Car & Truck Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors

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Find Out About Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

A tire pressure monitoring system is a relatively recent invention. Discover what a TPMS entails, how it works, and what the TPMS dashboard warning light indicates.

What is a tire pressure monitoring system?

A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a vehicle safety device to warn you that the air pressure in one or more of your tires is dangerously low. Pressure, or pound-force, is measured per square inch (PSI).

What types of TPMS devices are there?

There are two types of TPMS:

Direct - These systems rely on a sensor inside each tire to measure air pressure. The sensors are usually part of the tire valve and are powered by a battery. When the tire moves, the system reports the tire pressure to the car's central computer system. Sensors in direct TPMS may include additional data such as temperature and often use wireless signals for transmission. These systems may be proprietary and require technicians specifically trained for the manufacturer.

Indirect - These systems rely on sensors in the anti-lock brake system to calculate based on tire rotation. For example, wheel sensors can detect the smaller diameter of underinflated tires and warn you. An indirect TPMS is easier to maintain than direct devices but also is less precise.

Why is your TPMS light on?

The low-tire-pressure icon will illuminate on the dashboard if it falls below the minimum value. It usually means the system has detected that at least one tire's air pressure is 25% lower than the recommended level.

What should you do if the warning light for your TPMS comes on?

First, when the light comes on, you should safely pull over and check your tires' air pressure. Also, look for any visible damage, cuts, or nails in the tire(s). Then, if safe, drive to a nearby gas station or tire shop to add air to the tires. If the tire pressure drops while you're driving, steering might become troublesome. Fill the tire to the maximum allowable PSI and see if it holds air. If the tire maintains air pressure, the light should go off within a few miles of driving.

Why does your TPMS light come on when the weather changes?

When the ambient air temperature drops 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the air pressure in the tire can drop by one PSI. So, if the tire is already slightly low, a temperature drop can trigger the TPMS warning of lower tire pressure. You can avoid these seasonal issues by checking your tire pressure monthly.

When did TPMS become available in cars?

In 1991, General Motors became the first American manufacturer to offer the TPMS. Others soon followed, usually offering it as an option. Federal law requires that all passenger cars and trucks sold in the United States since September 2007 must have TPMS installed.

Can you add a tire pressure monitoring system?

If your car did not come with a TPMS, you can easily add one after the fact. Most retrofit kits use sensors that attach to the tire valve and a separate display that can be hard-wired or plugged into a 12-volt outlet, like a cigarette lighter . These can also be installed on trailers or RV units.

Can tire pressure monitoring systems be disabled?

It is not a good idea to remove this safety system. If you remove the sensors from the tire valves, most systems will detect an error and issue more warnings. Reputable tire shops do not remove a TPMS sensor.

Which tire pressure monitoring system is right for your car?

The system installed by the car manufacturer is usually the right one. This is because it was designed specifically for your car based on the technology used in your vehicle. For more information on TPMS, check out this blog article: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems: Using a TPMS Relearn Tool

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