A TPMS is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. This is a mechanical device built for the sole purpose of monitoring the air pressure in a vehicle’s tire. It can serve other additional purposes but they all aim to keep a vehicle safe. This also includes the driver, passengers and other road users. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System or TPMS is designed to always alert the driver about the state of the tire. This can involve the tire air pressure or the temperature.

It helps alert the driver about these problems before they become dangerous. The right tire air pressure and temperature is important for safety, managing fuel efficiently well and the durability of the tire. The TPMS sensors make use of multiple and different alarm modes. These alarm modes are used to show tire related issues in very specific parts of the tire. This would help the driver act fast. By understanding the different alarm modes of a TPMS, drivers can respond quickly to tire issues and prevent dangerous situations on the road in time. To learn more about TPMS in general, check out our other articles.

What are TPMS Alarm Modes

TPMS alarm modes are a feature of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. They serve as some warning signals for the driver. They work in terms of tire related issues. The alerts help the driver recognize the issue on time and take action.

This happening would prevent the tire leading to reduced performance, an increase in the use of fuel or even malfunctions that can cause accidents. The alarm modes in a TPMS are designed to tackle a specific area of the tire. They notice matters in relation to the tire air pressure, its temperature, or the performance of the sensor.

Understanding TPMS Alarm Modes

The different alarm modes in the TPMS sensors helps the drivers understand the specific issue wrong with the tire. They help understand and respond to potential issues with the tire fast and accurately. The alerts are important for maintaining a good performance from the tire and an overall better driving experience. It also helps with fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. Putting them to use can help prevent unexpected tire failures.

Low Pressure Alarm Mode

The first alarm mode in a TPMS is the low pressure alarm mode. This alarm mode is for situations where a begins to lose too much air. It can become underinflated and affect the vehicle’s performance and safety on the road. It can also make the road unsafe for other users. This alarm warns the drivers about the tire’s air pressure before it becomes too low.

Trigger

This TPMS alarm mode is triggered when tire pressure drops 25% below the recommended level. While driving or not, the TPMS continues to monitor the state of the tire’s air pressure and temperature. And once it’s 25% below the recommended level, this alarm activates.

Effect

The effects of having a tire’s air pressure 25% below the recommended level includes increased rolling resistance, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling. This means the vehicle becomes harder to move and control. It can also cause excessive and unnecessary tire wear and tear. This would affect the tire’s durability and longevity. Under inflation can also increase the risk of tire blowouts.

Solution

The solution to an under inflated tire when recognized by the TPMS is to inflate the tire to the recommended PSI as soon as possible. Also, if you check the tire regularly you can avoid under inflation issues. Preventing issues like this can be better than waiting to solve them. In cases of emergencies, it might be too late.

High Pressure Alarm Mode

The second TPMS alarm mode is the high pressure alarm mode. This mode involves when there's too much air in a tire. This can be as dangerous as not enough air inside the tire. Over inflation can make the tire stiff. This in turn reduces the grip of the tire and makes it harder to drive. The bad grip can also lead to accidents and is totally unsafe.

Trigger

This alarm mode is triggered and occurs when the tire’s air pressure is above the recommended limit. When the TPMS reads a tire and recognizes that the air pressure is above the recommended level, this alarm mode is activated.

Effect

The effects of over inflated tires on a vehicle can be vast. They lead to a loss in grip and reduced traction on the road. This can make the riding conditions harsh. It makes it harder to control the vehicle and maneuver. It also gets worse in wet road conditions or slippery roads. Additionally, too much air pressure can lead to uneven wear and tear in the tire shortening its longevity.

Solution

The solution to an over inflated tire is deflating the tire. You deflate the tire to just the recommended level. This would help maintain the proper air pressure in the tire. Keeping a tire pressure gauge around can come in handy and help monitor or adjust the tire pressure as needed.

Rapid Deflation Alarm Mode

The third alarm mode in a TPMS sensor is the rapid deflation alarm mode. This alarm mode shows a sudden loss or reduction in the air pressure of the tire. It can indicate a puncture or a more serious issue. This alarm notifies the driver so they can act quickly to avoid dangerous situations.

