Keeping your tires properly inflated is one of the best ways to ensure your car’s safety, fuel efficiency, and performance. The good news is that it’s easier now with TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System).

TPMS is a monitoring system that alerts you when your tire pressure drops. This could be a normal drop or due to a slow leak. How does a TPMS work, and how do you read TPMS data while driving? We explain everything you need to know.

Understanding Your TPMS Sensor

TPMS is a system in your vehicle that keeps track of your tire pressure. If one or more tires become underinflated (lose air), the TPMS alerts you so you can fix the problem before it becomes dangerous. Driving with low tire pressure can lead to poor handling, reduced fuel economy, and even tire blowouts. That’s why many countries require a TPMS.

In some vehicles, the TPMS sensor is inside each tire, attached to the valve stem (where you put air into the tire). Some vehicles may use wheel-speed sensors instead, which are part of the brake system. If you are using an external TPMS, like those from GUTA, the sensors screw onto the outside of the tire’s valve stem. They are easy to install and do not require removing the tires.

How Do Tire Sensors Work?

Each TPMS sensor checks and sends data about your tire pressure. GUTA TPMS systems measure:

• Tire pressure (in PSI or Bar)

• Tire temperature (in °F or °C)

• Battery level of the sensor

The TPMS will show which tire has the problem using a display screen. Internal or direct TPMS sensors usually send information every few seconds while driving. This keeps the readings fresh and accurate. Some may send updates more slowly when the car is parked, to save battery life.

GUTA TPMS sensors send information in real time while you drive. This keeps the readings fresh and accurate. It helps you to keep an eye on your tires without needing to stop the car.

What System Alerts Does the TPMS Light Indicate?

You can get different kinds of alerts on the TPMS monitor. Often, this will depend on the TPMS build or make. But a GUTA TPMS will alert you for: 

1. High-Pressure Alert

2. Low-Pressure Alert

3. High-Temperature Alert

4. Fast Leakage Alert

5. Lost Sensor Signal

6. Sensor Low Battery Alert

High-Pressure Alert

The monitor will alert with beeps while flashing an indicator. The system will note the corresponding faulty tire when the tire pressure is higher than the high pressure alert parameter you set. 

Low-Pressure Alert

The monitor will alert you with a beeping sound. The corresponding faulty tire will flash when the tire pressure is lower than the low pressure alert parameter. Remember, you can set your own values for the low or high parameter. 

Every vehicle has its own tire pressure recommendation. You can find this in the vehicle's manual. But for most, the range falls between 28 and 36 PSI (pounds per square inch). For trailers, this number varies based on the specific trailer, tires, and load, but can fall within the 35 - 65 PSI range.

High-Temperature Alert

For this, the monitor will beep. Then tire pressure values will change into a temperature value (in °F or °C). The system will highlight the affected tire when temperature reading goes too high.

Fast Leakage Alert

If a tire loses over 3 PSI within one minute the monitor will display an alert while it indicates the bad tire. Often this sudden drop in pressure may indicate a slow leaking tire.

Lost Sensor Signal

When the monitor has not received signal from one of the sensors for more than 1 hour, the corresponding faulty tire position will flash. Also, the pressure and temperature value will disappear.

Sensor Low Battery Alert

When a sensor's battery is low, the low battery signal will flash on the top of the screen. Also, the exact sensor will be highlighted. This doesn't happen often as sensor batteries can last a few years, depending on your usage. Remember to replace the battery when you receive the notice. 

Common TPMS Problems

Here are some common issues you may face while using a TPMS:

Inaccurate Readings from One or More Tires

This happens when the TPMS shows a tire pressure that does not match the actual pressure in the tire. For example, a tire might be correctly inflated, but the system shows it as underinflated or overinflated. It may be caused by a failing sensor or weak battery. Also, interference from other electronics or metals may be responsible.

To fix this, you may need to replace the battery or the sensor itself. Also ensure that it is not caused by interference. For very long vehicles, signal reception may be poor. So, you need a signal repeater for this. 

TPMS Shows No Reading at All

Does your TPMS monitor display nothing for one or more tires? Or shows dashes instead of pressure values, which means the system cannot get a signal from the sensor. This could be due to a dead or missing sensor. Or you may have installed an incompatible sensor. This may be the case when dealing with internal sensors. Another cause could be poor sensor installation after a tire change. 

Replacing TPMS Sensors

Over time, you may need to replace the sensors for any of the following reasons:

• The sensor battery is dead

• The sensor is broken or missing

• You are getting new tires for your vehicle

For direct TPMS, you may need technical hands at the tire shop to replace. With external sensors, like GUTA TPMS, replacement is much simpler. You can just screw on a new sensor and pair it with the monitor.

Benefits of GUTA TPMS

GUTA makes reliable and simple TPMS systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Our products are high-end with some fantastic features such as: 

Real-time pressure and temperature monitoring: Track a wide pressure (0 - 188 PSI) and temperature range (-4 - 185 ℉) in real time. 

Customizable settings: You get to set the parameters for what is high or low. The TPMS will alert you when this range is crossed. This flexibility allows the product to work on different vehicle types. Also, you can easily switch between PSI/BAR and ℃/℉. 

Easy installation with external sensors: Install a TPMS with a simple wrench and nut. This convenience will save you money and simplify maintenance. 

Long battery life in both sensors and monitors: The sensor batteries can last a couple of years and are replaceable. The monitor lasts up to 14 days per charge in power-saving mode. The solar powered monitors recharge when the sun is out. 

Multiple vehicle support: Connect up to 34 tires on the GUTA GT30. This makes it a great choice for fleets and RV owners. 

Visual and audible alerts: Get visual and auditory notice when pressure is too low or high. 

Waterproof and anti-theft design: The external sensors will withstand rainfall and heat. Its anti-theft nut keeps it locked in. 

Conclusion

Knowing how to read your TPMS data while driving is a simple but effective way to stay safe on the road. Whether your system is built-in or you are using a smart monitor like GUTA TPMS, knowing what the numbers and alerts mean can help prevent dangerous situations and save money in the long run.

Remember to check your display regularly. Do not ignore warning lights or beeps. And if you notice unusual readings, take action early. This way, you'll keep safe on the road. 

FAQ

How can I view TPMS data while driving?

Most vehicles display TPMS data on the dashboard screen. Look for a tire icon or a pressure display labeled PSI (pounds per square inch). For an external TPMS, you can view the data via the portable LCD monitor. 

What should I be looking for on the TPMS screen?

Watch for each tire’s PSI. Compare them to your vehicle's recommended pressure (usually found in your owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door). The values should be close and within range. Also, tire temperature reading is another helpful insight. 

What does it mean if one tire’s pressure is lower than the others?

It could mean that the tire is underinflated or has a slow leak. Check it as soon as possible. Low pressure can make the vehicle difficult to steer. It may even lead to a blowout.

What does the TPMS warning light mean?

If the TPMS warning light turns on while driving, one or more tires are likely under or overinflated. Pull over safely and check your tire pressure.

Does TPMS update pressure readings in real time?

Most systems update in near real-time while the vehicle is moving. Some may take a few minutes of driving before displaying the latest readings.

Can I rely on TPMS instead of checking my tires manually?

TPMS is a helpful tool, but it is still smart to check your tire pressure manually every few weeks, especially before long trips.