance technologies, is powered by specialized sensors, according to Car & Driver. Many are installed in the wheel or incorporated into the valve stem of the tire. 

Direct tire pressure sensors, as the name suggests, monitor air pressure directly. These battery-operated sensors transmit radio waves to a receiver in the vehicle. The TPMS headlight illuminates when the pressure is too low or too high.

However, some cars feature tire pressure sensors that are connected to the ABS system. Such 'indirect' sensors, on the other hand, do not indeed sense pressure. Instead, they track the rotation of the tires. The speed of a well-inflated tire differs from that of an incorrectly inflated tire. When the TPMS detects a speed difference, a warning light illuminates.

Moreover, some manufacturers have recently attempted to improve TPMS technology. For instance, BMW and Michelin cooperated on a 'linked tire,' which employs sensors to monitor tire pressure and tire temperature. The idea is to use this information to deliver helpful training information to the operator.

Bridgestone and Microsoft are also reportedly developing a system that can detect tire degradation and pressure, according to The Drive. This new system will also identify and mark the tire if it collided with a pothole or other abnormality. Then, via vehicle-to-vehicle messaging, it would warn other vehicles to stay away from that area.

BENEFITS OF TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alerts you when your car's tire pressure is too low or is about to go flat. TPMS can improve your road traffic safety by enhancing your car's handling, minimizing tire wear, lowering stopping distance, and boosting fuel economy by assisting you in maintaining optimum tire pressure.

IS YOUR CAR EQUIPPED WITH TPMS?

If the "lower air pressure" indicator light flashes on your dashboard when the key is moved to the "on" state, your car has TPMS.

WHAT ACTION SHOULD I TAKE WHEN MY WARNING LIGHT TURNS ON?

Check the tire pressure and inflate any that are underinflated (as directed by the manufacturer). The indication light should turn off when the tire pressure is correct.

Change the tire with your backup if necessary, and then visit your local Tires Warehouse store for any necessary repairs or replacements. To identify the problem, they'll examine your car's tire pressure and run a systems check on all of your tire sensors. After addressing your car's tire needs, our professionals will recommend the necessary maintenance to get you back on track safely.

WHY IS DIRECT TPMS TIRE MAINTENANCE MORE EXPENSIVE?

Because proper care necessitates additional parts and work, direct TPMS enabled tires are significantly more expensive to maintain than non–equipped tires. When a tire is detached for service or installation, the valve maintenance kit, which contains the valve core, cap, nut, and o–ring (seal), should be replaced. To examine and restore the sensor system, you'll need a specialized TPMS device as well as some extra time.

CAN IT BREAK OR FAIL?

While TPMS is a helpful tool, it is not without flaws. To begin with, the warning light usually lights only when the tire pressure is at least 25% too low. Moreover, just like catalytic converters, engine mounts, or any other type of sensor, the ones in your tires can and will fail.

Direct sensors are susceptible to road irregularities because they are components of your rim or tire. This means that a significant enough hit, such as a deep pothole, can cause them to be damaged. Road debris, as well as harsh weather, can wreak havoc. The TPMS light will usually blink instead of stay lighted to indicate this.

Furthermore, tire pressure sensors use radio frequencies to operate. A fake failure light can be displayed if the signal is obstructed or interfered with. This can happen if you put on a snow tire that isn't compliant with your TPMS, for example.

Direct sensors, on the other hand, have an additional point of failure. Direct tire pressure sensors, unlike indirect ones hooked into the vehicle's electronics, have their batteries. These wear out over time, and the entire sensor must be replaced. This, like changing sensors for adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking, necessitates recalibrating the system.

While TPMS is a valuable tool for these factors, it should not be used in place of a routine tire examination.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE?

Maintaining adequate tire pressure may not appear to be as crucial as, for example, ensuring that your motor has sufficient oil. It is, nonetheless, an important maintenance activity. That's why automakers place the appropriate tire pressure on a door jamb label.

According to Car & Driver, the interface patch is messed up if a tire is under-or an over-inflated, according to Car & Driver. This indicates that your vehicle does not handle as much or as safely as it should. That's why Chevrolet tried to fix the rear-engine Corvair's faults with tire pressure. Improperly inflated tires don't absorb shock as efficiently as properly inflated tires, which might lead to further suspension or TPMS problems.

Furthermore, a tire with insufficient pressure flexes more, causing excessive heat and premature degradation. Under-inflation also boosts rolling resistance, resulting in higher fuel consumption.

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