Trigger

The rapid deflation alarm mode is triggered by a sudden drop in the tire’s air pressure. This can be due to a puncture, blowout and many other possibilities. Could also be sidewall damage or a failure from the valve of the tire. These conditions can lead to the need for the rapid deflation alarm mode.

Effect

One of the effects of the rapid deflation alarm mode is how it can lead to loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of accidents on the road. It also affects the control which can confuse the driver and lead to an accident. The driver may feel sudden pulling to one side or a loss of handling.

Solution

In a situation where the rapid deflation alarm mode is triggered, the best solution is to inspect the tire. You should immediately pull over and inspect the affected tire carefully. If the tire is completely flat, avoid driving on it as it can cause permanent damage to the wheel. Call for roadside assistance or replace the tire with a spare.

High Temperature Alarm Mode

This is another alarm mode in the sensor of the TPMS. When heat builds up in the tire, it can lead to blowouts. This is more likely to happen when driving at a very high speed or while carrying heavy loads. This alarm mode helps prevent temperature-related tire failures.

Trigger

This alarm is triggered when the temperature of a tire surpasses a certain limit. This happens specifically when the tire temperature exceeds 180°F or 82°C.

Effect

The effect of a tire with too much heat or a high temperature includes a reduction in the strength of the rubber parts. This would also increase the risk of blowouts and structural failure. Excessive temperatures in the tires can be caused by excessive braking, high-speed driving, or extremely hot weather conditions. So the temperature of a tire should be noted as important.

Solution

Some ways to prevent situations of excessive heat or tire temperature involves reducing your driving speed. This would allow the tires to cool a little bit before continuing. If overheating continues to happen, check for mechanical issues such as brake drag or improper alignment. These can also contribute to overheating.

Sensor Malfunction Alarm Mode

The final alarm mode in a TPMS sensor is the sensor malfunction mode. This occurs when a TPMS sensor stops working or malfunctions. In this situation, it can no longer read the tire pressure and temperature accurately. This alarm warns drivers when a sensor fails so they can take corrective action.

Trigger

The sensor malfunction alarm mode is triggered when a TPMS sensor stops transmitting data to the dashboard. It can also be triggered by a slight malfunction in the sensor.

Effect

The effects of a TPMS with a malfunctioned sensor are a loss in real-time tire pressure monitoring. This cannot happen without accurate readings which have been lost. This also increases the risk of undetected tire issues that might become a bigger problem.

Solution

The solution in situations where the sensor malfunction alarm mode is triggered might include inspecting the faulty sensor. In extreme situations the sensor of the TPMS might need to be changed completely. Some TPMS might need recalibration after changing a sensor or battery. This can also happen after a system reset. You can shop for quality sensors on our page.

How to Respond to TPMS Alarms

When a TPMS alarm goes off or is activated, it is important to take action immediately. This would make sure the vehicle is safe and also keep up the tire’s performance. When or if these warnings are ignored, events like unexpected tire failures can happen. It can also lead to bad handling and an accident overall.

Steps to Take When a TPMS Alarm Activates

Certain steps can be taken when a TPMS alarm is activated;

Acknowledge Alerts Immediately

Firstly, do not ignore a TPMS warning light, as it could indicate a serious issue.

Inspect the Affected Tire(s)

Secondly, always use a tire pressure gauge to manually check the pressure of the tire. Also, look for any visible signs of damage.

Adjust the Pressure Accordingly

Next up, you should Inflate or deflate the tire depending on the requirement to bring it back within the recommended range.

Visit a Service Center if Necessary

If the issue continues, seek professional help to diagnose and resolve the problem. Also, if there is visible damage to the tire a professional would be the best call.

Conclusion

Understanding TPMS alarm modes would make sure that drivers can quickly address tire issues, reducing risks and improving vehicle performance. It also ensures safer driving conditions and extends the tire lifespan. By responding immediately to these TPMS alerts, drivers can avoid expensive repairs. They can also improve fuel efficiency, and enhance overall vehicle performance. Regular tire maintenance, combined with a functional TPMS system helps prevent unexpected issues on the road.